Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
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You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IHOP
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 39,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 41,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024
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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
- Step ahead of the crowd with a highly regarded podiatry honour’s degree.
- Study the only podiatry degree in South Australia, at a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
- Learn from 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 across a broad range of areas.
- Benefit from UniSA’s rich history of strong links to the podiatry and broader allied health industries in South Australia.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Master of Research and doctoral studies.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.2 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 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 2019-21, Health Services and Support –Overall Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities. 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 3Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours), which will give you a competitive edge in your health career.
Healthy feet are an important part of the body’s holistic health, and many of us at some point in our lives will experience foot problems. In this honour's degree, there’s a major focus on practical skills for keeping the foot and lower limb healthy every day, as well the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses and disabilities. You’ll get the opportunity to practise these skills within a vast range of industry organisations.
Future study opportunities may include a Master of Research and doctoral studies.
What you'll need
This honour’s 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.
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
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 fine-tune your podiatry skills with 3D printed feet, created as part of a world-first podiatry training initiative.
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.
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, with the only podiatry degree offered in South Australia. 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
Did you know the word podiatrist is composed of two ancient Greek parts: pod, meaning ‘foot’, and iatrist, meaning ‘healer’. As modern-day healers of feet, successful podiatrists possess excellent motor skills for treatment and communication skills for patient care.
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 alternatively you may choose to continue your education with a Master of Research or doctoral study.
To practice in Australia, a podiatrist must complete national registration under the Podiatry Board of Australia.
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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
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.
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
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.
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Hear from Tom about his rural podiatry placement in Clare
