We are delighted to welcome international students to BCOM. Our international students make a vital contribution to academic and student life and the osteopathic profession in the UK and across the world. BCOM is the perfect place to study Osteopathy in the UK with our London Campus offering world class facilities and all the excitement and culture of a global city.
The College
BCOM has an international reputation for academic and research excellenceInternational Student Guide
Estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida a estudiantes internacionales a BCOM. Nuestros estudiantes internacionales hacen una contribución vital a la vida académica y estudiantil y a la profesión osteopática en el Reino Unido y en todo el mundo. BCOM es el lugar perfecto para estudiar osteopatía en el Reino Unido en nuestro campus de LondresReino Unido con nuestro campus de Londres que ofrece instalaciones de clase mundial y toda la emoción y la cultura de una ciudad global.
Siamo lieti di accogliere studenti da tutto il mondo a BCOM. I nostri studenti internazionali danno un contributo vitale alla vita accademica e studentesca e alla professione osteopatica nel Regno Unito e in tutto il mondo. BCOM è il luogo perfetto per studiare Osteopatia nel Regno Unito con il nostro Campus di Londra che offre strutture di livello mondiale e tutta l’eccitazione e la cultura di una città globale.
Wir freuen uns internationale Studierende bei BCOM begrüßen zu dürfen. Unsere internationalen Studierenden leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag sowohl zum akademischen und studentischen Leben als auch zum Beruf des Osteopathen im Vereinigten Königreich und weltweit. Aufgrund unseres Campus in London ist BCOM der perfekte Ort, um Osteopathie in Großbritannien zu studieren. Der Campus bietet erstklassige Ausstattung und Studienbedingungen mitten in einer pulsierenden Weltstadt.
Suntem incantati sa oferim studentilor internationali oportunitatea de a studia la BCOM. Studentii nostri internationali au o contributie esentiala atat la mediul academic si la viata studenteasca, precum si la profesia de osteopat in UK si in toata lumea.
BCOM este locul perfect pentru a studia osteopatia in Marea Britanie, beneficiind de un campus in Londra care ofera facilitati de clasa mondiala si tot entuziasmul si cultura unui oras global.
Kami berbesar hati mengalu-alukan pelajar antarabangsa ke BCOM. Pelajar antarabangsa kami memberi sumbangan penting kepada kehidupan akademik dan pelajar serta profesion osteopati di UK dan di seluruh dunia. BCOM ialah tempat yang sesuai untuk belajar Osteopati di UK dengan Kampus London kami yang menawarkan kemudahan bertaraf dunia dan semua keseronokan serta budaya bandar global.
我們很高興能歡迎來自世界各地的學生加入BCOM。BCOM的國際學生們在學術交流和學生社交生活上佔有極重要的角色，他們也參與英國和國際整骨醫學的發展。
BCOM是學習整骨療法極佳的地點，我們在倫敦的校區提供世界一流的設施和接軌各國文化的機會。
Why study at BCOM?
BCOM is a London Osteopathy college with an international reputation for academic and research excellence in Osteopathy. We have a unique naturopathic approach to Osteopathy and aim to inspire our students to become confident professionals in this exciting and rewarding career. BCOM is the perfect place to train to be an Osteopath, with its on-site teaching clinic and its fantastic location making student life an incredible experience.
To find out more about what makes BCOM unique click here.
Where students come from
Students come from Europe and worldwide – from Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia and Hong Kong for example.
Master of Osteopathy*
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 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.
To find out more click here
*Please note this Masters programme has been validated by the University of Plymouth, our partner University. The Masters programme is undergoing formal review by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in order to achieve ‘recognised qualification’ status. GOsC visited in January 2022 and their report will be considered for recognition in May 2022. This recognition will be subject to the Privy Council approval after that, in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.
Entry requirements
The standard academic profile is 112 UCAS points
| 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.
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Working in the UK as an Osteopath
BCOM’s Master of Osteopathy will require you to undertake over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training, in addition to subject training in physiology, pathology, biomechanics, pharmacology and anatomy. After you’ve completed your Master of Osteopathy and registered with the GOsC, you’ll be fully qualified and able to practice.
Costs and fees
EU/International students fee is £11,000 per annum for the Master of Osteopathy degree.
How far from airports*
BCOM is situated 60 minutes by car from Heathrow Airport. It is 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport via Heathrow Express and the tube.
London City Airport is 75 minutes by car and 55 minutes by tube.
Gatwick Airport is 90 minutes by car and one hour by overground and tube.
Luton Airport is 60 minutes by car and 60 minutes by overground and tube
*These timings are approximate
Testimonials
Julia Berg-Bring, international BCOM student from Switzerland:
“When I started studying at BCOM, I realise people travel from all around the world to study at this University. The year groups are a perfect size, making it so much easier to get to know all your fellow students and tutors. As an international student, BCOM is extremely supportive and I have really enjoyed my time so far. BCOM offers a broad osteopathic teaching philosophy which has suited me very well and was one of the major reasons I chose to study here”.
Beatrice Cirillo – 2021 BCOM graduate from Italy:
“As an international student from Italy, I was both very excited and slightly worried about settling in, meeting new people and feeling comfortably in a new big city like London. However, BCOM was brilliant at making me feel welcome with its friendly environment from the very beginning. Here, I have found many other international students who have made my experience at BCOM easier and much more enjoyable. The tutors and staff have always been very supportive, kind and helpful. If you are a student from abroad, I highly recommend BCOM”.
