The University of Stirling is launching two new healthcare courses in response to the growing demand for podiatry and physiotherapy staff in Scotland.

The new MSc Podiatry and MSc Physiotherapy courses have a planned start date of September 2025,* with applications now open online.

The two-year pre-registration Masters courses have been created in conjunction with the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership – the first formal collaboration between a health board, university and college in Scotland – which aims to improve patient care and treatment for communities across the Forth Valley region and surrounding area. Both courses provide the opportunity to gain practical experience through clinical placements.

Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “There’s currently a significant shortage of both podiatrists and physiotherapists across Scotland and more broadly in the UK. We are committed to developing, in partnership with local NHS boards, the next generation of healthcare professionals who have the skills and experience required to make a difference and to practice in an increasingly complex and changing healthcare landscape.

“Stirling is well placed to deliver this ambition drawing upon its existing reputation in sport, health and exercise science, healthy ageing, sustainability and public health.”

Professor Pauline Beirne, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Allied Health Professions, said: “I am delighted that these new courses are now being delivered locally within Forth Valley. There are lots of opportunities and a wide variety of roles available in both professions so hopefully these new courses will encourage students from many diverse backgrounds to consider careers in both physiotherapy and podiatry.”

On completion of the programmes graduates will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and associated professional bodies – the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and Royal College of Podiatry.

Two special live online presentations and Q&A sessions, led by the relevant course director, will take place in November for anyone interested in finding out more.

MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) Webinar will take place on Tuesday, 12 November at 4pm. To sign up, visit: https://www.bigmarker.com/student-support/MSc-Physiotherapy-pre-registration-Webinar-at-the-University-of-Stirling?show_live_page=true

MSc Podiatry (pre-registration) Webinar is on Monday, 18 November at 4pm. Book you place here: https://www.bigmarker.com/student-support/MSc-Podiatry-pre-registration-Webinar?show_live_page=true