Masters degrees in Podiatry focus on the detection, diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders related to the feet, ankles and lower limbs.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Podiatric Medicine and Theory of Podiatric Surgery. Entry requirements typically include an appropriate undergraduate degree such as Medicine or Biology.
Podiatry disorders may have root causes associated with anatomical, physiological, biochemical and neurobiological ill health (for example, diabetic people commonly have foot problems). As a result, courses in this field tend to be interdisciplinary in nature, combining training in professional practice with both general medicine and physical assessment.
Most courses offer training within a hospital or healthcare centre, working with patients directly. Activities could include fitting assistive items such as insoles and leg braces, learning to prescribe and administer medications and treatments such as physiotherapy, and administering pathological tests.
You may wish to specialise in podiatric surgery for careers in clinical practice, which could include branching into orthopaedic surgery. Alternatively, you might explore roles in sports medicine and rehabilitation, using your expertise in health centres, sports club or public gyms. Other careers may also include charity work or jurisprudence for medical and sporting associations.
