Programme summary for MSc Podiatric Medicine

About the programme

Is accessible to London and Eastern England
Is flexible with a wide range of optional modules taken alongside four core modules
Is podiatry specific concentrating on evidence in clinical practice
Provides Continuing Professional Development supporting the career progression of podiatrists
Is research based emphasizing critical evaluation of clinical practice
Gives access to state-of-the-art clinical focussed research facilities supported by staff with a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise
Is self-directed allowing freedom to focus on specific areas of clinical practice relevant to the individual
Will encourage life-long learning
Is based in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience

Programme structure

The MSc programme is structured on a semester basis and can be taken over a period of one to six years. The first semester of the academic year runs from September to January; the second semester from February to June. The dissertation is completed in the summer period (semester C).

All modules are at M Level and are awarded 30 M Level Credits. The taught component of each module lasts for 12 weeks. Each of the modules will entail the same amount of study (300 hours). This is divided between contact time at the University, directed study (pursuing learning objectives specifically associated with the module) and private study which includes reading and preparation of assignments. The allocation of the hours will vary between modules. The dissertation can be taken as a 30 credit (short) dissertation consisting of a piece of work relating to work based practice such as an audit, patient survey or service development or the dissertation can be taken as a 60 credit (long) dissertation involving an in-depth research project.

Tutorial support is available to you from personal development tutors, module leaders and project supervisors and there are additional resources available within the University to assist you with your study skills.

Career opportunities

The MSc programme offers full-time students the opportunity to develop and enhance specialist knowledge and skills in relation to their chosen pathway. It offers students an opportunity to pursue employment and career advancement within their chosen field.

Part-time students on the Masters programme are normally in current employment. The programme therefore offers the opportunity of career consolidation, advancement or change.

Support

All students are allocated a personal tutor who will help them through their study by offering pastoral and academic support. The programme tutor and module leaders will also advise you about additional learning and support services available in the University. Web-based resources are available to students off campus via the internet.

Admission

Admission to programme is the responsibility of the admissions team. Requirements for entering the programme are listed below:

a) An undergraduate degree of 2:2 in podiatric medicine or above, or an equivalent overseas qualification. Students must have a minimum of 12 months postgraduate experience.
Students may, at the programme leader’s discretion, be admitted with lower classifications if they have suitable professional qualifications or suitable experience related to the proposed pathway of study. Applications are welcome from both those employed in the NHS and those in private practice.

b) In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes. Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to these criteria may be admitted to the programme at the admission tutors discretion, only if they are likely to be successful in gaining an award. This will normally involve an interview.

c) Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption