BCNO Group

MOst Osteopathy

The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), part of the BCNO Group, is a higher education institution in London, with an international reputation for academic and research excellence in Osteopathy. 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. BCOM is known for its educational excellence, friendliness and the approachability of staff who provide a high level of support, both pastoral and academic for their students. BCOM ensures graduates finish their degree as confident allied healthcare professionals, ready to embark on an exciting and rewarding career as an Osteopath. 

Available in London and Kent

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

Key features

Do you want to become a safe, competent and effective practitioner of osteopathy? Want to be eligible to register in the UK with the General Osteopathic Council? Our masters in osteopathy (MOst) will enable you to do this with confidence and with 80 per cent of our graduates in full-time osteopathic employment within six months of graduation, we provide you with an excellent education towards a career with a bright future.

  • Integrate academic scientific, anatomical, theoretical and research knowledge with applied clinical osteopathic and naturopathic skills.
  • Graduate with British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), highly respected and historically significant stand-alone Diploma in Naturopathy as well as the MOst Osteopathy.
  • You'll graduate with a validated degree of University of Plymouth.
  • Benefit from a minimum of 25 hours theory and practical classes per week.
  • Deepen your knowledge with a course designed to surpass the minimum requirements as set by the General Osteopathic Council's Osteopathic Practice Standards.
  • Enhance your learning making wide use of new media and digital learning, including access to acclaimed interactive anatomy and physiology software.
  • Benefit from our intranet Osteonet providing you with comprehensive lecture notes, research resources and a digital learning archive.
  • Visit the British College of Osteopathic Medicine website for more information.
Open days

The College hosts regular open day events; normally these are held from October onwards enabling you to visit and experience the College before responding to any offer from UCAS. We strongly recommend that as an applicant or potential applicant, you attend one of these days if possible.

We received very positive responses about the BCOM open day experience. In a recent survey, 100 per cent of responding participants described the experience as 'very useful', citing their favourite parts of the day as being the clinic demonstration, a clinic observation talk speaking to students during a practical class and the general question and answer session.

Further information on open days and tours at BCOM

Course details

  • Year 1

  • You’ll learn through lectures in three terms of 12 weeks during a 36 week year. You’ll have feedback and guidance through our tutorial system and make wide use of new media and digital learning including interactive anatomy and physiology software. Our intranet Osteonet provides you with comprehensive lecture notes, research resources and a digital learning archive. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, coursework, practical and clinical assessments.

    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.

    • Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing (BCNO4003)

      Examines the utilisation of food on a cellular, tissue, and whole-body level. How chemical energy from food in the form of macro and micro-nutrients is converted via metabolic pathways. The requirement and use of macro and micro-nutrients in the maintenance of health. It also includes lifestyle changes in the maintenance of health and wellbeing. Role of other therapies promotion and prevention in health and wellbeing.

    • 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.

  • Year 2

  • You’ll continue to learn through lectures in three terms of 12 weeks during a 36 week year. You’ll continue to receive feedback and guidance through our tutorial system and make wide use of new media, digital learning and Osteonet. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, coursework, practical and clinical assessments.

    Core modules

    • Functional Nutrition (BCNO5001)

      Review of functional medicine matrix and revision of clinical imbalance pathways. Clinical nutrition topics, covering the major physiological systems and the nutritional aspects of these systems, along with common nutritional disorders and dietary treatment. How to undertake clinical case history for nutrition, patient compliance, and case histories

    • Clinical Diagnosis, Pathology and Pharmacology (BCNO5002)

      The module covers the cellular basis of disease and injury, body defence, repair, and regeneration. The content overlaps with normal physiology to integrate structure, function, control, pathology, and clinical presentation of the major physiological systems. To understand the role of differential diagnosis of common presentations. Provide a general overview of common use drugs and potential adverse events

    • Technique Practice II- Functional Applications (BCNO5003)

      Aims to critically align osteopathic concepts and models with established osteopathic evaluation skills to enable students to integrate core knowledge and develop responsible practices The student will build on their soft-tissue techniques. Self-awareness of practitioner and patient handling and communication skills will be elaborated, developing the process of autonomy in practice and working within defined parameters.

