Study Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHOP

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: N/A
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2023 Cut-Offs
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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
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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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 #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

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.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
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

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.

3. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour as prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to do so may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.

4. Students will be required to spend at least one clinical placement in a country or interstate location.

5. Students must hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate at the commencement of Year 2 of the program and maintain its currency for the remainder of the program.

6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

8. Students will be required to undertake a Certificate of Mandatory Notification Training before commencing their paediatric clinical practice in REHB 4038 and REHB 4040 Podiatry Practice 400 and 401.

Notes

1. Students may be required to undertake clinical practice sessions outside of teaching weeks.

2. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.

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)

podiatry 2.jpg

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.

Real-world connections

You’ll be taught by 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 events, employee 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.

Career outcomes

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

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

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 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.

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.

Dr Ryan Causby

Program Director

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Dr Ryan Causby

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.