Why QMU ?
Daniel Pauley : Podiatry
Daniel Pauley , 25 is from Duns in the Scottish Borders . Daniel spent some of his life in foster care . Sadly , only 6 % of children in foster care go on to university level education compared to 43 % of people who have not been fostered , so it was a great achievement when Daniel secured his place on the podiatry degree at QMU Daniel , who left school at the tender age of 15 with hardly any qualifications , has used his QMU education to transform his life and train for a career in healthcare where he could help others .
Why did you choose to study BSc ( Hons ) Podiatry at QMU ?
I knew after college I wanted to do a job that contributed good things to the world and to other people , so I decided to do health care and podiatry .”
What ’ s been the highlight of the course ?
I ’ d say nail surgery . Being qualified to give local aenesthetic is pretty rock and roll , too .”
Did you receive any awards , bursaries or scholarships whilst studying at QMU ?
I won the Outstanding Achievement in Education ’ award from the UK ’ s leading fostering charity , The Fostering Network , for getting the highest clinical grade in his year group at QMU . The awards have definitely boosted my confidence in my final year at QMU .
• You will be taught by experienced HCPC registered podiatrists alongside other staff who are professionally and research active in the NHS and private sector . Their applied research and professional links inform the teaching on the course , keeping it up to date with current developments in podiatry and podiatric practice .
• Learn real-world podiatry skills on placements within an NHS setting and on other practice-based opportunities with the private and third sector .
• In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 , we are ranked in the top 20 UK universities for subjects allied to medicine ( 19th out of 82 ).
The course was in the top 2 amongst UK universities for student satisfaction ( NSS 2021 ).
When I was at school there was really no support and it was very disheartening . I ’ d had a lot of difficulties at home and I didn ’ t get any encouragement from the teachers , so I had no self-belief . It was no surprise that I didn ’ t do well academically . But I eventually realised two things – I loved helping people and I enjoyed health and fitness , so I picked myself up , went back to college and got an HND . That helped me get a place at QMU on the BSc ( Hons ) Podiatry , and I ’ ve never looked back .
As a foster child , you can be easily cast off . If no-one believes in you , then you don ’ t believe in yourself . But my experience at QMU has completely transformed my life . I have been shocked at how much help and support is available – from financial support through bursaries - to the incredible support of the academics and professional services staff . They are totally invested in helping students be all they can be . At last , I found people who believe in me .
Daniel continued : “ As a student of QMU , I was no longer overlooked - I was more than just a number . I had people who are 100 % behind me and werehelping me achieve my goals .”
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