QMU Postgraduate Prospectus 2022 | Page 148

MSc Podiatry ( Pre-Registration )

Podiatric education at QMU is extremely well established with very strong employability rates . This course is for graduates who want to extend their studies into the professional field of podiatry . Delivered full-time , the course has a clinical and health promotion focus .
IThis course provides graduates with a route into a fulfilling career , helping people improve their health and wellbeing and their quality of life .
The course includes multiple Scotland wide practice placements and on completion you will be able to apply for full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC ) to work as a Podiatrist .
As a podiatrist you will be a healthcare professional who has been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs . Podiatrists work with their patients to prevent and correct deformity , keeping people mobile and active , and helping to relieve pain . Podiatrists work with people of all ages , and your patients will count on you to support and help them with a broad range of mobility and medical conditions of the foot and lower limbs . These may include muscular and joint problems as well as broader health issues such as diabetes , blood disorders and disorders of the nervous system , which may involve complex wound management .
The Year One modules include introductions to anatomy and physiology . You will be prepared for clinical practice by developing your communication skills and exploring the professional requirements to allow you to become a podiatrist and to work as part of a team . This will involve you developing key skills to allow you to begin your professional development journey as a podiatrist . In addition , you will reconsolidate existing research skills including essay writing and how to access information to support your learning . An early introduction to podiatry in the form of learning about clinical practice on placement provides the opportunity to allow you to integrate into the clinical environment . You will undertake modules that explore human walking and musculoskeletal problems . You will continue to broaden your understanding of health and wellbeing and how to influence and facilitate behaviour change . You will learn about medicine and pharmacology and the impact they can have on the lower limb . You will continue to develop your practical skills through further supported clinical placement .
Year Two modules are designed to enhance your critical thinking , research skills and further develop your knowledge of foot and ankle imaging modalities . You will be broadening your healthcare awareness and challenging your understanding of health education and promotion , as well as developing your key skills in working as part of a multidisciplinary team . You will continue to link theory and practice during a range of clinical placement opportunities including advanced practice . Through a variety of placement opportunities you will enhance , consolidate and reflect on your theoretical learning to date . You will continue to develop your skills in research , professional development and current / advanced clinical skills enabling a smooth transition to working life . You will explore leadership skills and innovative practice to meet contemporary healthcare challenges in podiatry . You will complete your academic learning by undertaking appropriate and focused research activities .
We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member . This is the reason why we have implemented an interprofessional working focus within all of our healthcare courses , including this one .
Structure
You must complete the full MSc to be eligible to register with the HCPC and to work as a podiatrist . Single module study is not available . To be awarded the MSc you will be required to complete 360 academic credits and pass the competency-based practice placements .
Teaching , learning and assessment
The course delivers theoretical and practical campus-based learning with multiple integrated periods of practice based learning throughout NHS Scotland . There will be learning opportunities in the form of lectures , seminars , practical tutorials , online material , and practice based learning ( clinical placements ). There is a strong emphasis on student-directed learning . A variety of assessment methods are used including written assignments , practical viva exams , presentations and reflective writing assignments . Practice-based learning is a major component of the course , comprising of approximately 1,000 hours .
Teaching hours and attendance
Teaching hours and attendance each module is equivalent to a notional 200 hours of work ( or multiple thereof ), which is made up of attendance in class , online learning and independent work . The structure of each module is different with different attendance requirements for each timetabled module . Over an average semester the expectation is that during 14 weeks of teaching students will undertake approximately 40 hours per week of student effort , including contact classes , online learning and independent study time . Students will normally complete the course via a full-time route .
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