BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and are recognised as an allied health profession by the NHS. Osteopathy uses manual therapy and a range of non-invasive techniques to provide pain relief. Osteopaths are trained to treat musculoskeletal issues, from back pain and neck problems to issues with the joints and muscles. It is a treatment that uses manual and physical therapy to reduce pain and improve the body's function.

Osteopathy can help alleviate pain with a range of conditions and concerns from sporting injuries, postural problems, hip and joint aches to digestive problems, migraines and rheumatic pain. The focus of osteopathic treatment is to handle the root cause of the symptoms, to reduce pain and discomfort and improve overall wellbeing. The benefits of Osteopathy include improved mobility, increased energy levels, a reduction in stress and muscle tension, and a positive impact on mood.

Our three-year full-time BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine undergraduate degree offers a wide-ranging and stimulating undergraduate degree programme.

It is designed to prepare graduates to be safe, competent healthcare practitioners, able to support a wide range of patients and a variety of conditions. Graduates are ready to begin their career in practice and to embrace new opportunities evolving within the profession.

The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine undergraduate degree integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills with the exceptional clinical experience gained within our dedicated clinic settings. Our specialist clinics provide opportunities to gain experience in areas of special interest before graduating. Students have access to extensive resources and expert knowledge, to ensure a broad Osteopathic education.

Students who successfully complete the BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine may choose to study a further year (full-time) or two years (part-time) to be awarded a Master of Science, the MSc Osteopathic Medicine. Each degree programme is validated by the University of Plymouth.

**Please note the BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is in the process of being fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) with ‘recognised qualification’ status in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.**

Our rigorous validation process is in place to ensure all educational standards are met for a degree qualification.

For information about our Modified Attendance programme, the BSc(Hons) Osteopathy, please click here.

BCOM and ESO are experienced and established osteopathic schools with a reputation for high quality education, regulated by the Office for Students.

The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine degree and the Master of Science, MSc Osteopathic Medicine, are validated by our partner university, the University of Plymouth.

The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is in the process of being fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) with ‘recognised qualification’ status in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.

On successful completion of an accredited degree course, graduates may apply for registration with the General Osteopathic Council, the UK regulator for the profession, and then start practising as an Osteopath straight away.

Osteopathic legislation does vary from country to country, so if you are looking to practice outside of the UK you will need to check the specific regulations of the country in which you wish to practice. You can find out more on the GOsC website.

The three-year full-time BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine with the option to study a further year and obtain a Master of Osteopathy is available at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (London) and the European School of Osteopathy (Kent).

**Please note the BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is in the process of being fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) with ‘recognised qualification’ status in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.**

The three-year BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine degree and the one-year Master of Science (MSc) Osteopathic Medicine are validated by our partner university, University of Plymouth. The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is in the process of being fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) with ‘recognised qualification’ status in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.

The curriculum involves problem-based learning, case-based scenarios and research over three years of full-time study for the undergraduate degree and one year full-time, or two years part-time, for the Master’s degree. The teaching clinic sits alongside practical skills classes, lectures, tutorials and online learning resources, which aims to develop clinical reasoning, student reflection and self-directed learning. Throughout the degree, students engage with evidence-based medicine and learn to evaluate and appraise evidence critically. When studying the Master’s, students are taught business and practice management skills allowing the graduate the choice on how they will develop their careers as independent practitioners.

The BSc(Hons) Osteopathic Medicine programme specification can be found here.

Please note the BCNO Group is committed to ensuring that courses run as advertised; however, if a minimum number of students is not reached, courses may be changed, rescheduled, or cancelled. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. In most cases, the approval of courses usually lasts for five years, from the point of validation until the point of periodic review of the course. During this period, a course may be modified to enhance provision and ensure that it is compliant with accreditation bodies or partners to meet quality standards. As part of this process current students will be consulted on any proposed change and current and prospective students will be notified of any change.

The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is delivered Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5.30pm, with extended evening clinic hours in Years 2 and 3. Students are generally timetabled to attend online/in person lectures, practical classes or clinic up to 5 days each week.

