Advancing Practice in Podiatry - MSc/PgDip

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Please contact Kath Nicol or contact Susan Prior (Framework Leads) for further information on single module study. All students initially enrol on the master's route.

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and are studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods, including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at QMU, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate to approximately 200 hours of study, including regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff for this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules: 

• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice.
• Methods of Enquiry (Research Methods) (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
• 3 elective core modules (60 credits): See below 
• Optional module (20 credits): You can choose one module from the elective core modules below or from any approved Framework modules.
• Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation.  

Elective core modules

• Diagnostic Investigations for Lower Limb Pathologies (20 credits)*: This module will enable you to develop detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of diagnostic investigations for the management of disorders of the lower limb (with a focus on the foot and ankle). The module will support you in developing skills in sourcing and critically appraising literature related to diagnostic investigations to inform decision-making within the scope of your practice. NB This module is only available every second year.
• Medical Imaging of the Foot and Ankle (20 credits)*: This module will provide you with an in-depth exploration of diagnostic imaging modalities for the lower limb (including x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, nuclear and other advanced imaging techniques), with a focus on advanced practice settings. Key topics include the use of imaging to support advanced clinical decision-making, the role of image charting in guiding treatment pathways, and referral processes within MSK and orthopaedic practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating diagnostic imaging into evidence-based, patient-centred care. This module will provide you with critical skills necessary to effectively utilise imaging as part of a comprehensive lower limb assessment and management. NB This module is only available every second year.
• High-Risk Foot (20 credits): This module will provide you with a critical understanding of the assessment, management, and prevention of foot and lower-limb complications in high-risk patient groups, such as individuals with diabetes, vascular disease, renal complications, immunosuppressed populations, and those with medical conditions that impact tissue viability. 
• Orthopaedic Medicine (20 credits)*: This module will enable you to develop detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of medical orthopaedics to inform decision-making in advancing podiatric clinical practice. You will critically evaluate local and systemic pathologies, identify medical concerns and interpret outcomes of musculoskeletal/orthopaedic medical assessment to inform the workup and peri/postoperative management of the patient undergoing podiatric surgery. You will also evaluate the outcome of podiatric surgery on the musculoskeletal function of the foot and ankle.  
• Pharmacology for Podiatric & Surgical Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology in both surgical and clinical podiatric practice, with a focus on the safe supply and administration of prescription-only medicines (POMs). It covers essential pharmacological principles, including routes of drug administration, mechanisms of action (pharmacodynamics), and drug metabolism (pharmacokinetics). You will also explore key topics such as polypharmacy, safe disposal of pharmaceuticals, and the regulatory framework for POMs relevant to podiatrists. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, utilising the British National Formulary (BNF) to assess drug interactions and adverse effects. The module will provide you with the knowledge to confidently apply pharmacological principles in both surgical and clinical podiatric settings, ensuring safe and patient-centred care. 
• Surgical Management of the Foot (20 credits)*: This module will enable you to critically appraise different surgical approaches to the foot, taking into consideration patient consent, clinical decision-making, anatomical considerations, surgical preparation, and theatre safety. National and professional guidelines and standards for surgical treatment choices will also be explored. 

* These modules are only available every second year and alternate with each other.

This course will provide learners with enhanced career progression opportunities in leadership roles or within their specialist field of practice.

Entry requirements

Honours degree or equivalent in podiatry and professional registration or equivalent in podiatry.

International students:

• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
• Please note that as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on a student visa.

Other requirements

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or have access to a suitable workplace setting, along with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page. 

Application deadline

Typically, December for a January start and August for a September start.

Contact Neil Pomfret or Contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.