Student finds her feet at university thanks to GCU’s podiatry course

An Undergraduate student has been explaining why others should consider studying a degree in podiatry at GCU.

Having previously studied medicine and chemistry at the University of Glasgow, Rebecca Hall started on the BSc (Hons) Podiatry course in 2022 and is now fully settled into life at GCU.

We sat down with Rebecca to hear about her decision to study in the heart of Glasgow, to find out what makes the course so special, and why there are so many opportunities – both at home and abroad - for podiatry students.

Choosing podiatry

"I had actually already attempted two degrees before coming to GCU. I always knew I’d wanted to do healthcare and originally started by studying medicine for two years at The University of Glasgow. I started in 2017, but it just wasn’t for me. I felt the course was too broad and I didn’t think there was enough patient contact time. I switched from that and studied chemistry for a short time but left during covid – online learning just wasn’t for me. I then took a year out to work full-time and figure out what it was I actually wanted to do. I eventually narrowed it down to optometry or podiatry; opposite ends of the body but both interested me!"

"My parents have previously had issues with their feet so I think that was what swayed me towards studying podiatry. Another big factor was that podiatry gives you the most patient contact time of any medical profession – it’s usually an average of half an hour, which means you actually get to sit down and talk to them. I really like the social aspect of it and particularly enjoy chatting to the older patients."

Studying at GCU

"I wouldn’t say I was actually that nervous when I started studying here. The only thing that was daunting would have been having to get used to anatomy – it’s like learning a different language because it’s all in Latin! No-one would ever make fun of you for struggling with it though – there’s no such things as a daft question and everyone wants to help each other out here.

"The support students get at GCU is nothing short of incredible – it actually feels like the staff want to talk to me! If ever I’m having difficulties then there is always someone I can discuss it with – all the teaching staff are brilliant."

"Another benefit is that the campus itself is enclosed but it doesn’t feel cramped at all. Everything was so spread out when I was at University of Glasgow, but if I’ve only got a five-minute window here to get to another class then it’s not an issue.

"I live in Glasgow Southside now, so it’s so easy to commute as well. I get the train to Central and then just walk up – it couldn’t be simpler. Studying in the city centre is perfect because you can just finish your class and then do a bit of shopping if you’re having to wait on your train."

Placement

"Placement tends to be a really important part of any health degree. We had a general placement in a dementia day centre during the opening Trimester of first year. In week seven of the Trimester B, we had a placement at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital which was two days over the course of the term with a five-day block placement at the end. We were just paired up at the start and got to watch the practice educators work with the patient, but the block placement gave us the opportunity to interact with patients individually.

"A massive bonus with placement is that if you don’t feel comfortable doing something then the practice educator is always there to step in and help. They always make sure to take things slow and properly explain what they’re doing and why they’re doing it - it’s massively important to have that support as a student."

Society

"Another benefit of studying at GCU is that we actually recently restarted the GCU Podiatry Society. I was part of the team that pulled it back together because it stopped during covid. We’re looking at hosting a Podiatry Ball in May, but we’re still confirming the date. It’s been great to be on the committee as the secretary and get that experience of helping organise different things.

"We’re also looking at setting up some educational socials - we’re thinking about doing anatomy-based nights. It’s still early days but the good thing about societies is that it allows you to interact with students from different years. I’ve got friends in third and fourth year who are basically able to give me an insight into what to expect in the years ahead – it’s definitely helpful."

International opportunities

I did consider moving abroad once I complete my degree but I’m not sure yet. I probably see myself staying in Scotland.

I know Australia are really needing podiatrists so that might be tempting for a lot of people! GCU actually has a partnership with La Trobe University in Melbourne. I thought about going but it’s not going to work out in terms of my personal life. A few of my friends are actually in the process of applying just now and it seems like a really good set-up, especially given the fact you can get funding for it. Again this is another incredible opportunity students can get if they choose to study here."

Career options

"There are so many different avenues you can go down as a qualified podiatrist, and you don’t just have to stick to one either! There’s a lot of opportunities out there in sports and you can also choose to work privately or for the NHS. I actually know quite a few practice educators who work a few days privately and then work with the NHS on the others – it all seems to be really flexible. I definitely want to work in the NHS because you get a lot more interesting cases around things like wound care and musculoskeletal problems.

"I’m excited for what’s to come and I definitely know I made the right choice to study podiatry at GCU!"

Find out more about GCU's BSc (Hons) Podiatry course here

By Ross Clark      
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter