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BCOM has an international reputation for academic and research excellence

Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost)

The purpose of the Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree, is to educate individuals to become safe, competent osteopathic practitioners. On successful completion of the 4-year full-time course, graduates are eligible to register in the United Kingdom with the General Osteopathic Council.

The course requires students to integrate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills within an osteopathic and naturopathic clinical setting, and integrates scientific, anatomical, theoretical and research knowledge with applied osteopathic and naturopathic skills. Graduates who have successfully completed the course have undertaken a variety of roles and professions.

Successful students graduate from BCOM with a validated integrated Masters degree from the University of Plymouth,  and Diploma in Naturopathy (ND) (recognised by the General Council and Register of Naturopaths).

BCOM provides a staff to student ratio of 1:4 in clinic and 1:5 for practising students in practical classes. BCOM uses specialist lectures to teach or lead a number of the theoretical subjects such as psychology, research methods, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and imaging.

Download Student Handbook

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  • Course Content

    • The course is divided into Pre-Clinical and Clinical years.

      Pre Clinical (Years 1 and 2)

      The pre-clinical modules provide basic science knowledge and practical skills for clinical practice. Emphasis is on anatomy (including regular visits to UCL’s Dissection room and the Royal College of Surgeons museum), physiology, Pathology, Medical Diagnosis, nutrition, philosophy of osteopathy and naturopathy and basic osteopathic and soft tissue techniques.

      Clinical years (Years 3 and 4)

      Years 3 and 4 incorporate a more problem based approach using clinical based situations and patients. BCOM has a busy teaching clinic which allows BCOM students to see in excess of the 50 new patients currently recommended by the QAA Benchmark statement on Osteopathy.

      Students attend three practical lectures per week throughout the four years and start attending BCOM’s out-patient teaching clinic from Year 2.

      BCOM, due to the clinical component operates over 51 weeks per year. Students are assessed via a variety of methods: coursework, examinations, presentations, vivas, OSCE, practical and clinical assessments.

      In Year 4 students submit their research project as a journal ready research paper.

  • Syllabus
    • Module Lectures/seminars Practical classes
      Year 1
      Anatomy 1: Musculoskeletal anatomy Anatomy: Osteology & Arthrology
      Anatomy: Myology      		 Anatomy Dissection & the Royal College of Surgeons
      Anatomy 2: Neuro-anatomy Anatomy: Neurology
      GI, Nutrition & Biochemistry Nutrition & Biochemistry
      GI
      Osteopathic Practice 1 Osteopathic Technique
      Soft Tissue Technique
      Physiology Cardio-respiratory Physiology
      Renal & Endocrine Physiology
      Principles of Naturopathic Osteopathy Principles of Osteopathy
      Principles of Naturopathy
      Year 2
      Anatomy & Physiology Integrated Anatomy
      Physiology: Special senses, skin, immunology, reproduction      		 Anatomy Dissection & the Royal College of Surgeons
      Biomechanics Spinal Mechanics
      Peripheral Mechanics
      Exercise Physiology Exercise Physiology Exercise Physiology Lab
      Nutrition & Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
      Osteopathic Practice 2 Clinic Observation
      Osteopathic Diagnosis
      Osteopathic Technique
      Clinical Soft Tissue Techniques
      Pathology & Diagnosis Diagnosis                                                    Pathology Clinical Methods
      Year 3
      Clinic Theory and Practice Differential Diagnosis
      Pharmacology      		 Clinical Practice
      Musculoskeletal Conditions Rheumatology & Orthopaedics
      X-Ray imaging
      Osteopathic Techniques Osteopathic Technique
      Visceral Osteopathy
      Paediatrics Paediatrics
      Psychology Psychology
      Research Methods Research Methods
      Year 4
      Research Investigation Research Investigation
      Clinical Rheumatology and Orthopaedics Clinical Rheumatology and Orthopaedics
      X-Ray imaging
      Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology
      Practice Management, Ethics and Audit Practice Management, Ethics and Audit Guest Experts on Developing Business Skills
      Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and Gerontology Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and Gerontology
      Clinical Osteopathic Practice Osteopathic Technique (includes Cranial Osteopathy)
      Clinical Practice
  • Entry Requirements

