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Bachelor of Pedorthics

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BPed

  • Course code

    3007307

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

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.

A pedorthist is a health care professional who specialises in the improvement of human movement, in particular gait and better foot function. Pedorthists conduct comprehensive assessments of clients which may lead to them manufacturing corrective footwear, orthoses or other supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and human mobility.

Pedorthics is a growing industry and Southern Cross University is the first to offer a Bachelor qualification in this area.

Graduate AttributeCourse 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.
 

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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 335065 055561

Career Outcomes

The University is undertaking accreditation through the Pedorthic Association Australia (PPA). Once accredited, the degree will enable graduates to become members of the Association, to become certified pedorthists, and the practise as professional pedorthists in Australia.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

  1. Applicants who do not meet Rule 2 Section 1 Clause (7)a must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with a score of no less than 6.5 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  2. An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification.

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who have completed the Bachelor of Podiatry and Podiatrists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency may be granted advanced standing for up to seventeen (17) units towards the Bachelor of Pedorthics.

Course requirements

  1. 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:
    1. all units listed in the Schedule of Units

Course structure

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. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
PDT10001 -  Introduction to Podiatry and Pedorthics Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO10001 -  Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs and Foot and Ankle Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
PDT20005 -  Principles and Practice of Pedorthics I Intermediate
PDT30002 -  Lower Limb Medicine I Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
PDT20006 -  Principles and Practice of Pedorthics II Intermediate
PDT30003 -  Lower Limb Medicine II Advanced
Year 4, Session 1
PDT20002 -  Orthoses and Bracing Intermediate
BIO20002 -  Biomechanics of Gait Intermediate
Year 4, Session 2
PDT20004 -  Lower Limb Assessment Intermediate Note 1
Year 5, Session 1
PDT73005 -  Pedorthics Clinical Placement I Advanced Note 1
Year 5, Session 2
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
PDT30001 -  Management and Treatment of the High Risk Foot Intermediate
Year 6, Session 1
PDT73006 -  Pedorthics Clinical Placement II Advanced Note 1
Year 6, Session 2
PDT73007 -  Pedorthics Clinical Placement III Advanced Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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
Year 1, Session 3
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
From Year 2, following the Session 1 Admission structure (excluding the above two units)

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Complete one or both of the units under Session 3 below and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement less the completed unit/s.
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BHS10581 Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
PDT10001 Introduction to Podiatry and Pedorthics Introductory
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory
MAT00330 Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
HLT10583 Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO10001 Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs and Foot and Ankle Intermediate
PDT20005 Principles and Practice of Pedorthics I Intermediate
PDT20002 Orthoses and Bracing Intermediate
BIO20002 Biomechanics of Gait Intermediate
PDT30002 Lower Limb Medicine I Advanced
PDT20006 Principles and Practice of Pedorthics II Intermediate
PDT20004 Lower Limb Assessment Intermediate Note 1
PDT30003 Lower Limb Medicine II Advanced
PDT73005 Pedorthics Clinical Placement I Advanced Note 1
PDT73006 Pedorthics Clinical Placement II Advanced Note 1
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
PDT30001 Management and Treatment of the High Risk Foot Intermediate
PDT73007 Pedorthics Clinical Placement III Advanced Note 1