Admissions & Courses
BCOM has an international reputation for academic and research excellenceMasters in Osteopathy (M.Ost)
Introduction to Osteopaths and Osteopathy
Osteopaths are qualified health care professionals who use a variety of hands-on treatment methods to reduce pain and improve mobility. These may include soft tissue massage to relax tense muscles, mobilisation of joints, and manipulation to improve mobility in restricted areas of the body, such as the spine.
Osteopathy offers a patient-centred approach to a wide range of medical conditions through a system of diagnosis and management. Osteopathy includes patient self-help and education to improve function, reduce recurrence and promote well- being. Osteopaths are recognised as NHS Allied Health Professionals. To find out more about osteopathy and what osteopaths do click here
Masters Degree in Osteopathy (M.Ost) starting September 2022*
*Please note this Masters programme is awaiting validation status by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is also undergoing formal review by the General Osteopathic Council in order to achieve ‘recognised qualification’ status. A visit is scheduled for January 2022. The report will be considered for recognition by the General Osteopathic Council in May 2022 and this recognition will be subject to the Privy Council approval after that, in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.
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 Master Degree in Osteopathy 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.
About The Course
This Masters in Osteopathy is a full time course and students are able to study at either BCOM in London or at our Kent campus at the European School of Osteopathy. Students are able to study flexibly across both sites in London and Kent so may choose, for example, to spend two years in London and then the third year in Kent, before returning to London to complete their fourth year. This gives students the opportunity to experience a diverse patient population in the London and Kent osteopathic teaching clinics and learn about different osteopathic specialities i.e. sports care, women’s health, care of the older adult.
M.Ost – Osteopathy Curriculum
The curriculum involves problem-based learning, case-based scenarios, and research over four years of full-time study. The teaching clinic sits alongside practical skills classes, lectures, tutorials, online learning resources, which aim to develop clinical reasoning, student reflection, and self-directed learning. Throughout the four year course, students engage with evidence-based medicine and learn to evaluate and appraise evidence critically. Students are also taught business and practice management skills to equip them with the tools needed when working in an osteopathic practice.
Assessment
The programme utilises a range of assessments. The assessments are designed to be stimulating and challenging, stretching the students’ knowledge and practical skills. Assessments include essays, presentations, group work, reflective accounts, ISCE (integrated standard clinical exam), and clinical assessments either as individual students or group work.
Successful students graduate from BCOM or ESO with a validated integrated Masters degree in Osteopathy from the University of Plymouth.
What do BCOM Students think?
“The quality of teaching and support at BCOM is first class and provides a solid foundation to becoming a well-rounded osteopath. Overall, the course has exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering osteopathy.”
Sabrina Chow, BCOM Graduate 2018, Masters in Osteopathy
“Studying at BCOM has been one of the best decisions I could’ve made! The close-knit community at BCOM allows for more student-faculty interaction, personal tutors/support and my contributions to the community fabric of the smaller institution feel a lot more meaningful. I cannot wait for what lies ahead in my future studies here, and I know that when I graduate, I will have formed a closely tied alumni circle who will play a strong role in helping me reach my academic and professional goals.”
Yasmine Ghadache, BCOM Year 1 student in 2020, studying a Masters in Osteopathy Listen here to why Yasmine chose to study at BCOM.
“Being a member of a smaller university ensures I am not just a number. I can approach any member of staff and they know exactly who I am; making the whole university experience tailored and personal to me.”
Hannah Scammell, BCOM Year 2 student in 2020, studying a Masters in Osteopathy.
“BCOM has been brilliant at giving me lots of support and encouragement throughout my studies. It really has a wonderful atmosphere and there are plenty of social opportunities.”
Mike Smith, BCOM Year 3 student in 2020, studying a Masters in Osteopathy. Listen here to why Mike Smith chose to study at BCOM.
100% of BCOM graduates in employment 6 months after graduating*
*2020-21 who applied for employment, others travelled or went on to further study
BCOM Graduates
Former BCOM student, Anisha Joshi, is now Principal Ostepath/Clinic Director at Woodside Osteopathic Clinic in Hitchin and has a clinic in Cavendish Square. Anisha’s clients include numerous celebrities. Listen here to why Anisha chose BCOM.
Annie Osborne,2019 BCOM graduate, is an award winning osteopath in Hertfordshire. Listen here to why Annie chose BCOM.
Brit Tate worked as a Sports Therapist for just under 3 years before pursuing a career in Osteopathy and completing her Master’s degree in Osteopathy at BCOM in 2019. Brit has experience working with elite athletes including the New Zealand and Australian World Cup Rugby Teams during the Rugby World Cup 2015, the England Rugby Team during the 6 Nations 2018 and various American Football League teams. Alongside athletes, Brit treats a wide variety of patients. Listen here to how BCOM helped launch Brit’s career since she graduated.