    • Clinical Methods (BCNO5004)

      Practical knowledge of clinical methods and osteopathic tests and examinations required for osteopathic practice and diagnosis. Problem-based series of practically focused clinical case scenarios supported by clinical observations to enable students to integrate their knowledge, understanding, and technical skills to aid in diagnosing and clinical reasoning

    • Musculoskeletal Diagnosis (BCNO5005)

      The module provides an understanding of orthopaedic and rheumatological conditions and introduces the basic concepts of medical imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

    • Clinical Integration and Professionalism 2 (BCNO5007)

      Provides experience for preparing students to engage with the broader scope of patient’s needs and expectations. Includes problem-solving and critical thinking skills to inform and guide the interpretation of clinical and other data to justify clinical reasoning and decision-making. Problem based clinical case scenarios supported by observation will enable students to develop their diagnostic and clinical reasoning

  • Year 3

  • You’ll incorporate a more problem-based learning approach using clinical situations with real patients. You’ll study over a 45 week year which includes clinical training outside term times to enhance your practical abilities. You’ll continue to receive feedback and guidance through our tutorial system and make wide use of new media, digital learning and Osteonet. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, coursework, practical and clinical assessments.

    Core modules

    • Paediatrics (BCNO6002)

      The module covers paediatric osteopathy, including child safeguarding, emergency signs and symptoms and their management, pregnancy, labour and birth, premature babies, infant feeding, colic, and the unsettled infant, child development, examination of children, common childhood conditions, children’s oncology, paediatric medication, and osteopathic treatment.

    • Technique Practice III - Applied Treatment (BCNO6004)

      Emphasis will be placed upon monitoring, critically evaluating, and integrating theoretical and practical applications within techniques for delivering safe and flexible patient care and management. Students will be assuming more responsibility for their actions as they progress towards autonomy. Aims to enhance established technical and clinical reasoning relating to patient evaluation, diagnosis, and techniques.

    • Psychology (BCNO6006)

      Introduction to behaviourism, cognitive and humanistic approaches. Students gain an understanding of personality, abnormal psychology, aspects of developmental and social psychology. Provides an overview of the main conditions and the relationship between psychological factors and disease. Taught from a clinical viewpoint to understand emotional, psychological problems and reactions experienced by patients.

    • Research Methods (BCNO6007)

      The module provides further knowledge in research writing and designing research studies both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The module covers the critical analysis of the literature, literature appreciation and evaluation, data collection and interpretation, statistical analysis, writing a robust protocol, and understanding research ethics.

    • Clinical Practice 3 (BCNO6008)

      The clinical component students manage patients under close supervision from tutors and develop their skills in case-history taking, examination, clinical reasoning, and treatment/management plans in partnership with patients. Students attend the on-site teaching clinic.

    Optional modules

    • Women's Health (BCNO6009)

      This module will give the student a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Women’s health. To provide knowledge in female anatomy, physiology, and pathology from puberty to menopause and beyond. Students will learn aspects of women’s (physical and mental) health and how this may impact the patient.

    • Care of the Older Adult (BCNO6010)

      This module will give the student a comprehensive understanding of the principles of care of the elderly/aged to provide knowledge in all aspects of elderly care, from changes in anatomy and physiology, sociological and legal aspects. Diseases and disorders that affect the elderly

  • Final year

  • You’ll continue to incorporate a more problem-based learning approach using clinical situations with real patients. You’ll study over a 45 week year which includes clinical training outside term times to enhance your practical abilities. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, coursework, practical and clinical assessments, vivas and a research paper. The best BCOM student research has been presented at international osteopathic conferences.

