Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHOP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 41,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088339A

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 in health.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 accredited 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 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Podiatry.jpg

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) will have you graduate ready to be accredited 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

Podiatry.jpg

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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Human Physiology 100 BIOL 1049 4.5
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Podiatry Studies 100 REHB 1028 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lower Limb Anatomy and Biomechanics 101 HLTH 1031 4.5
Human Physiology 101 BIOL 1050 4.5
Podiatry Studies 101 REHB 1029 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 200 REHB 2034 4.5
Pharmacology A PHAR 2023 9
Podiatry Professional Studies 200 WELF 3019 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacology B PHAR 2021 4.5
Pharmacology C PHAR 2022 4.5
Podiatry Studies 201 REHB 2036 4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 201 REHB 2037 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Podiatry Studies 300 REHB 3067 4.5
Podiatry Studies 300 REHB 3046 4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 300 REHB 3069 4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation REHB 3010 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pain Science (GE) REHB 5123 4.5
Podiatry Studies 301 REHB 3048 4.5
Applied Podiatry Studies 301 REHB 3068 4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 301 REHB 3070 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 400B REHB 4036 4.5
Health Science Honours Thesis REHB 4012 9
Clinical Podiatry Practice 400H REHB 4048 4.5
Applied Podiatry Studies 400 REHB 4037 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 401B REHB 4039 4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 401A REHB 4040 9

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

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.

Global opportunities

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)

podiatry 2.jpg

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.

Real-world connections

You’ll be taught by expert registered practising podiatrists and award-winning academics. You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience, and build important industry connections, by completing clinical hours across several industry settings. Placements may be completed at major hospitals or in private practice. 

We host regular University-wide alumni eventsemployee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

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.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

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

chart-people

Employment for podiatrists in Australia is projected to increase by 31.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

job-listings

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

column-chart-growth

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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

Student services

Our international 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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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 study spaces

Your program director

I am proud to lead a degree that is successful in educating and growing students into work-ready professionals, who graduate and have instant impact in changing people's lives and improving their health and wellbeing. This is achieved through the high-quality teaching and practical aspects offered by our program, facilitated by the enthusiastic and supportive educators who are also active podiatrists themselves.

Dr Helen Banwell

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Helen Banwell
Portrait image for Dr Helen Banwell

Dr Helen Banwell

Program Director

Enquire

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