School leavers

Career guidance for school leavers entering podiatry

If you are leaving school soon, now is the perfect time to start thinking about a career in podiatry. Podiatrists are in high demand in the UK and the profession offers almost certain employment. You will be taken on fascinating learning journey as you help to keep the population pain free. 

The skills you need 

Being a good podiatrist is not just about your academic achievements. Key skills that podiatrists need are: 

• Being a good listener
• Having a caring nature
• Effective communication skills
• An ability to solve problems 
• Creativity
• Being a team player
• Having an analytical mind.

When picking subjects to study to access a podiatry degree, you may wish to consider: 

• English language
• Maths 
• Biology

Whilst GCSEs, A Levels and Highers are the route most people will take before university, there are many other accepted qualifications.  

Find the university and course of your choice to learn more about how your skills and qualifications fit into the application process. 

How to study

There are a few different ways in which you can qualify as a podiatrist. The options are: 

• As a full-time student at university – gaining a BSc (Hons) degree over three years (four years in Scotland and Ireland)
• Earning your degree via an apprenticeship - you work in the NHS or a private practice as an assistant whilst you study
• Some universities offer the degree as a part-time study option over a longer period. 

Where to study 

There are 15 schools of podiatry that have been accredited by the Royal College of Podiatry and the Health and Care Professions Council, commonly known as the HCPC (the regulatory body for podiatrists).  

What does it cost to study?  

Did you know that by choosing to study podiatry you may be eligible for a non-repayable grant of at least £6,000 each year towards your tuition fees? The average tuition fee is £9,250 per year. Financial support varies depending on which part of the UK you study in and where you lived prior to starting your degree. 

• You can find out more about tuition fees on the UCAS website
• You can find out more about what funding is available here
• Download NHS Financial support for healthcare students 2023/24

What can I earn as a podiatrist 

After you qualify, you can expect to earn a minimum of an NHS Band 5 salary. This varies depending on where you work in the UK. It is approximately £30,000 per year for a full-time role. Starting salaries for new graduates in the private sector are also around this figure.  

No matter which sector you work in, employers also offer additional employment benefits, including pension payments, opportunities for continued training and lifestyle perks. 

You may choose to become an entrepreneur and set up your own business. A successful business owner with multiple staff and clinics can earn more than £80,000 a year depending on their business model.

Looking for some experience before you apply? 

Many podiatry teams are happy to welcome prospective students into the workplace to show them just how amazing podiatry is. Reach out to your local NHS team or private practice to find out if they have work shadowing opportunities available. 

Is there anything else I can do to prepare for a career in podiatry?

Podiatrists will often work alongside a support workforce. Read about podiatry assistants and the work they do in the NHS here. It's a great way to start working in foot health before you start your formal training.