Podiatric Medicine - Pre - Registration

The pre-registration course in Podiatric Medicine aims to train high calibre, competent HSCP graduates, to level 9, who can, from the point of graduation demonstrate high level skills that will enable them to become ACPs and managers/ leaders.



The program’s mission statement is:



"To develop caring, patient-centric, highly skilled graduates who are knowledgeable, innovative, autonomous and competent practitioners who apply a scientific and evidence-based approach to podiatric medicine."



This programme will focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences, combined with academic teaching. Students will be quickly integrated into clinical settings, providing quick value to healthcare facilities.

PO1101 – Podiatric Medicine Practice 1 (30 ECTS) Semester 1,2 &3



PO1102 – Professional Practice Healthcare & Leadership Practice 1 (10 ECTS) Sem 1,2



AN230 - Human Body Structure (5 ECTS) Sem 1



AN112 – Gross Anatomy of the Lower Limb (5 ECTS) Sem 2



SI317 – Human Body Function (10 ECTS) Sem 1



PO1103 – Applied Physiology (5 ECTS) Sem 1 & 2



PO1104 – Human Motion & Biomechanics (10 ECTS) Semester 1,2



PO1105 – Integumentary System (15 ECTS) Semester 1,2



Year 2 (90 ECTS)



All core modules



PO2100 – Podiatric Medicine Practice 2 (30 ECTS) Semester 1,2 &3



PO2105 – Research Dissertation (15 ECTS) Semester 1,2



PO2106 – Lifestyle & Clinical Medicine (15 ECTs) Semester 1, 2



PO3103 – Pharmacology for Podiatrists (10 ECTS) Semester 1,2



PO2107 – Musculoskeletal Medicine across the Lifespan (10 ECTS) Sem 1



PO2108 – Professional Practice Healthcare & Leadership Practice 2 (10 ECTS) Sem 1,2



Clinical Practice:



Clinical practice is an integral component of the Podiatric Medicine programme. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 1000 clinical hours over the period of the program and is a regulatory requirement for graduation. Students are gradually introduced to clinical practice by use of simulated techniques and interactive case studies. Onsite clinical placement and learning at Merlin Park Podiatry Clinic unite the theory with the ‘hands on’ practice education, facilitated by the academic and clinical teams.



Progression requirements: Candidates must pass all 12 core modules and successfully complete final project to achieve the MSc award. All year 1 modules must be passed to progress to the second year of the programme. Compensation is NOT allowed in academic or clinical modules.



Pass Standard & Assessment Strategies:



A wide variety of assessment strategies are employed at stages throughout the programme in order to cater for a diversity of learning needs. The range and diversity of assessments allows the varying strengths of individual students to be demonstrated. All assessments throughout the programme are designed to assess students’ theoretical knowledge and clinical practical skills to ensure students meet the necessary competencies for professional practice. Assessment strategies that are employed include clinical practical examinations, continuous assessment and end of year examinations. The pass mark is 50%.

Pre-requisites and co-requisites



Mature learners who may already be in healthcare and want to specialise in Podiatric Medicine.

Graduates with an equivalent to a University of Galway minimum 2.1 Degree in cognate* disciplines in Ireland, UK and Europe.

International students with an equivalent to a University of Galway minimum 2.1 Degree who would prefer the option of 2 years full-time study option other than the traditional route of 4 years BSc Podiatric Medicine. And achieve the required level of English language as per admission onto the BSc undergraduate program that currently exists on entry.

Before entering the Degree programme every student must furnish Garda Clearance. This is organised through the Undergraduate Admissions Office on entering the University. Failure to obtain clearance will result in the student being unable to access practice education placements which are a core requirement of the programme.

Students also require mandatory vaccinations as part of a health care programme, which are part of pre-placement medical requirements for practice.



*Cognate degree (To include but not restricted to): Level 8 Cognate Degrees: BSc Nursing, Biomedical engineering, Human biological/ clinical sciences (e.g. biology, physiology, pharmacology, Anatomy). Other health and social care professions, clinical services background and relevant BSc qualification e.g. HSCP Physiotherapy, Engineering, Science, Sports Science.



Documentation that is required to be uploaded as part of the application process



Official qualifications and exam results (transcripts) to date: required for all non-University of Galway applicants and for University of Galway graduates who did not receive their undergraduate degrees from University of Galway. Applicants who have still to graduate must upload final transcripts on receipt.

English language competency: if necessary, evidence of English language competency.

Personal statement: all applicants must enclose a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the programme, outlining experience and transferrable skills, and overall how it fits into your career objectives.

Passport or Birth certificate:—a copy of your passport or birth certificate must also be submitted.

Current CV

Two written references (One professional and ideally one academic)



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In the event that a student requests an element of RPL, upon registration onto the programme, the programme director will consult with the Head of School and RPL champions in the School of Health Sciences to consider their request on a "case-by-case basis".



Their request will be considered and allocated where appropriate based on School of Health Sciences, University and National policies, being cognisant of professional registration requirements.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

2 Years



1GPM1 (Year 1), 2GPM1 (Year 2)

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates will benefit in several ways for their career and will provide an excellent foundation for a long-term career as a podiatrist. There is an established and successful career pathway for Podiatry practitioners, and a high demand for recruitment nationally and internationally. Typically, qualified Podiatrists registered professionally can establish private clinics, or work within public healthcare services.