Welcome to the Podiatry Arena forums

You are currently viewing our podiatry forum as a guest which gives you limited access to view all podiatry discussions and access our other features. By joining our free global community of Podiatrists and other interested foot health care professionals you will have access to post podiatry topics (answer and ask questions), communicate privately with other members, upload content, view attachments, receive a weekly email update of new discussions, access other special features. Registered users do not get displayed the advertisements in posted messages. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our global Podiatry community today!

  1. Have you considered the Clinical Biomechanics Boot Camp Online, for taking it to the next level? See here for more.
    Dismiss Notice
Dismiss Notice
Have you considered the Clinical Biomechanics Boot Camp Online, for taking it to the next level? See here for more.
Dismiss Notice
Have you liked us on Facebook to get our updates? Please do. Click here for our Facebook page.
Dismiss Notice
Do you get the weekly newsletter that Podiatry Arena sends out to update everybody? If not, click here to organise this.

Best Universities in the South for Podiatry

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by ProspectivePod, Jul 16, 2014.

  1. ProspectivePod

    ProspectivePod Active Member


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    Hi,

    I'm new on Podiatry Arena, only just signed up but have been reading regularly as a guest before deciding to take the plunge.

    I signed up primarily because I have a question that I haven't been able to find a real answer to, that question being... what universities in the south of the UK are good for podiatry? More specifically, Southampton or Brighton?

    Firstly I know based on research that all degrees for podiatry have to meet the same standards and criteria for the HPC etc. However, each university will inevitably have its own teaching styles, emphasis on interest areas and approach to practical skills and clinical teaching (I'm guessing this is the case anyway).

    Ultimately, I'm between both Southampton and Eastbourne and ideally would like to study at one of these institutions. The only problem is that whilst information on the podiatry course at Brighton has been relatively easy to uncover, the same cannot be said for Southampton.
    The only information I have been able to gleam, primarily from PodArena is that Southampton is very much focused upon research. Is there anybody here that perhaps studied at Southampton, and as such can possibly give me an idea to how the podiatry degree course is taught?

    To give people here some background, I'm quite academic and really enjoy learning the theory side of subjects. Despite this I also enjoy being practical and hands on. With regards to a university I guess I'm looking for somewhere with a balance between the two, one that challenges its students both academically and practically. I'm sure realistically all podiatry degrees (and vocational degrees for that matter) do this, it's just obviously university choices are important and I want to make a choice that's right based on both my future goals and learning style.

    Sorry for the novel, brevity is not my strong suit. If anyone can help I would truly appreciate it. Thanks in advance from a 19 year old (hopeful) pod student to be.

    Ash :D
     
  2. cmatt

    cmatt Member

    I went to Southampton. I found it difficult to choose between the two, I decided on the experiences I had when I visited both institutions.

    From speaking to Brighton students, they seem to spend some time in their own in-house clinic and do some external placements. At Southampton we did all our clinical work externally in local (and some further afield NHS trusts). I think that approach suited me quite well, but it was quite daunting in the first year going into NHS clinics with very limited skills. You are very carefully supervised, and they don't expect too much initially, allowing you the time to build your skills. By third year I actually felt pretty good about my skills, and most trusts make you feel part of the team.

    The lectures vary in the way they are delivered. Much of your anatomy and physiology is taught alongside the physio and OT students, with additional foot and ankle specific sessions for the Pods. Then your basic clinical skills are taught in the skills labs at uni. Podiatry specific pathology and management is taught throughout the 3 years by the Podiatry lecturers and some fantastic guest lecturers.

    As you are 19, you may find that Southampton can offer you a better University experience, being part of a large University means easier access to university facilities and societies, as well as the socialising that goes with it. I'm pretty sure Eastbourne is a much quieter place to be.

    If you have any specific questions PM me and I will do my best to answer.
     
  3. ProspectivePod

    ProspectivePod Active Member

    Thank you cmatt for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it.
    It's great to get some insight from someone who's studied there, particularly as information for Southampton's podiatry course is difficult to find anywhere outside of their website.
    I'll definitely keep what you've said in mind and if I have any questions I'll be sure to PM you.
    Thanks again. :D
     
  4. Rob Kidd

    Rob Kidd Well-Known Member

    They are both good. Rob
     
  5. Jvm620

    Jvm620 Member

    As a prospective employer, my suggestion would be go to the place where you will get the most clinical experience. we are finding that new graduates who have only done NHS clinical placements only see what the NHS treats i.e. They don't see the wider range of patients treated in private practice - verruca patients for instance, we are also finding that new graduates may have only 'done' nail surgery once but will have observed several. If you are thinking of applying for jobs in private practice when you graduate you will need maximum clinical experience.

    If the university has in house clinics you will see a wider range of patients & therefore a wider range of foot disorders & patient types.

    Julie
     
  6. ProspectivePod

    ProspectivePod Active Member

    Thank you Julie, always good to get some insight from employers in the field. With regards to the clinic side of things I feel that's where I'm struggling.

    Brighton look great in that they have their own in house clinics and patient contact starts relatively early on in the studies, Southampton on the other hand doesn't from what I can tell. Then again Southampton ensure that their students get clinical experience both within NHS and private practice environments. I'm not sure this is the case with Brighton.

    I'll definitely be sure to keep everything said here in mind, this site is a great resource :)
    Hopefully gaining some work experience in the field as well as going to the open days will help me make a better decision. I just have a feeling it's not going to be an easy one!

    Many thanks everyone.
     
Loading...

Share This Page