Programme Specification for Podiatric Medicine BSc (Hons)
|
Final award |
BSc (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
BSc Applied Health Sciences |
|
UCAS code |
B330 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
Health and Care Professions Council Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Health Care Programmes Qualitifcations - Podiatry 2001 |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
April 2013 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This programme equips new graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to practise as a podiatrist, in the dynamic environment of health and social care. Developed in collaboration with local clinical staff, the programme reflects the priorities and needs of contemporary clinical practice.
Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- A Levels: 300 UCAS tariff points to include an A2 grade B in Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Psychology or Physical Education. General Studies is excluded. AS levels not accepted.
- Scottish Highers: 300 UCAS tariff points, BBC Advanced Highers / AABB Highers
- Irish Highers Leaving Certificate: 2 highers at grade B1 to include a science plus 2 highers at grade B2 and 1 higher at grade C2.
- International Baccalaureate: 28 points - to include biology
- European Baccalaureate: 70%
- BTEC National (Science): 300 UCAS tariff points
- Graduates: Science degree (minimum 2:2), Arts degree (minimum 2:2) + A2 level grade B in science
- Access to science: Access to Higher Education Diploma 60 credits in total, with at least 45 at level 3 (where grading of credits is available, all level 3 credits would be expected to be distinctions)
- Extended degree: 80% average for the year, to include Biology
- Overseas: In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTs 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
Applicants (including mature students) mus have GCSE Grade C in English and Maths or above equivalent qualifications.
As part of the admissions process, all applicants will be interviewed and will be required to pass a literacy and numeracy test.
Students may be admitted throough Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certifiied Learning (ACL) processes.
Full enrolment is subject to successful health clearance and disclosure & barring service screening.
The admissions process is goverened by UEL's policy on Equality and Diversity. Admissions practices are to be free from unlawfully discriminatory criteria. Questions relating to an applicants race, ethnic origin, age, disability, religion, gender, colour, sexuality, marital status or family responsibility do not form part of the selection process.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is the medical discipline which deals with the foot in health and disease. Podiatrists are concerned with the structure and function of the normal foot, the mechanics of locomotion and gait, the aetiology, pathology and diagnosis of abnormalities, and the theory and practice of therapeutics.
The scope of practice of a podiatrist is often much wider than many people realise. The work falls into 5 key categories;
- General Clinics
- Biomechanics/Musculoskeletal/Sports Injuries
- Children
- High Risk Patient Management
- Foot Surgery (with appropriate post graduate qualifications)
Mos graduate move into clinical practice, within the National Health Service or in provate practice. A growing number choose careers in research, education and industry, both in the UK and overseas.
Students graduating from this programme will qualify for certification for access and supply of limited range prescription only medicines, and for certification for the administration of local Anaesthesia.
Podiatry at UEL
The BSc (Honours) Podiatric Medicine commenced at UEL in 2003 and builds upon UEL's long term commitment to delivering education for the health professions in London. The main strength of the programme is the integration and application of theory with practice. This is achieved when students and staff work with patients in the out-patient clinics at the Clinical Education Centre in Stratford and in clinical placements with Primary care trusts across London and the East of England. the programme has high employability rates amongst its graduates; many of whom gain posts with the universities placement partners.
Programme structure
The programme seeks to prepare podiatrists who are highly skilled, flexible, and able to respond sensitively to patients both as individuals, and as members of patient groups within the wider community. Podiatrists have always enjoyed independent and autonomous practice, and the programme will continue to prepare students for their professional responsibilities. Students will develop skills of reflection and critical thinking as they progress through the programme to graduate as reflective practitioners whose practice is based on reliable evidence. Extensive use of clinical placements within Primary care trusts enable students to experience and learn from practice in the real world. The programme takes account of an expansion in the scope of practice for Podiatrists with advancements in Pharmacology and the introduction of certification in the use of prescription only medicines.
Students have the opportunity to develop the complex psychomotor and theraputic skills required of the podiatrist in parallel with theoretical learning.
The programme comprises of a single set of modules of study (six modules at each levels 1, 2 and 3) which will be completed via the full time route over three years.
Level one - is concerned with enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts informing practice. Rehabilitation and development and/or maintenance of clients functional abilities are core aspects of the podiatry programme.
Level two - explores the development of core skills in specialist areas of practice.
Level three - Focuses on decision making and patient management in complex problem solving situations.
Learning environment
Podiatry is a health care profession emphasising the use of therapeutic intervention in the prevention and treatment of disease and disability. The ability to practise effectively requires a scientific underpinning to facilitate appropriate selection and application of podiatry interventions.
