All enquiries about making an undergraduate application can go in the first instance to Kasia Tarnowska, Academic Registrar.

Application Process via UCAS

Formal application for entry as an undergraduate must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system. UCAS operate a simple and easy to use system for applications. You can also track the progress of your application using the UCAS track system.

UCAS, PO Box 28, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ
Tel : +44 (0) 870 1122211 (Direct line for application requests)
Email : app.req@ucas.ac.uk
Website : http://www.ucas.com (For ordering applications on-line)

UCAS can receive applications for any given year after 1 September of the preceding year and you should aim to submit your application by mid-January. UCAS will accept applications after this date, but it is left to the institution's discretion whether such applications are considered. At BCOM we accept applications for consideration throughout the annual UCAS cycle, therefore all prospective candidates will receive consideration.

For your application, you will need the BCOM institutional code, which is B81, and the Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost) course code, which is B312.

Please note: You will also be required to complete a BCOM Application Form and Health Statement for College admission purposes.

Standard Entry

Good passes in Biology and Chemistry A level are the usual school-level qualifications for students wishing to gain admission to the M.Ost. BCOM has responded to the changed A level school curriculum by introducing an element of flexibility in the requirement of a third A level. The resultant profile would therefore usually be three A levels, including one in Biology and one in Chemistry, with the grades B, C, C (280 UCAS Tariff points). In addition, students are expected to have passed five GCSEs including Maths and English (at grades A-C).  Other UK Qualifications/ Pathways that enable entry to the course include a recognised equivalent qualification e.g. BTEC, HND, science foundation course, science access course and Scottish Highers.

Graduate Entry

Applications from those with previous degrees and from mature students are welcome. All such applications are considered on an individual basis, taking into account the applicant’s academic and life experiences to date. Demonstrable evidence of the study of Biology and Chemistry will usually be required but applicants holding good degrees (2.1 or above) in non-science/-health subjects will be considered on merit. Students with relevant medical or scientific qualifications may gain exemption from parts of the course at the discretion of the Exemption Panel of the College. Applications for exemption must be submitted at the start of each relevant academic year.

ELQ (Equivalent & Lower Qualification) Status

The UK government’s funding rules have changed so that those that have previously studied at one level (e.g. a first degree) cannot be funded again for a equivalent or lower qualifications (i.e. another undergraduate degree). This affects all UK students in all types of subject area. However, at BCOM, “ELQ” students are usually able to achieve funding because the Masters in Osteopathy includes masters-level study. This is an important consideration for graduate entrants and a major advantage in studying at BCOM.

International Students

Applications are invited from overseas students who possess recognised A-level equivalent qualifications, e.g. International Baccalaureate, Gymnasium or entry to a university Biological Science degree. Overseas students must also possess a Use of English Qualification at an appropriate medical-science level, e.g. TOEFL > 575 or IELTS > 6.5.

Application and Interview

It is College policy to interview all students whose UCAS application demonstrates appropriate academic study/qualifications, a clearly stated interest in the Osteopathic profession. Acceptable references must be provided. Interviews take place at the College with the Admissions Panel, typically the Registrar with another member of Faculty.

Open Days

The College hosts regular Open Days events; normally these are held from October onwards enabling students to visit and experience the College before responding to any offer from UCAS. We strongly recommend that all applicants or potential applicants attend one of these days if possible.

Our applicants give very positive responses about the BCOM Open Day experience. In a recent survey, 100% of responding participants described the experience as "very useful", citing their favourite parts of the day as being the clinic demonstration, a clinic observation talk and the general Question & Answer session.