There are 3 main routes to qualifying as a podiatrist in the UK. All paths lead to eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Undergraduate university route

The traditional university route involves:

• full-time study for 3 years or part-time over a longer period

• potential access to student loans and NHS bursaries for eligible students

• a mix of academic learning and clinical placements

• qualifying with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry

To apply:

• you need 3 A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)

• you need GCSE Maths and English

• you apply through UCAS

• you can choose from 15 podiatry schools in the UK

If you are typically a resident of England and Wales, you will have to pay tuition fees of around £9,535 per year.

If you live in Scotland and attend a Scottish university, you can get free tuition fees if you're on your first undergraduate degree.

If you've lived in Northern Ireland for 3 years before you start your course, you can apply for full student funding for your course via the Department of Health. In addition, students in Northern Ireland are eligible to apply for financial support from Student Finance NI.

Read more about the undergraduate route into podiatry.

Pre-registration Masters route

If you already have a degree, you can complete a pre-registration Masters in Podiatry:

• 2-year accelerated course

• designed for graduates from any discipline

• leads to an MSc in Podiatry

• intensive practical and theoretical training

• eligible for HCPC registration upon completion

This route is currently offered by:

• University of Brighton

• University of Salford

• University of Plymouth

• Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Entry requirements typically include:

• a 2:2 honours degree or above in any subject

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above

• relevant work experience is often preferred

Apprenticeship route

The podiatry degree apprenticeship offers:

• earning a salary while you study

• no tuition fees (they’re paid by your employer and the government)

• spending 40% of your time in the workplace and 60% at university

• qualifying with the same BSc degree as traditional students

• taking 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time

To apply you:

• need similar academic qualifications to the university route

• must first secure employment with an organisation offering apprenticeships

• can study at 6 universities currently offering this pathway

Read more about the apprenticeship route. 

Choosing the right route for you

Consider:

• your financial situation and whether you need to earn while studying

• your preferred learning style (more academic or workplace-based)

• apprenticeship availability in your local area

• your personal circumstances and commitments

Both routes provide the same professional qualification and career opportunities.

International qualifications

If you qualified as a podiatrist outside the UK, you'll need to apply to the HCPC for registration. The HCPC will assess whether your training meets UK standards.

Visit the HCPC website for international registration information. Also read the Royal College of Podiatry’s resources for a career move to the UK.