Admissions & Courses
BCOM has an international reputation for academic and research excellenceMasters 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.
Important information for students applying for September 2021
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*
*2018-19 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
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: MyologyAnatomy Dissection & the Royal College of Surgeons Anatomy 2: Neuro-anatomy Anatomy: Neurology GI, Nutrition & Biochemistry Nutrition & Biochemistry
GIOsteopathic Practice 1 Osteopathic Technique
Soft Tissue TechniquePhysiology Cardio-respiratory Physiology
Renal & Endocrine PhysiologyPrinciples of Naturopathic Osteopathy Principles of Osteopathy
Principles of NaturopathyYear 2 Anatomy & Physiology Integrated Anatomy
Physiology: Special senses, skin, immunology, reproductionAnatomy Dissection & the Royal College of Surgeons Biomechanics Spinal Mechanics
Peripheral MechanicsExercise Physiology Exercise Physiology Exercise Physiology Lab Functional Nutrition Functional Nutrition Osteopathic Practice 2 Clinic Observation
Osteopathic Diagnosis
Osteopathic Technique
Clinical Soft Tissue TechniquesPathology & Diagnosis Diagnosis Pathology Clinical Methods Year 3 Clinic Theory and Practice Differential Diagnosis
PharmacologyClinical Practice Musculoskeletal Conditions Rheumatology & Orthopaedics
X-Ray imagingOsteopathic Techniques Osteopathic Technique
Visceral OsteopathyPaediatrics Paediatrics Psychology Psychology Research Methods Research Methods Year 4 Research Investigation Research Investigation Clinical Rheumatology and Orthopaedics Clinical Rheumatology and Orthopaedics
X-Ray imagingClinical 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:
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
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 15th 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 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
2021/22 Academic Year
Home students £9,250 per annum
EU/International 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
£51.60 (From 1 July 2021) - 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.
- 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.