    Core modules

    • Business Skills and Practice Management (BCNO7001)

      This module prepares students for entry into professional practice by giving an overview of key issues such as managing a business, marketing, legal, insurance, financial and professional requirements, CPD, and clinical audit.

    • Clinical Practice 4 (BCNO7002)

      Students autonomously integrate knowledge, understanding, practical skills, and professional attributes within a real patient context. Students will demonstrate full responsibility for the care and management of patients within clinic. This environment of clinical uncertainty enables students to critically apply multi-dimensional attributes to a range of patient presentations coupled with possible co-morbidities.

    • Complex Case Management (BCNO7003)

      This module is aimed at complex case management of patients with long term health conditions building on existing skills and knowledge. The module will provide students with a holistic theoretical knowledge base that will enable students to develop their role in the participation of the treatment and management of these individuals in the wider healthcare context and the role of osteopathy in inter-professional working.

    • Leadership (BCNO7006)

      This module aims to provide learners with a framework of management leadership relevant to an osteopathic/healthcare setting and understand how this impacts patient care. The module will include practical skills in mentoring, delivering and receiving effective feedback, appraisal skills, and managing change

    • Research Investigation (BCNO7007)

      The module follows the grounding gained in Research Methods and over previous years. It requires the student to undertake original research, or a systematic review required to be presented as a journal-ready research paper.

    Optional modules

    • Introduction to Osteopathic Sports Care (BCNO7004)

      Understand and develop skills in the aetiology, presentation, and management of sports and related injuries (acute and chronic). Understand the evidence behind treatment and management, for example, the role of nutrition. To recognise other conditions that may appear as sports injuries (e.g., malignancy, infection, etc.). Understand any specific sports-related injury guidelines.

    • Pain Management (BCNO7005)

      To develop an advanced understanding and knowledge of the underpinning causes and types of pain. To develop an understanding of evidence-based different treatment approaches in pain management, including manual therapy, pharmacology, patient education, psychology, and others.

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.

Entry requirements

Standard entry

Three A levels, including biology, 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.
 

Graduate entry

We welcome applications from those with previous degrees and from mature students. We consider these on an individual basis, taking into account the applicant’s academic and life experiences to date. Demonstrable evidence of the study of biology will usually be required but applicants holding good degrees (2.1 or above) in non-science/-health subjects will be considered on merit. Students with relevant medical or scientific qualifications may gain exemption from parts of the course at the discretion of the Exemption Panel of the College. Applications for exemption must be submitted at the start of each relevant academic year. 

International students

Applications are invited from overseas students who possess recognised A level equivalent qualifications, e.g. International Baccalaureate, gymnasium or entry to a university biological science degree. Overseas students must also possess a Use of English Qualification at an appropriate medical-science level, e.g. IELTS > 6.5.

Medical doctors

Applications from medical doctors are welcome. Students with relevant medical qualifications may gain exemption from parts of the course at the discretion of the Exemption Panel of the College. For more details, please contact our Admissions Team.
 
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.

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.

There are a number of funding options available to students, for further information please go to https://www.bcom.ac.uk/admissions-courses/funding-fees/.

How to apply

All enquiries about making an undergraduate application can go in the first instance to our Admissions Team: admissions@bcom.ac.uk.
Formal application for entry as an undergraduate must be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
The admissions process at BCOM starts in October of the preceding year and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by mid-January. UCAS will accept applications after this date, but it is left to the institution's discretion whether such applications are considered. At BCOM we accept applications for consideration throughout the annual UCAS cycle, and we try to ensure all prospective candidates will receive consideration (subject to places availability).
Interview
It is college policy to interview all students whose UCAS application demonstrates appropriate academic study/qualifications, a clearly stated interest in the Osteopathic profession. Acceptable references must be provided. Interviews take place at the College with the Admissions Panel.

Our partnership with BCNO Group

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.

Want to know more?Information about assessment, theory and practice.Find out more about studying the MOst Osteopathy