Podiatry

Podiatry is the healthcare profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. The role of podiatrists is growing in importance as ageing populations, rising prevalence of diabetes, and increasing rates of musculoskeletal conditions create growing demand for lower limb care that the existing workforce cannot adequately meet. Podiatrists work in NHS services, private practice, community health settings, and sports medicine, providing care that ranges from routine nail and skin treatments to the assessment and management of complex diabetic foot conditions, biomechanical disorders, and minor surgical procedures.

At Glasgow Caledonian University, this four-year full-time programme prepares you to practise as a registered podiatrist in an expanding and genuinely needed profession. You will study anatomy and physiology of the lower limb, biomechanics, podiatric medicine, pharmacology, dermatology, vascular assessment, and the specific conditions, including neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and musculoskeletal dysfunction, that podiatrists assess and manage. Clinical placements are integral to the training, developing your clinical skills and professional competence across a range of practice settings.

The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, which means graduates are eligible to register as qualified podiatrists.

Graduates work in NHS community podiatry services, diabetic foot clinics, orthopaedic and vascular departments, private practice, and sports medicine, with some taking specialist roles in biomechanics, nail surgery, or high-risk foot care. The growing demand for podiatrists means that employment prospects are strong. Further study at postgraduate level in areas such as biomechanics, advanced diabetic foot care, or prescribing is available for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.