Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in Bachelor of Podiatry with a competitive GPA.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program is only available to students enrolled in the third year of the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the GPA requirement. Eligible students will be made an offer into the program directly.
Degree overview
- Graduate ahead of the crowd with a highly regarded podiatry honour’s degree, armed with advanced knowledge of research and professional practice.
- Study the only podiatry degree in South Australia, at a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
- Step confidently into an allied health career offering an advanced scope of practice, with the ability to conduct minor surgical procedures and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Develop the skills to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb.
- Learn from expert registered practising podiatrists at South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.1
- Gain real-world experience when you complete clinical placements in a variety of industry settings across metropolitan, regional, and remote South Australia.
- Benefit from UniSA’s rich history of strong links to the podiatry and broader allied health industries in South Australia.
- Graduate ready to be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,2 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
The Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) is open to currently enrolled, high achieving students who have met the GPA requirement.
As part of your Honours qualification, you’ll study advanced research methods and ethics, as well as develop the skills required to prepare research hypotheses and proposals.
The Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) program will have you graduate ready to be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia. You’ll learn to assess, diagnose and manage any disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb. You will learn practical skills and develop an understanding of the full scope of a podiatrist’s role under the guidance of expert registered practicing podiatrists. You’ll also get the opportunity to put these skills into practice within a vast range of industry organisations across metropolitan and regional placements, giving you first-hand experience into your future career while studying.
Future study opportunities may include doctoral studies.
What you'll need
This honour’s degree is only available to students already studying the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.
What you'll learn
As an honour’s student, you’ll study advanced research methods and ethics, as well as develop the skills required to prepare research hypotheses and proposals with a research project of your choice.
You’ll gain an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical, and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare. The curriculum covers the scope of a podiatrist’s practice, including paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, treatment of the elderly, and general foot care.
During the first year, you’ll cover topics to give you an introduction to health sciences including:
- human anatomy
- human physiology
- biomechanics
- disease groups and conditions
You’ll develop advanced communication skills and explore the assessment and treatment of common problems. The second year will expand your knowledge in clinical sciences, including skills to enable comprehensive and holistic assessment and management of patient conditions. During your third and fourth years, you’ll work on your clinical practice skills, including surgery (and other orthopaedic management), paediatrics, wound management, high-risk foot management, chronic pain and sporting injuries.
Practical learning is a major focus and some of your learning will take place in our on-campus podiatry clinics as well as during external placements in metro and rural SA. You’ll also get the opportunity to practice your podiatry skills with 3D printed feet.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- quizzes
- continuous clinical assessments
- clinical case studies
- assignments
- essays
- examinations
- research proposal
- thesis.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Honours
This honour’s degree ensures you graduate with advanced knowledge of research and professional practice. You’ll receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.
During the honour’s preparation, you’ll train in research methods and ethics. Within the honour’s thesis course, you’ll undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation.
You’ll graduate with a higher level qualification than a bachelor degree, and be well prepared for a career in industry or research.
Examples of previous honour’s projects include:
- diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- footprint characteristics in forensic analysis - a comparison of in-shoe and barefoot impressions
- the reliability and validity of using an iPhone Measure App® to measure the weight-bearing lunge test in children
- the impact of fit on foot function, comfort and jump performance in children aged 8-12 years
- developmental coordination disorder and the interface with the podiatry profession
- when, why and how foot orthoses can be used for children with flexible flat feet
Why Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
This is your chance to become an expert in foot care. Graduating with an honour’s degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
UniSA’s enterprising approach to teaching will prepare you with diverse and extensive experience in all areas of podiatry including surgery, sports injuries and related biomechanics, paediatrics and high-risk foot conditions. You’ll graduate with eligibility to become a registered podiatrist.
As podiatrists often work within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, you’ll be exposed to research and learning opportunities in collaboration with other allied health students, as well as in our on-campus podiatry clinics. You'll benefit from learning under the supervision and guidance of registered practicing podiatrists.
UniSA’s podiatry students train in various facilities, including the manufacturing laboratory which has a plaster room and grinder room. This is where you’ll learn how to create orthotics, casts and insoles; and modify shoes for a variety of requirements. As well as learning traditional methods, you’ll get to use the latest technologies, like digital scanners to capture foot characteristics, and prescribe 3D printed foot orthoses to manage foot problems.
You’ll graduate career ready, thanks to world-class teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and practical industry experience. You’ll complete clinical activities involving the provision of screening, education and treatment services in metropolitan and rural areas in a multidisciplinary team with other allied health students.
Podiatry careers snapshot
Gain insight into the fulfilling career of UniSA Podiatry graduate, Ereena Torpey, who is a Senior Podiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, South Australia.
Your career
Successful podiatrists possess excellent motor skills for treatment and communication skills for patient care. They can work as individual care providers or as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to help manage and treat complex disorders that affect the entire body.
Podiatrists are employed in a range of settings, including:
- hospitals
- community health centres
- private practice
- aged care
- sports clinics and sporting teams
- children’s health
- occupational health
As an honour’s graduate, you will also be highly qualified to embark on a career in research, or continue your education into a PhD with doctoral study.
Professional accreditation and recognition
The program is recognised for registration as a Podiatrist by the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Industry facts
This honours degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Podiatry who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a podiatry student, you'll have access to:
- fully-functioning on-campus podiatry clinics
- manufacturing laboratory including a plaster room and grinder room
- anatomy laboratories
You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
With over two decades of experience podiatry education, research and clinical practice, I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of podiatrists and promoting advanced learning in the field. I am a registered clinician actively involved with industry, and this engagement is reflected in my teaching. I aim to have our students graduate confident to work across the full scope of practice that podiatry offers, which can range from children’s health, gait and foot function issues, surgical practice, foot lesions and prescribing of appropriate medications, footwear design and disability.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Hear from Tom about his rural podiatry placement in Clare
