Surprising courses on offer in Britain

The range of courses on offer in Britain and Northern Ireland, through the UCAS, the central applications body, is mind-boggling. Strolling around the Higher Options conference, organised by The Irish Times and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, it's difficult not to be enthused by the glossy brochures and enthusiastic staff.

However, the number of Irish students going to the UK is falling. Increased options here, unfavourable exchange rates and the re-introduction of fees (albeit on a sliding scale) are all factors. If you're not daunted, read on for details of some of the more unusual options.

Podiatry is all about the feet, from simple nail care to minor nail surgery to mechanical correction of gait and posture. There are 14 recognised schools which lead to state registration in. British qualified podiatrists are autonomous practitioners who diagnose and treat foot ailments.

Charlotte Parslow, a teacher at the London Foot Hospital and School of Podiatric Medicine (University College London) says its three-year BSc is very clinically based with students seeing patients from the end of the first term. "They learn simple surgical techniques and earn a certificate in local anaesthesia. They are qualified to work in the NHS or in the private sector."

Podiatrists may specialise in areas such as biomechanics, paediatrics and acute care. Many big commercial companies employ podiatrists and there is also private practice.

If feet don't do it for you, you might consider a degree in herbal medicine (phytotherapy). Middlesex University offers a four-year honours BSc and the qualification is recognised for membership of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

The college also offers a degree in traditional Chinese medicine. This five-year course is taught in conjunction with Bejing University and there is a mandatory one-year placement in China.

If you're more concerned about the future of the planet, Trinity College (a constituent college of the University of Wales), Carmarthen, has a BSc in biodiversity conservation. Marketing and recruitment manager Eleni Beynon says the course includes a work placement in an environmental agency lab. The course has a good employment record, she adds, and the college is a single campus with a "very homely environment."

For the musically inclined, the University of Salford, has an honours BA in popular music and recording. This programme combines academic, theoretical and practical training in popular music and recording. In first year, students are directed towards studio performance or production.

Graduates have found work as performers, producers, composer/arrangers, music journalists, teachers, musical directors and administrators.

If you like sport and want to combine your interest with other studies St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, may have the answer.

Irish student Kate Greene says her Leaving Cert points (385) weren't enough to get her a place at home. She's now enjoying studying sports science and media.

"You can combine sports science with any of the arts degree subjects," she explains. "I came here for an open day and fell in love with the place. It's small, friendly and very picturesque." Now entering her final year, Kate will graduate with a BA/BSc in media and sport science and is now considering postgraduate options in public relations, marketing or journalism.

The college has a large Irish student population. Kate says it is very sports oriented. She played cricket for Leinster. Remember, admissions tutors in British colleges take cogniscance of more than your Leaving Cert results.

The big fluffy Rhea featured on the front of Sparshot College's careers and training brochure is just one of 334 animals and 76 species at the college's animal management centre. Courses range from wildlife management (deer management, gamekeeping, waterkeeping and conservation) to agriculture, horticulture and fish husbandry.