Prosthetics and Orthotics BSc
Study of how to design, create, and fit artificial limbs and supportive devices - combining healthcare, engineering, and biomechanics to help people regain movement and independence.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Problem-solver
Manually skilled
Patient-centered
Technical precision
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Healthcare & Public Health
Engineering & Construction
Government & Public Sector
Research & Academia
Is this for you?
Prosthetics and Orthotics BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to design, create, and fit artificial limbs and supportive devices - combining healthcare, engineering, and biomechanics to help people regain movement and independence.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is a Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree?
Prosthetics and Orthotics focuses on restoring and improving movement for people with limb loss, injury, or disability. You’ll learn to assess patients, design and manufacture assistive devices, and support rehabilitation using both medical science and technology.
Why Study Prosthetics and Orthotics?
If you’re interested in healthcare and enjoy hands-on technical work, this degree offers a unique mix of science, design, and patient care. You’ll work directly with people, helping them move confidently and live independently using custom-made prosthetic and orthotic solutions.
Most Prosthetics and Orthotics degrees cover:
Human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
Materials science and device design
Computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing
Rehabilitation and gait analysis
Clinical assessment and patient care
Professional ethics and multidisciplinary teamwork
Research and evidence-based practice
Later in your degree, you may specialise in areas such as sports prosthetics, paediatric orthotics, or rehabilitation technology.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BSc (Hons) — both lead to registration as a Prosthetist/Orthotist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Patient Assessment – evaluating mobility, gait, limb function, and clinical needs.
Device Design & Fabrication – creating custom prosthetic and orthotic devices using biomechanics principles.
Biomechanical Analysis – understanding forces, movement, and alignment to optimise device performance.
Technical Problem-Solving – adapting and adjusting devices for comfort, function, and support.
Clinical Communication – working closely with patients and healthcare teams to deliver personalised care.
A-levels or equivalent including at least one Science (Biology, Physics, or Design Technology preferred). Some universities prefer two Sciences or Science plus Maths.
Explain your interest in healthcare, design, and problem-solving.
Mention any relevant experience in health, engineering, or volunteering.
Highlight teamwork, communication, and creativity.
Show understanding of how prosthetics and orthotics transform lives.
Universities may also hold interviews or assessment days with practical or scenario-based questions.
The Body Builders: Inside the Science of the Engineered Human by Adam Piore – Exploring breakthroughs in prosthetics and human enhancement.
Rebuilt by Michael Chorost – A personal account of technology restoring the senses.
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain – Understanding body mechanics and motion.
To Be a Machine by Mark O’Connell – A thought-provoking look at the future of human-technology integration.
Gain experience through volunteering in rehabilitation, engineering, or care settings.
Attend open days to explore workshops and fabrication labs.
Read about medical technology and assistive design innovations.
Stay up to date with NHS rehabilitation and mobility services.
Prosthetics - Prosthetist, clinical prosthetist, senior prosthetist
Orthotics - Orthotist, clinical orthotist, specialist orthotist
Clinical Specialist - P&O clinical specialist, advanced practitioner, consultant
Medical Devices - Product development engineer, design engineer, clinical engineer
Paediatrics - Paediatric P&O specialist, children's orthotist/prosthetist
Research - Biomechanics researcher, clinical researcher, PhD researcher
Education - P&O lecturer, clinical educator, university lecturer
Sales & Technical - Technical sales representative, clinical specialist (industry)
Sports - Sports orthotist, athletic orthotic specialist
Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation specialist, amputee rehabilitation, mobility specialist
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