Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
Studying podiatry develops your skills and clinical reasoning to work as a podiatrist in both the private and public sectors. AUT is the only university in New Zealand where you can study a podiatry degree.
Podiatry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of common conditions affecting the lower limb and foot. After successfully completing AUT's podiatry degree, you can apply to register as a podiatrist in New Zealand and overseas.
Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT’s on-campus podiatry clinic are a key part of this programme. These placements are your chance to experience all aspects of a podiatrist’s caseload, and a great networking opportunity. You can practise and perform minor surgical procedures in AUT’s purpose-built surgical theatre.
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Minimum entry requirements
If you have New Zealand qualifications
- University Entrance or equivalent
- Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children’s Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance
Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
If you have qualifications from another country
See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.
Useful New Zealand school subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Health, Physical Education, Psychology, Science, Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Statistics, Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL504 Lifespan Development and Communication (15 points)
- HEAL505 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (15 points)
- HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
- HEAL507 Health and Environment (15 points) OR MAOH501 Hauora Māori (15 points)
In the first semester all students study the same four courses (HEAL504, HEAL505, HEAL506 and HEAL507) to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students. You can study these four courses at the North Campus, South Campus or online.
Instead of the course HEAL507 Health and Environment you can also study MAOH501 Hauora Māori and Environment, but do note that this is an on-campus course and you’ll have to attend your classes in person.
Semester 2 courses
- HEAL609 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (15 points)
- PODY601 Musculoskeletal Podiatry (30 points)
- PODY602 Podiatry Clinical Practice I (15 points)
In Semester 2, you're introduced to clinical practice in the AUT podiatry clinic, involving a mix of practical and academic work, in preparation for working with patients in your second year.
Year 2
You undertake clinical practice, focusing on clinical podiatry techniques, and under supervision begin to treat patients at AUT Integrated Health’s podiatry clinic. You explore contemporary concepts in pathology, and the management of paediatric and sports conditions, expanding on the theory introduced in Year 1 including anatomy, physiology and clinical musculoskeletal assessment.
Complete a full-year course
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
- PODY603 Podiatric Pathology (15 points)
- PODY604 Muskuloskeletal Podiatry II (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice (15 points)
- PODY706 Paediatric and Sports Podiatry (30 points)
Year 3
In the final year you study rheumatology, diabetes management and podiatric imaging. You develop clinical decision-making skills to become an independent practitioner. Clinical placements provide you with the opportunity to explore chronic podiatric medical conditions, lower limb musculoskeletal conditions and podiatric surgery.
Complete a full-year course
Semester 1 courses
- PODY605 Te Mate Huka: Diabetes Management in Aotearoa (15 points)
- PODY606 Podiatric Rheumatology (15 points)
- PODY705 Podiatric Medical Imaging (15 points)
Semester 2 course
Workplace experience in the podiatry degree
Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT’s on-campus podiatry clinic are a key part of this programme.
Your final year ends with an extended placement in private practice, the public sector and AUT’s clinical facility, exposing you to a wide range of interprofessional clinical environments.
Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
Workplace experience in AUT programmes
Study planner for this programme
Download our study planner to see what your studies could look like in the Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry).
Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) study planner
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
To work as a podiatrist you need to hold a degree in podiatry and be registered by the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand. Qualified New Zealand podiatrists are able to practise in Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Podiatrists practise privately or in public health, and in specialised areas. Podiatrists work with a range of people and issues:
- Sports podiatry – involves working with the novice to the professional athlete to prevent, manage and rehabilitate sports-related injuries
- High-risk foot – involves managing populations with diabetes and rheumatological conditions
- Older adult podiatry – involves the promotion of health and management of long-term conditions that affect the lower limb and foot
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other undergraduate study options
- Bachelor of Health Science
- Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational therapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology conjoint programmes
Postgraduate study options
($7,726 - $8,381 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
($42,200 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
- Fees-free study may be available for domestic students
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.