Why Study Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) at AUT?

• AUT is the only university in New Zealand offering a podiatry degree.
• Accredited programme leading to eligibility for professional registration.
• Extensive clinical placements throughout the programme.
• Purpose-built podiatry clinic and surgical theatre on campus.
• Opportunities to perform minor surgical procedures under supervision.
• Strong focus on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning.
• Learn from experienced podiatrists, clinicians and researchers.
• Excellent employment opportunities in public and private healthcare.
• Qualification recognised internationally in several countries.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of 360 points completed over three years.

Year 1

Semester 1

• Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
• Te Tiriti Ora
• Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice
• Understanding Human Body Systems

Semester 2

• Integrated Human Body Systems
• Musculoskeletal Podiatry
• Podiatry Clinical Practice I

Students begin supervised clinical experience in AUT's podiatry clinic.

Year 2

Students continue developing clinical and professional skills through subjects such as:

• Podiatry Clinical Practice II
• Contemporary Pathology
• Paediatric Podiatry
• Sports Podiatry
• Clinical Musculoskeletal Assessment
• Lower Limb Rehabilitation
• Transition to Podiatry Practice

Year 3

The final year focuses on:

• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Extended Clinical Placements
• Professional Practice
• High-Risk Foot Management
• Public and Private Healthcare Practice
• Interprofessional Healthcare

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study:

• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Lower Limb Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal Assessment
• Sports Podiatry
• Paediatric Podiatry
• High-Risk Foot Care
• Diabetes Management
• Wound Care
• Clinical Podiatry
• Foot Orthoses
• Minor Surgical Procedures
• Pathology
• Rehabilitation
• Clinical Reasoning
• Professional Practice
• Health Promotion

Clinical Education

Clinical learning is a major component of the programme.

Students complete placements in:

• AUT Integrated Health Podiatry Clinic
• Public hospitals
• Primary Health Organisations
• Private podiatry clinics
• Community healthcare settings
• Sports medicine clinics

Disciplines / Areas of Practice

Graduates develop expertise in:

• General Podiatry
• Sports Podiatry
• Musculoskeletal Podiatry
• Diabetic Foot Care
• High-Risk Foot Management
• Paediatric Podiatry
• Older Adult Foot Care
• Lower Limb Rehabilitation
• Foot Biomechanics
• Orthotic Therapy

Programme Highlights

• New Zealand's only university podiatry degree.
• Professionally accredited qualification.
• Three-year, 360-point bachelor's degree.
• Purpose-built podiatry clinic and surgical theatre.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements.
• Strong emphasis on practical learning.
• Internationally recognised qualification.
• Excellent graduate employability.
• Pathway to postgraduate podiatry study and research.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Podiatrist*
• Sports Podiatrist
• High-Risk Foot Specialist
• Diabetes Foot Care Clinician
• Community Podiatrist
• Hospital Podiatrist
• Private Practice Podiatrist
• Foot Biomechanics Specialist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Clinical Educator (with experience)

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Applications for the 2026 intake have closed, with the next intake commencing on 22 February 2027.
• AUT is the only university in New Zealand offering this degree.
• Students must meet the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and Children's Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance where applicable.
• Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT's clinic are compulsory.
• Students receive hands-on experience in AUT's dedicated podiatry clinic and purpose-built surgical theatre, including supervised minor surgical procedures.