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Course Overview
The aim of the Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) program is to provide high quality tertiary education involving extensive theoretical and clinical experience that will develop graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to commence practice as a podiatrist.
Career Information
Podiatrists work in both urban and rural areas such as in public and private hospitals; community welfare, health services (including public health), research and development, and private practice.
| Duration | 4 years full-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 192 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | Each unit at this level, typically requires 144 hours of student commitment over a period of 12 weeks. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BPodiatry Practice (Hons) |
| AQF Level | Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2014
International Availability
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2014
| Rank Threshold | SR 70 | ATAR 70 |
A GPA of 5.5 or more over all courses by end of term 2 Year 2.
Recommendation from the discipline lead that the student demonstrates the ability and maturity to undertake a challenging extended research pathway
Student commitment to an allocated interprofessional research project topic.
Availability of suitable supervisors. Should there be a limit on this availability the highest performing students will receive first offers.
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
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| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
| Optional Residential School | Students who select to study some courses via distance education may be required to attend compulsory residential schools. |
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| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| - Students are required to complete extensive clinical placement. Refer to More Details for further information. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 25 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Conduct Policy and Procedures, and the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating integrity in academic, professional and clinical experience settings.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Conduct Policy and Procedures, and the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating integrity in academic, professional and clinical experience settings.
Examples are:
- Being reflective on personal behaviour appropriate for professional performance and being receptive to constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
- Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations.
- Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the clinical environment.
Examples are:
- Understanding and complying with all relevant policies and procedures applicable to your health profession.
- Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
- Recognising and positively responding to any legal compliance issues that arise and bringing them to the attention of the appropriate stakeholders.
- Complying with the policies of clinical facilities e.g. vaccination requirements and obtaining a working with children check ("Blue Card").
- Complying with the requirements for student registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
- Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
- Communicating effectively during practice, and responding appropriately to requests from clients, supervisors and other health professionals, in the clinical setting.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as clinical environments.
- Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of personal space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and professional requirements.
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, as well as other software such as Microsoft Office relevant to your course of study or workplace.
- Using sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that includes participating in on-line forums, completing relevant on-line assessments and/or responding to emails.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and applying appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Applying evidence based practice, policies and procedures in professional practice.
- Producing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, in accordance with appropriate academic conventions such as being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in professional practice.
- Producing accurate, concise and clear Health Professions and Human Services documentation which meets legal requirements.
- Demonstrating competency in applying sufficient mathematics knowledge and skills in prescribing adaptive equipment that correctly meets client measurement requirements e.g. in the provision of assistive technologies.
- Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record accurate measurements in client notes.
- Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of educational and professional settings.
Examples are:
- Observing and detecting subtle changes in posture, movement and the ability to perform functional activities during assessment and treatment.
- Safely operating electronic equipment e.g. splinting equipment - heat guns, mobile ultrasound and mobile stimulator units.
- Using sufficient auditory capacity to monitor, assess and manage a patient's needs consistently and accurately, including engaging appropriately to a client's responses during an assessment.
- Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
- Detecting changes in circulation e.g. temperature.
- Detecting anatomical or movement abnormalities e.g. palpating joints, muscles and soft tissues.
Examples are:
- Demonstrating the skills of collaborating with fellow students and colleagues, modifying and reflecting on practice, or modifying and reflecting on work in response to supervisor feedback.
- Rapidly building rapport with colleagues and stakeholders in order to engage them in effective emergency services practice, for example during difficult situations and crises situations.
- Critically self-reflecting on situations that may/may not have gone well, and take the learning point(s) from that situation.
- Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in emergency services practice in a respectful and culturally competent manner in a wide variety of contexts.
Examples are:
- Reflecting on topics taught during the course of study, including on situations that may be difficult or sensitive, yet still require reflective processing, judgement or action.
- Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise.
- Identifying when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions.
- Appropriately and actively participating in activities related to the course of study and professional experience.
- Undertaking examinations and on-line quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
- Performing the required physical and mental energy and endurance the tasks and duties in Health Profession and Human Services practice.
Examples are:
- Maintaining your own and client's balance simultaneously.
- Providing client support when transferring and mobilising individuals in a safe manner.
- Evaluating clients who have varying physical capacities e.g. those who are positioned on plinths and hospital beds, on mats on the floor, on chairs and when standing, in a safe and effective manner.
- Performing assessment techniques e.g. evaluation of foot sensation and joint movement.
- Performing treatment techniques e.g. fabricating splints, fine motor skills requiring use of podiatry equipment for treatment of foot pathologies e.g. use of nail cutters to cut nails, and the use of the scalpel handle and scalpel blade for debridement of skin lesions.
Examples are:
- Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Using a variety of computer programs to analyse, manipulate and display scientific information applicable to your course of study.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security, and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements may include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Respirator mask fit testing is also an annual requirement for this course.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations within and outside of Queensland may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. Students must ensure they meet all Mandatory Checks described in Sonia. Failure to meet an organisation’s vaccination requirements may result in delays in completing required placements.
Mandatory security requirements may include an Australian Federal Police clearance, working with children check, and NDIS worker screening clearance.
