The podiatry apprenticeship route
Train as a podiatrist while earning a salary through a degree apprenticeship.
A podiatry degree apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, combining university study with workplace training over 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time.
With a podiatry apprenticeship you:
earn a salary while studying for your degree
pay no tuition fees - these are covered by your employer and the government
spend 40% of your time in your workplace and 60% at university
complete clinical placements like traditional students
qualify with a BSc degree in podiatry
can apply for HCPC registration after qualifying, which is required to practice
Entry requirements
Requirements vary between universities but typically include:
3 A-Levels (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
GCSEs in Maths and English
Contact your chosen university directly for their specific requirements.
Where you can study
Apprenticeships are currently only available in England.
You can currently complete a podiatry apprenticeship at:
More podiatry schools in the UK are expected to offer apprenticeships in the future.
How to apply
Unlike traditional university courses, you must first be employed by an organisation offering the apprenticeship programme. Typically this will be:
an NHS Trust
some private podiatry practices
You can find vacancies on:
Financial information
As an apprentice in England and Wales:
you will not be eligible for student loans
you must live on your apprenticeship salary
your employer and the government cover your tuition fees
the government contributes up to £24,000 towards your training
Read more in the Apprenticeship technical funding guide on GOV.UK.
A day in the life of a podiatry apprentice
As a podiatry apprentice, your week might include:
attending university lectures and practical sessions
working alongside qualified podiatrists in clinical settings
treating patients under supervision
completing academic assignments
participating in group learning with other healthcare apprentices
Your exact schedule will depend on your employer and university arrangements.
Watch former apprentice Sarah (who now works in the NHS) give her impressions of the podiatry profession:
Benefits of the apprenticeship route
The apprenticeship pathway offers several advantages:
gain practical experience from day one
build professional relationships early in your career
avoid student debt
apply theory directly to practice
have job security throughout your training
Further information
For more details about podiatry apprenticeships, contact:
your local NHS Trust about potential vacancies
the universities offering apprenticeship programs
the Royal College of Podiatry for general guidance
Scotland only: the PREPARE scheme
The Pre-Registration Podiatry: Accessible Recruitment & Employment (PREPARE) offers students in Scotland:
a full time NHS (pay band 5) salary while you study
face to face learning at Glasgow Caledonian University with the remainder of your time spent working within the local health board
free tuition fees for your first undergraduate degree
a BSc in Podiatry, achieved over 4 years
