Course summary
Pedorthics is about keeping people mobile and getting the best performance from their feet, footwear or orthoses. The Bachelor of Pedorthics provides the knowledge and skills required for graduates to become a professional pedorthist.
Pedorthists work in private practice or allied health practices, and may receive patient referrals from medical professionals.
Pedorthics is a growing industry and Southern Cross University is the first to offer a Bachelor qualification in this area.
The course develops comprehensive knowledge and associated skills in this new allied health profession. Students are introduced to foot care as a requirement for living independently and being mobile. Studies include learning about health problems associated with feet and footwear design and production.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Apply critical analysis, prudent judgement and the use of research/evidence to inform clinical/professional practice. |
| Creativity | Develop an entrepreneurial and sustainable approach to clinical/professional practice utilising appropriate leadership and management skills. Demonstrate knowledge, skill and empathy as ethical, innovative and creative professional eligible to enter clinical/professional practice. |
| Ethical practice | Establish clinical/professional practice based on ethical decision-making and evidence-based practice. Demonstrate accountability and responsibility within clinical/professional practice. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Function in accordance with all relevant legislation, registration requirements, guidelines and standards affecting clinical/professional practice. Assess, plan, provide and evaluate safe and effective clinical practice with a range of client groups across the lifespan. |
| Lifelong learning | Identify and reflect on the generalist and specialist skills of practice required for continuing professional development and professional practice. |
| Communication and social skills | Work collaboratively in a range of health care teams with an understanding of best practice and the evidence base that supports it. Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, families, significant others and professional colleagues in ways that are appropriate to the scholarly, professional and/or social setting. |
| Cultural competence | Demonstrate cultural safety in clinical/professional practice and leadership Demonstrate an understanding of health inequalities and indigenous health (worldwide) |
During the course, students gain workplace experience to apply their skills and knowledge. They will complete approximately 1,000 hours of professional placement in various settings throughout the three years of study.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain prerequisites prior to attending placement. Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
This course has provisional accreditation with the Pedorthic Association of Australia pending completion of the first graduate cycle in 2019. Once fully accredited, the degree will enable graduates to practise as professional pedorthists, become members of the Association, and appear on the Australian Register of Pedorthists.
Course overview
Course code
3007307
Course abbreviation
BPed
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
Domestic duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
International duration
3 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
| Location | Session | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | 1 | 335065 | 055561 |
Domestic fees
International
| Location | Session | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | 1 | $25,200 ($3,150 per unit) | 086343K |
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Pedorthics a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of twenty four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising all units listed in the Schedule of Units.
Exit Awards
A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Pedorthics, has successfully completed sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising any 16 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Pedorthics.
A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Pedorthics, has successfully completed eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising any 8 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Pedorthics.
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Progression
Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.
Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.
Subsequent to the above, candidates who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 18 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students commencing the BPed mid-year will take 3.5 years, not 3 years, full-time study to complete the course. | |||
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| BIO00307 - Human Physiology | Introductory Note 2 | Note 2 | |
| Year 1, Session 3 | |||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| From Year 2, following the Session 1 Admission structure (excluding the above two units) | |||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete one or both of the units under Session 3 below and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s. | |||
| Session 3 | |||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| CMM10580 - The Australian Health Care System | Introductory | ||
Notes
| Note 1: | Double-weighted unit |
| Note 2: | 2018 is the last time this unit will be offered. See information on the School of Health and Human Science website (https://www.scu.edu.au/school-of-health-and-human-sciences/pages/human-physiology-2019/#d.en.205492) for more information regarding changes from 2019 |