The relevant scientific content is incorporated within each module in a way that enables students to see the relevance and application of the scientific principles involved.
The Podiatry programme aims to educate podiatrists to have a reflective approach to practice, an ability to transfer skills and knowledge across specialities and a commitment to lifelong learning. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged and supported in taking responsibility for their own learning, given time to reflect upon their experiences and encouraged to develop the complex skills of clinical reasoning, and integration of theory and practice.
Assessment
The various methods of assessment used throughout the programme fulfil several purposes within the programme:
- Assessment is integral to the learning process, enabling students to identify personal learning needs and to improve their own performance
- Assessment provides a focus for guided and independent study
- Students have the opportunity to share knowledge and experience gained through coursework assignments and presentations that involve working together in small groups
- Assessment involves a variety of approaches that allows each student to make the most of their individual strengths and to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcome. Assessment formats across each of the 3 levels may include coursework, practical or written examinations and presentations related to both theoretical and clinical components of the programme.
Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Programme Leader to ensure that they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the programme.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Students are required to complete 1000 hours of clinical practice in order to be eligible for registration and for membership of the professional body. This time is distributed throughout the programme in continuous exposure to clinical practice one or two days each week as well as via blocks of full time placement throughout the levels.
Project Work
Being an effective member of a team is an important skill for all those involved in Health Care Professions. The programme helps students to develop these skills through group activities and projects which students submit for assessment.
Added value
- Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
- Sound clinical as well as academic education.
- Effective careers advice and support available.
- Students graduating from this programme will qualify for certification for access and supply of prescription only medicines, and for certification for the administration of Local Anaesthesia.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Developing your knowledge of podiatry.
- Studying the clinical practice of podiatry.
- Understanding of current procedures in podiatry,: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
- Improving your scientific skills of logical argument and analysis.
- Working with people.
If you enjoy...
- Reading about or if you already have an interest in medicine.
- Helping people with their problems and listening to people
- Reading or hearing about research and/ or medicine.
- The challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science may contribute to podiatric practices
- Working with your hands, making orthodic devices.
- Working in groups using standard and new techniques to solve problems.
- Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions.
- Problem solving and the thought of learning how to diagnose and treat disease.
If you want...
- To develop the knowledge and skills that will enable you to begin a career in the modern health service
Your future career
The ultimate aim of the programme is to prepare students for a career in Podiatry as competent autonomous clinical practitioners. Upon successful completion of the programme graduates are eligible to apply for membership to the Health and Care Professions Council.
How we support you
Student support is both formal and informal. In addition to the support offered to students by the Universitys central support and welfare services, students of Podiatry are offered both academic and pastoral support from the staff of the School of Health and Bioscience.
- From your first year you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree).
- Module leaders and Programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through your degree programme.
- The School has a Student Help Desk to advise how to get the right help.
- Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Bonus factors
- The only university in London offering Podiatric Medicine as a degree programme.
- The Clinical Education Centre providing a modern state of the art training facility.
- Campus within walking distance of Stratford International Railway Station.
- You also have the right to be members of the University of East Londons Students Union and on request be able to access such facilities, services and functions as the Union makes available
- Sports Facilities are available at the £21 million sports facility - SportsDock at the Docklands Campus
- Multiplex Cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs are a few minutes walk away in Westfield Stratford City - a major new site of development in East London.
- UEL is situated in close proximity of the London 2012 Olympic Games site.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- develop the ability to practice effectively and independently within the clinical setting
- take up the role of an independent and autonomous practitioner
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Be equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to ensure competance at the point of qualification and the capability to continue to meet the Health and Care Professions Council regulatory standards and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists professional standards throught their professional careers.
- Inform a professional judgement with the best available evidence and adopt a critical stance in relation to quality/best practice and engage in systematic inquiry to develop knowledge and promote change in order to benefit a range of health care providers and those who access them
- Participate fully in multidisciplinary and interagency working for the benefit of the client/service and demonstrate ethical person-centred practice and collaborative decision-making
- Explore the opportunity for innovative practice at both patient and service level, whilst exercising a professional duty of care and recognising limitations of practice
- Demonstrate an ability to translate an understanding of foundational and professional knowledge to augment practice knowledge within a variety of contexts
- Apply and adapt assessment procedures in order to identify and prioritise the needs of the client/service user to develop a management programme that is appropriate for their physical, psychological and sociological context
- Implement, manage and monitor therapeutic interventions safely and effectively, demonstrating clinical reasoning and justification of appropriate adaptations
- Maintain full, accurate, legible records of their interaction with client / service users, in a format that complies with legal and professional guidelines and/or requirements; ensures confidentiality of personal information; and communicates clearly and effectively to professional and non professional audiences.