Rob Hill graduated from BCOM in 2005 and since then has pursued a very successful career in sports osteopathy. Rob is a Consultant Osteopath at UK Athletics, the national governing body for athletics and is looking forward to being part of the team to support athletes and coaches in the Tokyo OIympics 2021. Listen here to why Rob chose to study at BCOM and his exciting career since graduating.
- Course Content for 2022/2023 *
*Please note this Masters programme is awaiting validation status by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is also undergoing formal review by the General Osteopathic Council in order to achieve ‘recognised qualification’ status. A visit is scheduled for January 2022. The report will be considered for recognition by the General Osteopathic Council in May 2022 and this recognition will be subject to the Privy Council approval after that, in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.
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, 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 for 2022/2023*
*Please note this Masters programme is awaiting validation status by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is also undergoing formal review by the General Osteopathic Council in order to achieve ‘recognised qualification’ status. A visit is scheduled for January 2022. The report will be considered for recognition by the General Osteopathic Council in May 2022 and this recognition will be subject to the Privy Council approval after that, in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Technique Practice 1: Fundamentals & Bio-mechanics Functional Nutrition Research Methods Business Skills & Practice Management Professionalism & Clinical Integration 1 Clinical Diagnosis, Pathology & Pharmacology Clinical Practice 3 Clinical Practice 4 Nutrition, Health & Wellbeing Technique Practice 2: Functional Applications Technique Practice 3: Applied Treatment Complex Case Management Anatomy 1 Clinical Methods Paediatrics Leadership Anatomy 2 Musculo-skeletal Diagnosis Psychology Research Investigation Physiology Clinical Integration & Professionalism Women’s Health (elective) Pain Management (elective) Care of the Older Adult (elective) Introduction to Osteopathic Sports Care (elective)
- Entry Requirements
The standard academic profile is:
112 UCAS Tariff points
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 StudentsDBS & 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- BTEC Diplomas and Extended Diplomas; other BTEC courses are considered in combination with
- How to Apply
Step 1:
Apply through UCAS– an electronic online application system available at www.ucas.com. The application fee is £22 for a single choice, or £26.50 for more than one choice. This will enable you to apply to up to 5 institutions simultaneously. If you apply only to the BCOM (i.e. a single application) the fee is reduced to £22.
BCOM Institution code: B81
Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost) course code: B312
UCAS will electronically send your application to us for consideration.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by 26th January although we will accept applications until 30th June (subject to availability). After that date, please contact Admissions
Step 2: Application Review
All applications are considered individually and with flexibility. When considering your application, we look at the content of your personal statement, as well as your academic profile and reference. Decisions are based on grades (achieved or predicted), personal statements and references. For UCAS guidance on your personal statement please follow this link, and for UCAS guidance on your references, please follow this link.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview via Microsoft Teams (interview times are flexible and can be arranged to fit in with you).
For full details of our selection criteria read our Admissions Policy.
Step 3: Interview
The interview will last approximately 30 minutes and is fairly informal. Normally, there will be 2 people interviewing you. Interviews are also an opportunity for you to ask us questions.
At interview, we will want to know why you want to be an osteopath and what skills you think you have that may be relevant. We may also ask about any work experience you have gained. We may ask you questions about the content of your personal statement.
We may ask you to provide documentary evidence of the qualifications you have listed on your UCAS form – either prior or following the interview.
Step 4: Decisions and Offers
Usually, interview outcomes are conveyed to you via UCAS within 5 working days of your interview.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer letter by email following their interview from BCOM, detailing either a conditional offer or an unconditional offer of acceptance. Y An unconditional offer means you do not have to do anything before you start the course. If you receive a conditional offer then the offer conditions have to be met before the end of August. Offer conditions are usually linked to qualification, so we may ask that you obtain specific grades in qualifications such as A-Levels, BTEC qualification or the Baccalaureate. You can either accept or decline the BCOM offer. UCAS will give you a date by which you have to make your decision.
Step 5: Offer accepted
If you accept our offer – Welcome to BCOM! You have made a great decision! Congratulations – you have just taken the first step towards your exciting career as an osteopath.
From around May you will be given further information about accommodation and starting the course.
International Students
International students coming to the UK with a Student visa must be able to support themselves for the entire length of their stay in the UK; this includes fees and living expenses. To check how to apply for a Student visa click here.
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.
- Information for prospective students
- Applying for a Student Visa
- Guidance for studying in the UK (UKCISA)
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Knowledge of English
- Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants
- Immigration health surcharge
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 and UCAS ID number to request your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). A CAS is a very important electronic document that you will need to request before you can apply for your student visa.
- Course Fees
Tuition Fees
Masters in Osteopathy
2022/23 Academic Year
Home students £9,250 per annum
EU/International students £11,000 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
£51.60 (From 1 July 2021) - Clinic coat (approx. £25)
- Clinic equipment (approx. £200 for complete kit)
- First Aid course (approx. £35)
- Massage oil (approx. £10)
- Flexible spine (£40 deposit, refunded in Year 2)
- Graduation ceremony (approx. £60)
Guest tickets £10 each
All costs are indicative.
- Enhanced DBS check
- 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.
