Our Prospectus

Admissions & Courses

BCOM has an international reputation for academic and research excellence

Master of 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

Master Degree of Osteopathy (M.Ost) starting September 2022*

*Please note this Masters programme has been validated by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is approved by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) obtaining ‘recognised qualification’ status subject to the Privy Council approval in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.

The purpose of the Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree, is to educate individuals to become safe, competent osteopathic practitioners. On successful completion of the four year full-time course, graduates are eligible to register with the General Osteopathic Council and obtain a Diploma in Naturopathy the General Council and Register of Naturopaths and launch straight into a career as a practising osteopath.

BCOM graduates have pursued successful careers working with athletes, corporate consultancy, university-level teaching, work with animals and medical research.

About The Course

The four year integrated Master of 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. 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. Students will attend the teaching clinic located at BCOM, alongside practical skills classes, lectures and tutorials. Students spend 1000 hours in the teaching clinic, equipping them with the skills needed to be an excellent practitioner. Students will develop key business skills and research experience, enabling them to work in established clinics or to build their own practices after graduating. For more detailed information about the content of the modules click here.

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 Master degree in Osteopathy from the University of Plymouth.

What do BCOM Students think?

“I chose to study osteopathy because I am passionate about the human body and I am also passionate about helping people… Ever since starting to study here the staff have been brilliant, my fellow students have been good and I have enjoyed every step of the journey.”

Takunda Pswarayi, BCOM Year 3 student  in 2021, studying a Master of Osteopathy. Listen here to why Takunda Pswarayi chose to study at BCOM. 

“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 Master of 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 Master of 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 Master of Osteopathy. Listen here to why Mike Smith chose to study at BCOM.

“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, Master of Osteopathy

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 has been validated by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is approved by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) obtaining ‘recognised qualification’ status subject to the Privy Council approval 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.

      The Master of Osteopathy programme specification can be found here

  • Syllabus for 2022/2023*

    • *Please note this Masters programme has been validated by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is approved by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) obtaining ‘recognised qualification’ status subject to the Privy Council approval 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)

      For more detailed information about the content of the modules, assessment information and the delivery of this content click here.

      The Master of Osteopathy programme specification can be found here

  • Entry Requirements

    • The standard academic profile is:

      112 UCAS Tariff points 

      UCAS Tariff Calculator

      GCSE (or equivalent) All applicants must have Mathematics and English at grade 4 or above or equivalent
      Interviews All applicants will undergo an interview. All applicants need to complete a health declaration form so appropriate support can be put in place. Applicants who declare a disability are normally invited for an early meeting to discuss support. Subsequently applicants need to declare annually a health declaration and any change to their criminal record.
      A-level/AS-level Normal minimum entry requirements are BBC (112 UCAS points)  at A-level to normally include a science subject, usually biology but will consider chemistry, Physical education, sports science as science, psychology, mathematics. General studies are not accepted.
      BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made.  Grades: DDM – must be Health, Science, or Sports related and include relevant science modules.
      Access to Higher Education at level 3 Applicants will need to achieve a minimum of 18 Level 3 credits at merit or above in a science or health-related Access course. Applicants who do not have Level 2 English and Maths above grade C will additionally need 12 credits at Level 2 in these subjects.
      Welsh Baccalaureate 112 UCAS points overall to include 2 A-levels grades BB in science subjects (as above)
      Scottish Qualifications Authority 112 UCAS points overall to include one science subjects (as above) grades BB at Higher Level
      Irish Leaving Certificate H33334 (post-2017) at Higher Level, to include a science usually biology (but can include PE etc) plus Ordinary Level Grade C Maths and English
      International Baccalaureate Acceptable with a minimum overall score of 32 points to include 5 points in 2 science subjects. If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in all other elements.
      Other Other HE qualifications' considered on individual merit' may include courses run by other osteopathic and non-osteopathic institutions that provide the applicant with skills suitable for the course.
      English language If English is not the first language an applicant must usually have the equivalent of an academic IELTS of 6.5 (with 5.5. in all four components listening, reading, writing and speaking)
      APL The College welcomes applications from students who have prior certificated learning which they would like to be considered so they can enter at either level 5 or level 6 or have exemption from some of the individual modules at level 4 or 5.  The process is robust and transparent and compliant with the QAA Code of Practice (2018) and Section A of the University of Plymouth Academic Regulations (PDF) relating to recognition of prior learning. The process is underpinned by set of principles which support the fact that the previous learning is relevant, sufficient, authentic and current.

      Applicants are supported throughout the process which includes an informal academic interview, detailed mapping of previous learning against the programme module learning outcomes and consideration by an independent panel.  Successful applicants are offered an individualised induction programme to join their new peer group.

       

       

      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

    • 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. 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.

      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*

      Students have lectures/practial classes from 9am - 5/6pm,  Monday to Friday with extended evening clinic hours in Years 3 and 4. Students are generally timetabled to attend online/in person lectures, practical classes or clinic up to five days each week. An example timetable for the first year can be found here.

      *Please note that in the Year 3, students spend approximately nine hours a week in Clinic for six weeks of the holiday period (one week in December, two weeks in April and three weeks in the summer holidays). Please note that in Year 4, students spend approximately 24 hours each week in Clinic for six weeks of the holiday period (one week in December, two weeks in April and three weeks in the summer holidays).

       

  • 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)
      • Massage oil (approx. £10)
      • Flexible spine (£40 deposit, refunded in Year 2)
      • Graduation ceremony (approx. £60)
        Guest tickets £10 each

      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.

© BCNO Limited (trading as The British College of Osteopathic Medicine) Registered charity 312907 Registered office: 6 Netherhall Gardens, London, NW3 5RR

College Services