Course summary
Pedorthics is a new allied health specialisation that focuses on biomechanics and improving foot function to promote better mobility.
The Bachelor of Pedorthics is the only degree of its kind offered by a university in Australia. It prepares students for a career as a specialist in the design and manufacture of shoes and orthotics to maximise performance of feet and treat lower limb conditions.
Students learn about health conditions that affect the feet, the mechanics of gait, entrepreneurship, footwear design and footwear production.
Pedorthics is a new allied health specialisation that focuses on biomechanics and improving foot function to promote better mobility.
The Bachelor of Pedorthics is the only degree of its kind offered by a university in Australia. It prepares students for a career as a specialist in the design and manufacture of shoes and orthotics to maximise performance of feet and treat lower limb conditions.
Students learn about health conditions that affect the feet, the mechanics of gait, entrepreneurship, footwear design and footwear production.
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.
This course is accredited by the Pedorthic Association of Australia. Suitably qualified members of the Association appear on the Australian Register of Pedorthists.
Course overview
Course code
3007307
Course abbreviation
BPed
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Duration
3 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
| Location | Teaching period | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Session 1 | 335065 | 055561 |
Fee information
International
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Session 1 | $26,400 ($3,300 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 to receive the Bachelor of Pedorthics, students must complete 288 credit points, comprising all core units.
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing 192 credit points, comprising any 16 core units.
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing 96 credit points, comprising any 8 core units.
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
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 18 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.
Students 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.
Students 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. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. Assistance on how to enrol can be accessed here.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
| 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 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| CMM10580 - The Australian Health Care System | Introductory | ||
| Year 1, Session 3 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| From Year 2, following the Session 1 Admission structure (excluding the above 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 |