TWO new healthcare courses have been launched at the University of Stirling, designed to help meet growing demand for staff in Scotland.

The University will now allow students to take up a masters of science in both podiatry and physiotherapy.

Starting from September 2025, the courses have been created in conjunction with the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership, which aims to improve patient care and treatment for communities in Forth Valley.

These courses have been brought into Stirling University to address a shortage of staff within those two fields.

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 development, 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.”

The Masters courses will run for two-years at the university, a product of the first formal collaboration between a health board, university and college in Scotland.

Clinical placements and practical experience will play key roles in the courses, allowing students to gain in-field learning.

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 the Royal College of Podiatry.

Professor Pauline Beirne, director of allied health professions at NHS Forth Valley, added: “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.”

Two online presentations and Q&A sessions will be taking place next month for any interested students or parties.

For the physiotherapy course, the session will be on Tuesday, November 12 at 4pm and can be signed up for at https://www.bigmarker.com/student-support/MSc-Physiotherapy-pre-registration-Webinar-at-the-University-of-Stirling?show_live_page=true.

The podiatry course will be held on Monday, November 18 and places can be booked at https://www.bigmarker.com/student-support/MSc-Podiatry-pre-registration-Webinar?show_live_page=true.