BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship is aimed at people who are assisting podiatrists as foot care technicians or assistants, who'd like to become a podiatrist. You'll work within the NHS or in private practice and will need to have the agreement of your employer in order to apply.

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Student training with scalpel on model foot

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1531

Duration2.5 years

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Podiatry apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity for those already working alongside podiatrists as foot care technicians or assistants, or those looking to start a new career in podiatry through a healthcare employer. You’ll work for the NHS or a private practice, gaining valuable real world experience while studying towards becoming a fully qualified podiatrist.

Developed in collaboration with healthcare providers, the course combines academic study with work-based learning. This means you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your practice. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll take part in a range of practice placements, gaining experience in different clinical environments and working with a variety of service users.

Once qualified, you’ll have opportunities across a wide range of settings, including:

The NHS
Private practice
Higher Education
Research
Charities
The third sector.

Your employer will guide you through potential career pathways and discuss future employment options as you progress.

This course provides the foundation to build a fulfilling career in podiatry. You'll improve mobility, promote wellbeing, and help people lead healthier, more active lives.

Why Sunderland for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

Accreditations and approvals

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

You'll study one day per week at the University and learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and workshops. Specialist teaching spaces, such as the anatomy centre and simulation facilities, provide hands-on learning. You'll undertake group work and have the opportunity for one-to-one tutorials.

Your assessment is through your practice placement, in the workplace, and academic work. This includes:

Examinations
OSCE
Poster presentations
Case studies
Portfolios
Projects
MCQ exams.

You'll also need to pass the End Point Assessment (EPA) required by The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Entry requirements

The apprenticeship is work based and is subject to you being employed by an organisation throughout the duration of the course. The employer must confirm you comply with the apprentice eligibility criteria including funding requirements.

Our typical offer is 120 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Level passes or equivalent, which must include a health or science related subject. General Studies AS or A Level aren't accepted. Evidence of recent study within the last four years at entry level must be demonstrated.

You also need five GCSEs at grade C (numerical grade 4) or above. This must include English language or equivalent, mathematics and science.

Other qualifications and the grades we require include:

BTEC Extended National Diploma (health science or applied science preferred) DDM
Access to Higher Education Diploma, 120 UCAS Tariff points from level 3 units, which must be related to health and social care or science
Relevant experience within a healthcare setting may also be used in order to support an application and will be assessed on an individual basis.

If your first language isn't English, you must demonstrate an overall IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in each band.

You'll need to have the full backing of your employer to undertake this apprenticeship before you apply. Applications are made via the University admissions process, and your application will be reviewed by the admissions tutor.

You may be invited to attend a values-based recruitment interview. At the interview, you'll meet academic staff and members of the Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) team, who'll ask you questions to assess your suitability for the course.

Fees and finance support

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Start date/study mode:

UK students

Apprenticeship September 2026
Application deadline is 1 July 2026

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.