Podiatry Arena members do not see these ads

Hi

I am very interested in studying for a Podiatry Degree, and I would like some advice on securing a place at University.

I will be a mature student so I don't have the normal qualifications
I have an 'A' level in Computer Science and three 'O' levels in Maths, Geography and Commerce, as you can see I have no formal qualification in English, although I have over 25 years working in the IT industry as a programmer , analyst and project leader, the work experience has given me a vast knowledge of writing specifications aimed at all levels.
So my lack of a formal english qualification has hindered by ability to gain entry to the 'Access to Higher Education Courses' run at various colleges.
Therefore I believe I have only two options left If I wish to apply to university for 2011/2012, taking courses at the Open University or training to be a FHP at a college such as the SMAE institute.
If I was to take the OU route I would be taking the K101 - introduction to health care course and L185 - English for academic purposes , or would it be better to study the Human Biology course rather than the English course .

Anyway any advice on the best route for a successful application would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tweet

Share

Why not contact the universities offering the Podiatry degree?

They will advise you on what would be the best way to prepare yourself for the degree course.

When i trained in 1983-1986 i was a mature student and i had to do Human Biology O Level to prove my brain was not addled.

I would not recommend an FHP course as it has no validity outside of its own environment.

So approach the uni's direct and you will find that they will be very helpful.

Also contact the Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists as they will also be able to give advice on the Profession and the educational requirements in order to do the degree.

Should you do the degree then you can work overseas if you choose to.

FHP has no academic validity in Aus NZ etc etc.

regards david

The FHP Course and a Podiatry Degree are two very different beasts.

The FHP Course is run via Oxford Brookes University. It is shorter but DOES have some academic validity in that it carries 60 Credits which could be put towards another UK Uni Course. After qualification you will only be able to work in private practice at the lower end of the market.

The three-year degree is just that - a degree. For academic purposes it will allow you to do a higher degree (ie Masters or PhD) if you so wish.
In theory it will allow you to gain employment within the NHS, although in practice jobs are not that plentiful currently. It will certainly allow you to go into private practice where you can practice at a higher level, carrying out minor surgery as necessary. It will also allow you on a pathway to performing foot surgery. As David says, there is some reciprocity with overseas - but not USA - there is another thread on that here.

Good advice from David about contacting a School of Podiatry direct. Obtain an informal interview with them if you can. They can advise you on specific entry requirements.

My advice is to go for the degree. You could always do the degree after the FHP course, but this is a very long way round to achieve the same goal.

__________________
Old guys rule!

Hi Neil & to Podiatry Arena,
I was a little puzzled by your statement above. Access courses offer GCSEs in both Maths & English (if required) in addition to the other study required by students hoping to gain entry into university!
Your previous experience may be enough & as the other posters have said I too would advise that you contact your preferred university for appropriate information.

Huddersfield University offers a foundation course, although that may not be a requirement:

Most of our students are 18 years old at entry to the University but we welcome students of any age with qualifications and/or experience at an appropriate level for them to undertake their studies. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis having regard, amongst other things, to requirements imposed by professional bodies and evidence of the prospective student’s ability to study at a Higher Education level.
Minimum entry requirements

First Degree courses – minimum qualifications

Quote:

Podiatry BSc(Hons) School Human and Health Sciences Available at Huddersfield UCAS Code B985 BSc/Pod Course Length 3 years full-time Number of Places 37 Contact Division of Podiatry Telephone: 01484 471377 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01484 471377      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Fax: 01484 472380 E-mail: PodiatryAdmissions@hud.ac.uk Entry Requirements Please see the general entry requirements page. * You will normally offer three 6-unit awards at grade BCC (or equivalent 6 or 12-unit awards) one of which is Biology, Human Biology or Sports Studies. Key skills and General Studies are not counted towards the tariff score. * Alternatives include Higher Education access courses, BTEC courses or an Open University course, in a health related area. * You will require GCSE or O level Maths and English at grade C or above. * We welcome applications from people of all ages. If you do not possess the necessary entry requirements you may apply for the University's Science Foundation Course or the Health Professionals course to gain access to the degree course. In some instances, an entrance test is available if you have no biology qualification but can demonstrate academic ability.

Kind regards,

Mandy.

__________________
:)
twirly

Mandy Brooks
Brooks Podiatry
S64 0DE

Suffering a fondness for odd things.

“ Though the mills of God grind slowly;
Yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience he stands waiting,
With exactness grinds he all. ”

Hi Neil

Many students on Podiatry courses are mature students, each of which has been considered on their overall academic & employment history. I think getting a science based qualification would probably be as important (if not more so) than the English. When I applied as a mature student, the main requirement was evidence of recent academic study.

If the universities are requesting a formal English qualification (I presume you mean a GCSE?), I would do the English language GCSE together with an Access to biomedical sciences course at your local college. That can be done full time over a year of part time over 2.


If you're aiming for a specific university, contact the head of admissions, they should be able to give you advice specific to your background and current qualifications. If you contact several admissions tutors, you should be able to get a feel for what is required.

Alternatively, I would suggest that your best bet would be to contact all Podiatry schools on A level results day (clearing) and find yourself a place that way.

Oh, and definitely go for the degree.

Chloe

__________________
"It's better to be a pessimist who is sometimes wrong than an optimist who is always right"

Why don;t you sit for the GCSE O in English this year? All the boards do English. It is nothing you do not already know as a native speaker. And I am repeatedly told that it has been 'dumbed down' since I took it in 1981. You can take it again in November and get a higher grade. My bet is that you will get an 'a'. You could also pay a teacher privately for a few hours of lessons.
They will let you in for sure. They let me in, first try. I had been trying to get into dental hygiene for 20 years with perfect qualifications and couldn't get a place. But it is supply and demand, lots of people want to do teeth, few feet.