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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Doctor of Podiatric Surgery

  • Doctorate (PhD)

This course provides theoretical and clinical knowledge in podiatric surgery to an advanced level. The Doctor of Podiatric Surgery (DPS) is a 5-year part-time postgraduate course for registered general podiatrists wishing to become podiatric surgeons.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Course Code
91830

About this course

The Doctor of Podiatric Surgery (DPS) is a 5-year part-time postgraduate course for registered general podiatrists wishing to become podiatric surgeons. The course provides theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in podiatric surgery, as well as advanced research skills, beyond the entry-level podiatry degrees with the aim to produce graduates committed to the wellbeing of the patient, community and society as an accountable, responsible, lifelong learning, caring, safe and competent podiatric surgeon. The outcome, content and teaching conducted in this program are based on five domains to produce a: 1) podiatric surgeon, 2) professional and ethical practitioner, 3) communicator and collaborator, 4) lifelong learner and 5) quality and risk manager. The structure and duration of the course has been careful planned as two streams, surgical and research streams, which run concurrently for the majority of the program. This is to ensure students are taught progressively with adequate time to consolidate surgical critical thinking skills, hands-on surgical skills and develop high-quality research skills. The first year of the surgical coursework stream focuses on foundation topics such as body systems, pharmacology, foot and ankle pathology, interpretation of medical imaging as well as scheduled medicines and their use in podiatric surgery. The mode of delivery is predominantly online with lectures, tutorials and seminars. The research stream introduces the students to foundations in biostatics, qualitative methods and clinical epidemiology with aims to develop ideas for a research project. In Year 2, under the surgical coursework stream, students undertake units that assist with their transition to the surgical learning environment. These units cover theoretical knowledge of surgical procedures, theatre etiquette, perioperative as well as therapeutic management of the patient. Learning is integrated with clinical workshops, early clinical experiences in live theatre as well as small group tutorials, lectures, laboratories and seminars. Transitioning from Year 2 to 3, students are on placements during the summer break to ensure clinical exposure is uninterrupted during their training. The research stream embarks the student on their research project whereby a thorough literature review, proposal and ethics application is produced. Year 3, as part of the surgical coursework stream, students undertake placements in tertiary hospitals, surgical clinics and surgical theatres to develop their skills in communication, patient assessment, therapeutics, pre-operative workup, postoperative care as well as basic surgical skills and procedures. This is integrated with reflective logbooks, case studies, oral presentations, clinical workshops, lectures and seminars. Transitioning from Year 3 to 4, students are on placements during the summer break to ensure clinical exposure is uninterrupted during their training. The research stream is a continuation of the research project with elements of an ongoing research diary, oral presentation/s as well as abstract and preliminary article writing. In Year 4, the surgical coursework stream is a continuation to develop and progress surgical skills and critical thinking. In addition to content taught prior, students continue to undertake placements focusing on patient selection, surgical procedure selection with reasoning, therapeutics, communication and intermediate surgical procedures. This too is integrated with reflective logbooks, case studies, oral presentations, clinical workshops, lectures and seminars. Transition from Year 4 to 5, students are on placements during the summer break to ensure clinical exposure is uninterrupted during their training. The research stream comes to an end midway through Year 4, whereby students are expected to produce a high quality dissertation. The final year of study solely focuses on the surgical coursework stream. As students are becoming high critical thinkers by this stage, building on the skills taught previously, the program focuses on developing skills in complex patient management, the deteriorating patient, post-operative complications, therapeutics and advanced surgical procedures. Although the research stream finishes in Year 4, the student is encouraged to publish their research in a relevant high quality journal. The program is currently undergoing accreditation with our national regulator, and pending a successful accreditation result, students will be able to register and practice as podiatrists.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

If you're interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) an entry to practice General Podiatry degree or equivalent recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA);
and
(b) unrestricted current registration as a General Podiatrist in Australia*;
and
(c) at least two years of relevant professional experience outlined in a curriculum vitae, including a cover letter
* applicants must remain registered for the duration of the course
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) an entry to practice General Podiatry degree or equivalent recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA);
and
(b) unrestricted current registration as a General Podiatrist in Australia*;
and
(c) at least two years of relevant professional experience outlined in a curriculum vitae, including a cover letter
* applicants must remain registered for the duration of the course
Ranking and Selection Process
Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
(a) a structured interview in which eligible applicants will be assessed based on the attributes and background considered desirable in podiatric surgery;
and
(b) the intake quota for that year;
and
(c) a selection score determined by the interview score, curriculum vitae, and weighted average mark of the general podiatry degree
Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
(a) a structured interview in which eligible applicants will be assessed based on the attributes and background considered desirable in podiatric surgery;
and
(b) the intake quota for that year;
and
(c) a selection score determined by the interview score, curriculum vitae, and weighted average mark of the general podiatry degree

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

Career pathways

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways
It is anticipated graduates will be eligible for registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia as a podiatric surgeon.Graduates will be eligible to work in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Career Pathways It is anticipated graduates will be eligible for registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia as a podiatric surgeon.Graduates will be eligible to work in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Further Study
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Further Study Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)