Overview

Demand for podiatry is rising across the globe. This is due to ageing populations, as well as increased prevalence of diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, and lower limb complications. In 2025, the Royal College of Podiatry highlighted that there are not enough podiatrists to meet this need.

Our BSc (Hons) Podiatry is ideal if you have a passion for healthcare, and you’re motivated to make a real difference to people’s lives.

It provides a solid foundation in foot and lower limb healthcare, covering:

anatomy
physiology
pathology
biomechanics.

You’ll also develop specialist expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot and lower limb.

You’ll focus on theory and clinical practice, learning to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. Over four years, you’ll complete 1,000 hours of clinical experience in community clinics, hospitals and simulated learning on campus. This hands-on experience helps build your confidence and practical knowledge needed for professional practice.

Join the largest Allied Health Profession department in Scotland and study in a collaborative and supportive learning environment. You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers who are also practising clinicians. With our support, you’ll graduate ready for a rewarding and impactful career in podiatry.

We have strong relationships with every NHS board in Scotland, and an extensive list of placement providers in the public and private sectors. These real-world experiences provide valuable networking and employment opportunities.

Please note: You can study this course full-time on campus or choose a hybrid delivery route. Further details can be found in the additional information section below.

Why study Podiatry at GCU?

Join an institution that excels in your subject area. GCU is ranked second in the UK for complementary therapy by the Complete University Guide 2026.
Study on the largest podiatry course in Scotland, benefitting from strong partnerships with the NHS and private practice.
Accumulate 1000 hours of hands-on experience throughout your degree. Every year, you’ll have clinical placements in the community, hospitals, and private practice.
Take the first steps to professional registration with accreditation from the Royal College of Podiatry and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Master technical skills using professional podiatric equipment, learn injection skills and perform minor surgery.

Royal College of Podiatry

arrow_forward

Health and Care Professionals Council

arrow_forward

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Our graduates are well-placed for a variety of careers across the public and private sectors in the UK or internationally.

Many go on to work in the NHS, in roles such as podiatrist or specialist podiatrist (e.g. diabetic foot care or high-risk limb services). This could be in foot protection teams or community and primary care. Others join private clinics, sports medicine centres, wound care or diabetic foot clinics, and some start their own practice.

Some graduates also go into research, education, health-commerce, or move on to advanced clinical roles, including podiatric surgery.

This course is recognised by professional bodies in other countries, including the Podiatry Board of Australia and the Podiatry Board of New Zealand. This gives you great options to work as a podiatrist abroad.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B985	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B985	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in one science

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in one science

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in one science

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in one science

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent)

Additional requirements

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the course and have relevant work/shadowing experience.

All admission offers are subject to an applicant successfully undergoing screening in relation to Occupational Health and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG), and all students will require liability insurance, which can be gained, at no cost, through student membership of the College of Podiatry.

If in doubt, applicants are advised to consult with the admissions tutor for advice. Students are advised to obtain Hepatitis B, BCG, and MMR vaccinations. The school immunisation policy is advised by Health Protection Scotland, and students who refuse vaccinations may be deemed fit for practice with restrictions and may not be able to undertake certain placements. Restrictions applied to practice will be documented in the students' practice placement passport.

Minimum age restrictions

A student shall not normally be admitted unless he or she will have attained the age of 17 years by 31 December in the year of entry to the course.

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

Our learning and teaching methods ensure the course is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. The approach is student-centred, practical, and encourages active participation. You’ll be supported to become an independent learner, developing critical thinking and professional decision-making throughout the course.

You’ll learn a wide range of hands-on clinical techniques, including the use of podiatry equipment, vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal assessment. You’ll also be trained in injection techniques for local anaesthetics and steroids, as well as minor surgical procedures such as partial and total nail removal and chemical ablation.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods include:

unseen examinations
class tests
essays
management reports
case studies
presentations
group work.

You will also undertake clinical assessments on your work with real patients to assess your clinical competencies and understanding of theory in practice. This is undertaken at your various placement sites.

Hybrid learning option

You can study this course full-time on campus or choose a hybrid delivery route. This option is designed to support you if you are unable to relocate to Glasgow or commute to campus regularly, allowing you to study podiatry from your home location.

Hybrid delivery combines live online teaching with mandatory on-campus blocks throughout the year, alongside your clinical placements. Typically, you will attend on-campus teaching blocks followed by periods of remote learning, although this may vary depending on placement requirements each year.

All teaching is delivered live, whether you study on campus or through the hybrid route. Teaching is not pre-recorded, so you will learn alongside on-campus students in real time and remain fully involved in the course and university community.

Clinical placements are a compulsory part of the programme and will take place in approved placement settings. Placement locations and schedules may vary each year depending on availability.

This hybrid model allows you to study flexibly while still gaining the practical skills, clinical experience and hands-on training required to become a podiatrist.

Please note: This route has been approved for remote and rural students only. Students living within reasonable travelling distance of the University are expected to attend in line with the University’s approved delivery principles and are not eligible to apply for hybrid attendance.

Interprofessional Simulation Centre

Our Interprofessional Simulation Centre (ISC) is a state-of-the-art teaching facility where health and social care students learn through realistic, hands-on experience. It includes lifelike hospital wards, simulated home and care environments, an ambulance and specialist spaces such as X‑ray, radiotherapy and physiotherapy clinics.

Using real healthcare equipment, advanced patient manikins and video recording, you'll be able to safely practise real-life situations and review your learning. The Centre supports nursing, paramedic, allied health and social care training, helping you learn how to work across specialities while building your confidence and practical skills before working with real patients.

We use video and audio recording of students during practical exercises in our teaching and assessment. Students applying to study health-related courses should be aware that there will be times when they will be recorded. These recordings may be viewed by programme staff, students, and external examiners for learning and assessment. This is not an optional component of the course.

Accreditation

This course is approved by the Royal College of Podiatry and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

After you complete your degree, you can apply for mandatory registration with HCPC, the statutory regulator for podiatrists in the UK. You’ll also be eligible for membership of the Royal College of Podiatry, the professional body representing podiatry practitioners in the UK.

Visit the Royal College of Podiatry website

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Podiatry at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information