Other mandatory requirements may include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
- 1. Demonstrate an up-to-date and extensive knowledge of podiatry
- 2. Practice podiatry within the scope of the profession
- 3. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- 4. Investigate, analyse and improve ongoing clinical and professional practice
- 5. Integrate knowledge, skills and professional attitudes through the use of clinical evidence and reasoning in providing patient centred care
- 6. Work independantly and collaboratively
- 7. Incorporate social responsibility for primary health care and respect for diversity
- 8. Commit to a lifelong learning approach to professional life
- 9. Develop deep knowledge of contemporary research methodologies used in allied health
- 10. Acquire deep understanding of a particular topic or clinical problem as it is articulated in the professional literature
- 11. Demonstrate capacity to apply ethical standards and practice within research activities
- 12. Engage in practical data collection, data management and data analysis tasks
- 13. Apply critical thinking and reflective practice in the analysis and interpretation of research results to develop new understanding of topic or problem
- 14. Demonstrate capacity to engage in research communication via discussions with supervisors, in formal presentations and in written reports
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods | ||||||||||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence | ||||||||||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas | ||||||||||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding | ||||||||||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have technical skills to design and use research in a project | ||||||||||||||
| 6. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences | ||||||||||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||||||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||||||||||
| 9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||||||||||
| 10. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence | ||||||||||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||||||||||
- Complete the core structure
| Number of units: 31 | Total credit points: 192 |
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Students enrolled in CB-86 Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) Program will complete the same clinical requirements in terms of clinical assessment and clinical placement hours as per the Pass Program - CK23 Bachelor of Podiatry Practice. Students enrolled in CB-86 Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) Program will however be assessed differently to the Pass Program in terms of the research components and related coursework required to achieve the designated learning outcomes in each of the stated courses and in line with AQF Level 8 Criteria.
Podiatry Clinical Practice 3(Honours); Podiatry Clinical Practice 4(Honours) and Podiatry Clinical Practice 5(Honours).
NOTE: Please contact your Program Advisor prior to enrolling in the below courses.
| Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ALLH11001 | Introduction to Allied Health Practice | |
| HLTH11027 | Foundations of Health | |
| ALLH11005 | Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals 1 | |
| PSYC11010 | Fundamentals of Psychology 1: Understanding Human Behaviour | |
| Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| HLTH11029 | Health Promotion Concepts | |
| MEDI11004 | Professional Practice | |
| ALLH11004 | Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals 2 | |
| PSYC11009 | Fundamentals of Psychology 2: Psychological Literacy | |
| Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ALLH12008 | Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics | |
| PODI12006 | Fundamentals of Pre-Clinical Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI12007 | Gerontology in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI12008 | Introductory Pharmacology and Microbiology in Podiatry Practice | |
| Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ALLH12006 | Evidence Based Practice for Health Professionals | |
| ALLH12007 | Research Methods for Health Professionals | |
| PODI12009 | Podiatry Clinical Practice 1 | |
| PODI12010 | Advanced Anatomy and Podiatric Biomechanics | |
| Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| PODI13007 | Podiatry Clinical Practice 2 | |
| PODI13008 | Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Limb | |
| PODI13009 | Neurovascular Medicine in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI13010 | Sports in Podiatry Practice | |
| Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| PODI13011 | Podiatry Clinical Practice 3 | |
| PODI13012 | Paediatrics in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI13014 | Diabetes in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI13015 | Advanced Pharmacology for Podiatry Practice | |
| Year 4 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| PODI14008 | Podiatry Clinical Practice 4 | |
| PODI14009 | Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI14010 | High-Risk Foot and Chronic Wound Care | |
| PODI14014 | Surgery in Podiatry Practice | |
| Year 4 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| PODI14011 | Complex Cases in Podiatry Practice | |
| PODI14012 | Podiatry Clinical Practice 5 | |
| PODI14013 | Professional Podiatry Practice | |
Work Integrated Learning and Clinical Experience
The Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) course involves extensive training in a clinical environment. Practical learning experiences are central to the course with students needing to complete approximately 1000 hours of clinical placement in order to complete their degree. Students will undertake internal placement at the newly established on-site allied health clinic and their external placement will occur in a variety of settings.
Students must comply with the mandatory pre-clinical placement requirements prior to undertaking placement. Students must show evidence of:
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A current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate that includes management of anaphylaxis and use of an Automated External Defibrillator. In accordance with the Podiatry Board of Australia and to meet the registration requirement for CPR, the certificate of attainment must list one of the following units or training packages (HLTCPR201B; HLTFA201B; HLTFA301C; HLTFA302B; HLTFA402C; HLTFA403B; HLTFA404B).
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Hepatitis B Vaccination and Immunity.
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Hold a current ‘Working with Children' certification Blue Card
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Criminal History Check
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All Queensland Health Student Clinical Placements require students to provide a signed copy of QLD Health Student Deed Poll, Privacy & Consent, Student Orientation Checklist and Placement Requirements Form.
Application for Credit Transfer
Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies undertaken equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.
You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. Or, in some courses you can apply for electives outside of CQUniversity range of units. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years old, you may not be eligible to apply for this as credit.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.