- Practise in a manner that respects the dignity and autonomy of clients at all stages of the therapeutic process, upholding the values and behaviours required of a registered health professional in public/private service
- Apply a range of approaches to teaching and learning with individuals and groups and in a variety of contexts in order to educate service users, public and professional colleagues, to facilitate change behaviour, health and well being and health promotion throughout period of care
- Be a responsible and self-governed member of the healthcare team. Demonstrate leadership through managing time and resources effectively, problem-solving, planning, priority setting, innovative service delivery, health informatics and evaluation of practice, in response to changing, novel and unpredictable circumstances
- Participate in the health and social care practice community as a lifelong learner, reflexively monitoring development needs of self/team, service in relation to evolving models of practice, in a variety of contexts
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years in full-time mode.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A typical student in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year.
In addition there are periods of external clinical placements in each academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
All modules in this programme are core
|
Level |
Module Code |
Module Title |
Skills Module |
Credits |
Status single |
|
1 |
PT1411 |
Foundations to Practice |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
1 |
PT1412 |
Human Body – Locomotor 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1413 |
Applied Healthcare Science 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1414 |
Applied Healthcare Science 2 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1431 |
Clinical Podiatry Practice 1 |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1432 |
Human gait studies |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
PT1491 |
Practice Based Learning 1 |
0 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2511 |
Research Methods |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
2 |
PT2531 |
Applied Musculoskeletal Podiatry |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2532 |
Clinical Podiatry Practice 2 |
40 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2533 |
Health Sciences for Podiatry |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2534 |
Pharmacology for PodiatricPractice |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
PT2591 |
Practice Based Learning 2 |
0 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3611 |
Process and Conduct of Research |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3612 |
Social Enterprise and Professional practice |
Yes |
20 |
Core |
|
3 |
PT3631 |
Management of the High Risk Foot |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3632 |
Clinical Podiatry Practice 3 |
40 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3633 |
Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice |
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
PT3691 |
Practice Based Learning 3 |
0 |
Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher
Podiatry is a protected title. To be able to register as a Podiatrist with the Health and Care Professions Council, use the title Podiatrist or apply for membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists students must gain a honours degree in Podiatric medicine.
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Students undertaking this programme enter with a diversity of entry qualifications, ethnic backgrounds, nationalities and age ranges. Students will therefore bring a wide range of experience, knowledge and skills to the programme. The team recognise the diversity of learning needs by providing a wide range of Learning and Teaching approaches to the programme.
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures are used to both introduce new topics and explore the integration between theory and practice. However, in preparation for the skills of clinical practice, a large proportion of the programme is studied through practical classes and laboratory sessions.
Thinking skills are developed through
- Seminars and tutorials are used to develop student's thinking skills and to provide an opportunity to explore alternative views and ideas.
Practical skills are developed through
- A significant proportion of class time will involve practical sessions in which students analyse movement and practise treatment skills using each other as models. This enables students to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to enhance their development of physiotherapy handling and treatment skills.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Private study may be facilitated by guidance or work sheets and follow up tutorials and discussions in which the student will be given the opportunity to examine and extend their understanding of the concepts covered. Initially students are likely to require greater direction and structure within the learning strategies which, as students become more adept in taking responsibility for and directing their own learning, will decrease
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework assignments
- Unseen written examinations
- Oral examinations
- MCQ examinations
Thinking Skills are assessed by
- Presentations to other students and tutors
- Problem solving activities
Practical skills are assessed by
- Practical examinations in the University setting
- Practice within the clinical setting
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Practice within the clinical setting
- Presentations to other students
- Log Books and Portfolios
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started the following was checked :
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years the University an in-depth review of the whole field. is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting each semester)
- Personal tutor, module leader, Programme Leader, pastoral tutor
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Circulating the minutes of the field committee and the annual quality improvement report
- Verbal feedback to specific groups
- Providing details on the appropriate noticeboard
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Feedback from former students
- Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
- Representatives of the NHS
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
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Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- UEL Manual of General Regulations (http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/)
- UEL Quality Manual (http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/)
- Regulations for the Academic Framework (http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/)
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Modular Programmes
- School web pages (http://www.uel.ac.uk/hsb/programmes/fields/podiatry )
- QAA Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk
- The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (http://www.scpod.org/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