Florina Motoc – 2021 BCOM graduate from Romania:
“Saint Nicholas, the bringer of gifts, came earlier this year for me and he filled my shoes with a prize from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. I would like to dedicate it to all my colleagues who have worked so hard, not only this year but throughout all the 4 years of “blood, toil, tears and sweat”, to paraphrase Winston Churchill.
As the first Romanian to graduate from BCOM, it has been an absolute pleasure and honour to study here. It would not have been made possible without the amazing support and patience of my principals, colleagues, staff and patients…I could not imagine a better place to study or a better career! Thank you all for everything you have done for me, and I wish I can make you proud!”.
Pedro Borroto-Roig, international student from Cuba:
Listen to what BCOM Year 1 student, Pedro, from Cuba says about studying osteopathy at BCOM here.
Studying in London as an overseas student
Studying Osteopathy in London as an overseas student is a great experience. There is so much to see and do and so much that can really add to your learning experience. Please click the links below to find out more about London living as a student and about student life at BCOM.
Applying for a Visa
Do I need a Student Visa?
All International students need to apply for a VISA to study in the UK. Now that the UK has left the EU, students from the EU, EEA-EFTA states or Switzerland, will be classed as international students.
These Government guides provide an overview of the UK’s points-based immigration system and key information about the application process.
How much does a Student Visa cost?
Applying for a visa from outside of the UK will cost you £348. You will also need to pay a biometric enrolment fee (currently £19.20). You’ll also have to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
How long will it take to get a decision on my Student Visa?
Decisions are typically made within three weeks of you submitting your visa application. You can apply for your visa up to six months before your course begins. However, we advise you not to book travel or accommodation before your visa has been issued. For further information, click here: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK
What will you need to apply for a Student Visa?
To apply for a student visa, you will need:
- A current passport or valid travel documentation
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS Number). This is a unique reference number that BCOM will assign to you when you have successfully completed the application process and paid your deposit of £3,000. This deposit acts as part of your annual tuition fee and will be deducted from your fees accordingly. Your payment of the deposit will be reflected on your CAS. However, please note that we cannot issue a CAS number more than six months before the course starts.
- Sufficient money to support yourself and pay for your course to study Osteopathy in the UK. For more information about how much money you will need to provide evidence of, please click here. If you are a national of a country listed under ‘differential evidence requirement’, you may not need to supply evidence of your finances when making your visa application.
- Proof that you can speak, write, read and understand English.
- You will be asked to have your photograph and fingerprints taken for your Biometric Resident application
International students coming from countries where English is not the main language spoken will also need to provide recognised Secure English Language (SELTs) from a UKVI approved English language test centre.
Depending on where you’re arriving from, you may also need a Tuberculosis test – you can find out if this applies to you by clicking here.
As part of the application process, you might also be asked to attend a credibility interview. A Student Visa is a way for Visa Officers to assess whether students are genuine, so they will ask questions about why you’ve chosen the course you’re studying, to check that you are genuinely a student and to assess your level of English. These interviews may be face-to-face, over video link or via telephone.
Do I need to provide evidence to show I have enough finance?
Yes, you will need to provide several pieces of evidence when you apply for your visa to study Osteopathy in the UK. If you’re a national of one of the countries listed below, you won’t need to submit financial evidence as part of your visa application.
However, you will still need to make sure you have documents prepared to meet the Student Visa requirements on the date you submit your online application. This means you’ll still need to have the finances in place, but simply that there will be less documents to submit with your application.
Remember, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can request these documents at any time while the application is being processed, so having them ready will speed up the application process and will reduce the risk of your visa being refused.
You will still need to submit all other documents relevant to the application.
Countries* listed under ‘differential evidence requirements’ can be found here.
* The Home Office reviews this list regularly, so check that your country is still included before you submit your application.
How do I apply for my Student Visa?
Prior to studying Osteopathy in the UK, you’ll need to apply for your Student Visa online here . This process can’t be completed until you’ve fulfilled other offer conditions we’ve set and not before six months before your course starts.
What if you are arriving in the UK to study with your partner and children?
Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.
For more information visit Student visa : Your partner and children – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If your partner and children joined you in the UK as ‘dependents’ on your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they can apply to stay as dependants as on your Graduate visa. If your child was born in the UK during your current Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa, they can also apply.
For more information visit Graduate visa: Your partner and children – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Planning Your Travel
You’re entitled to arrive in the UK before your course begins, up to one month before the course start date, as your course will last longer than six months. Enter on your Student Visa at the UK border. If you use the e-gates to enter the UK, your passport won’t be stamped so you won’t have an official record of the date you entered the UK. To avoid this issue, keep any evidence of your date of entry, such as your flight ticket, in case you need it later on. Keep it safe as you may need it as much as several years later.
Since travel regulations change quickly as a result of COVID-19, make sure you stay up to date prior to travelling to the UK.
After You Graduate
Once you’ve graduated from your Osteopathy course, you can remain in the UK for up to two years. The Graduate Visa allows eligible international students to stay in the UK for two years post-graduation, and three years for PhD students. To apply for the visa, you need to have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above and hold a valid Tier 4 or Student Visa at your time of application.
- The Graduate Visa is unsponsored so you don’t need a job offer to apply
- You don’t need to supply financial or maintenance evidence
- There’s no minimum salary requirement or restriction in employment status*, so successful applicants can work flexibly or work on a self-employed basis
- You need to be in the UK when applying
More information can be found on the UKCISA site.
*Excludes professional sportsperson or coach
Find out more
For more information about the visa application process, and studying and living in the UK, we’ve put together some useful links:
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Registered company number: 00562119 Country of registration: England & Wales