    • The standard academic profile is:

      Three A levels normally including biology
      112 UCAS Tariff points (2018 entry*)

      *For further assistance on the new UCAS Tariff system please contact the Admissions Team.
      UCAS Tariff Calculator

      Other UK qualifications/Educational pathways, in combination with biology, are also considered:

      • BTEC Diplomas and Extended Diplomas; other BTEC courses are considered in combination with
        additional qualification
      • Higher National Diploma (NHD) course
      • Science foundation courses Access to HE Diploma courses (in science or health)
      • Baccalaureates
      • Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

      If your course is not listed please contact our Admissions Team to see if you qualify for entry.

      Mature Students
      Mature students with previous degrees (2.1 or above) or other educational pathways will be considered on an individual basis depending on previous qualifications.

      International Students
      International students who possess A level equivalent qualifications are eligible to apply. Where necessary the applicant must possess a ‘Use of English Qualification’ at an IELTS level >6.5 or equivalent.
      Exceptions for International Students

      DBS & Health Statement
      Due to the nature of the course all applicants will be required to complete a Medical Disclosure (supported by a medical letter from their GP) and undertake a Disclosure and barring Service (formerly CRB) clearance prior to enrolling onto the M.Ost course. Further information

  • How to Apply

    • Apply at www.ucas.com

      BCOM Institution code: B81

      Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost)

      Course Code: B312

      Applications for the undergraduate Masters in Osteopathy degree course at BCOM should be made through UCAS. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by mid-January, though BCOM do accept applications throughout the annual UCAS cycle (subject to availability).

      Decisions are based on grades (achieved or predicted), personal statements and references.

      Applicants who meet the entry requirement are invited for an interview with the Admissions Team.

      Please refer to the Admissions Policy & Procedure for further information.

      International Students

      International students coming to the UK under a Tier 4 Student Visa must be able to support themselves for the entire length of their stay in the UK; this includes fees and living expenses.

      The Tier 4 Points Based System was introduced in March 2009.

      If you are interested in studying the Masters in Osteopathy at BCOM and need a student visa, you are strongly advised to read the information in the links below.

      All nationals from outside of Europe coming to live in the UK for longer than six months will be required to pay a health surcharge.

      If you have an UNCONDITIONAL place with us and you have decided to accept the offer, please email the Admissions Team with your full name, UCAS ID number to request your CAS - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

  • Course Fees

    • Tuition Fees

      Masters in Osteopathy
      2019/20 Academic Year
      Home/EU students £9,250 per annum
      Overseas students £10,500 per annum

      *A small increase linked to inflation may be added each subsequent year of your studies.

      BCOM’s M.Ost degree is validated by the Plymouth University, through this partnership students can apply for tuition fee funding for the course.

  • Duration & Attendance

    • Duration: 4 Years
      Attendance: Full-time

  • Additional Course Information

    • In addition to the annual course tuition fees, there are further requirements and costs for students on the Masters in Osteopathy course.

      Additional Costs

      • Enhanced DBS check
        £54.40 (From 1 July 2018)
      • Clinic coat (approx. £25)
      • Clinic equipment (approx. £200 for complete kit)
      • First Aid course (approx. £30)
      • Massage oil (approx. £10)
      • Flexible spine (£33 deposit, refunded in Year 2)
      • Graduation ceremony (approx. £60)
        Guest tickets £10 each
      • Re-sit Fees (£25 per re-sit)
        Practical/oral examinations (viva voce’s) and written exams

      All costs are indicative.

  • Bridging Course

    • BCOM runs a bridging course prior to the start of each academic year.

      The course covers the basic chemistry and biology to aid the new student in their studies at BCOM.

      The bridging course runs over two weeks and is open to all students who have accepted BCOM’s offer of a place on the Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost). For some students their offer is conditional to attending and passing the course.

      The course consists of one week of chemistry covering topics such as:

      • Chemical bonds
      • Molecular forces
      • Macromolecules

      The second week covers biology including topics such as:

      • DNA
      • RNA
      • Proteins
      • Metabolic pathways

      The course is free to students who have accepted BCOM's offer of a place on the M.Ost course.

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