The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM)

BSc (Hons) Osteopathy

The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) and the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) are internationally regarded as the leading specialist osteopathic education institutions. As world leaders in osteopathic education and research, BCOM and ESO are known for their educational excellence, friendliness and the approachability of their staff with a high level of support, both pastoral and academic, for their students. BCOM and ESO ensure graduates finish their degree as confident healthcare professionals, ready to start an exciting and rewarding career in osteopathy. BCOM is situated in London and ESO in Kent.

Available in London and Kent

This course is also delivered at our London campus – The British College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Key features

  • Combining online learning and face to face teaching for those students who want to combine studying osteopathy with working or family commitments.
  • The BSc (Hons) programme is undergoing formal review by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in order to achieve ‘recognised qualification’ status.
  • The course will run two evenings a week (6-9pm) and one Saturday a month (9am- 5.30pm), with additional hours needed for time in the teaching clinic, tutorials and self-directed study.
  • Graduates can register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN) and launch straight into a career as a practising osteopath.

    • Course details

    • Year 1

    • 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 and clinical assessments either as individual students or group work.

      Core modules

      • Technique Practice - Fundamentals and Biomechanics (BCNO4001)

        Introduces the principles, concepts, philosophy, and models of osteopathy from an evidence-informed perspective. Enables the development of skills needed for an osteopathic evaluation of body structure and function. Fundamental osteopathic manual technique skills and the underlying mechanisms of technique are established. Includes the concepts of biomechanics and its role in musculoskeletal health and disease.

      • Professionalism and Clinical Integration 1 (BCNO4002)

        An introduction to clinic through observation and practical skills. Students are familarised to GOsC fitness to practise requirements, professional standards and competencies within the UK. An introduction to sociology related to healthcare provides further context for patient and practitioner values and related expectations. Students are introduced to research methods, reflective practice and critical thinking.

      • Anatomy 1 (BCNO4004)

        The nature and structure of the connective tissues and the muscular system form the foundation of the module. The classification, names, markings, and position of each bone and the classification and structure of each joint in the human body are covered in detail.

      • Anatomy 2 (BCNO4005)

        The module covers the structures and features that comprise the nervous system in the human body. The module studies the nerves and how they integrate with other structures and cause pain.

      • Physiology (BCNO4006)

        This module introduces students to the physiological organisation at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Homeostasis and the genetic, physical, and biological factors underpinning disease are reviewed, including introducing the pathological principle of cellular adaptation to disease, autoimmunity reproduction, and infection.

    The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

    In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
    Entry requirements

    Standard entry

    Three A levels, including a science, with the grades B, B, C (112 UCAS Tariff points). In addition, we require five GCSEs passes including mathematics and English (at grades A-C). Other UK qualifications/ pathways that enable entry to the course include a recognised equivalent qualification e.g. BTEC, HND, science foundation course, science access course and Scottish Highers.

    DBS and health statements

    In addition to the above criteria, you will be required to complete Student Medical Disclosure (supported by a medical letter from the GP) as well as undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS; formerly CRB) clearance prior to enrolling onto the Masters in Osteopathy course.


    Interview

    The interview forms an integral part of the selection process. Applicants who are unable to attend in person will be offered Skype interviews. Where possible, applicants are informed at the time of their interview if they have achieved a place on the course. Offers are subject to applicants providing a completed Confidential Criminal Record Self Declaration form and DBS clearance.



    For further information please contact admissions at admissions@bcom.ac.uk or call 020 7435 6464. 

    Fees, costs and funding

    As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

    How to apply
    All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

    UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

    To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

    Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

    Our partnership with The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM)
    The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

    Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

    Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

    We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

    One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

    Open days

    Partner college open days

    This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

    University of Plymouth open days

    You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.