The academic year is 36 weeks in duration, extending to 43 weeks in Year 2 and 43 weeks in Year 3 to incorporate essential clinical experience in the onsite Teaching Clinic. The Clinic remains open during holiday periods, inclusive of reading weeks, and Year 2 and Year 3 students are scheduled to attend sessions over a given number of weeks between the academic terms.

Please note that in the second year, 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 the third year, students spend approximately twenty-four hours a week in Clinic for three weeks of the holiday period (one week in December and two weeks in April) and the course will finish in September of Year 3.

Year 1 students observe in the Teaching Clinic during scheduled hours throughout the academic year. Students spend around 1000 hours in clinic during their osteopathic training, experiencing around fifty new patient interactions.

Please note: The BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine is a full-time degree programme. Students are generally timetabled to attend online/in person lectures, practical classes or clinic up to 5 days each week, with extended evening clinic hours in Years 2, 3 and 4. Additional time is required outside of these hours for self-directed study and the completion of coursework. The following is an example Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 timetable provided for illustrative purposes only - module titles, timings and method of delivery are subject to change.

BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine example timetable
Please note this example timetable has been provided purely for indicative purposes; timings/module titles are subject to change.

Assessment incorporates coursework, presentations, group work, reflective accounts, ISCE (integrated standard clinical exam), and clinical assessments either as individual students or group work.

A-level 112 UCAS points, typically BBC, to include at least one science subject*

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma DDM in health, science or sports related subject

Access to Higher Education 18 Level 3 credits at merit or above in science or health-related subject

Welsh Baccalaureate BBC including a science subject*

Scottish Qualifications Authority BBBBC including a science subject*

Irish Leaving Certificate H33334 including a science subject*

International Baccalaureate 32 points to include 5 points in 2 science subjects. If overseas and not studying English within the International Baccalaureate, you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall with a score of 5.5 in all other elements.

Applicants must also have GSCE in English and Maths at level 4 (or equivalent)

Other qualifications We accept a range of other UK, European and International qualifications that could be considered equivalent to the above list.  For further information or to check if your qualifications meet our entry requirements, please contact our friendly Admissions team here.

*usually biology but will also consider chemistry, physical education, sports science, psychology, mathematics. General studies are not accepted.

English language If English is not your first language, you must have an acceptable IELTS score of 6.5 in total with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). 

For further information and a list of approved English test providers click here.

If you have completed a qualification in a majority speaking English country that is equivalent to a UK degree, it is possible this may exempt you from the above requirement.

As part of the conditions of entry, applicants will also be required to complete a health declaration and DBS/criminal records check if choosing to study with us.

For those students who need a refresher in biochemistry and human biology, we offer a free two-week online course in early September, ahead of starting the degree mid-September. This is useful for students who have not covered one of the subject areas or for those who have studied these subjects but some time ago. The course has proved invaluable to students and is a very useful introduction to the main degree course.

For information about this course click here. 

UK applicants, studying at university level for the first time, can apply for a loan from the UK Government to cover the cost of tuition fees (subject to entry requirements and eligibility). Click here for more information.

2025 entry:

Home students: £9,250 per annum
EU/International students: £11,250 per annum

Students are able to pay for fees termly (term 1: £3250, term 2: £3000, term 3: £3000 for home students or term 1: £4000, term 2: £4000, term 3: £3250 for EU/International students). 

In addition to the annual course tuition fees, there are further requirements and costs for students on the BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Additional Costs:

• Enhanced DBS check – £62.70
• Clinic coat – approx. £25
• Clinic equipment – approx. £200 for complete kit
• Massage oil  – approx. £10
• Flexible spine – approx. £50
• First aid course (approx. £35 in Year 2)
• Graduation ceremony – approx. £60. Guest tickets are £15 each

All costs above are indicative

The University of Plymouth is the awarding institution for the BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine and MSc Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and the European School of Osteopathy.

Our friendly Admissions team is happy to provide guidance and help with any questions you have about the application process. You can contact them directly at BCOM Admissions or ESO Admissions. You may also like to register for one of open days or organise a time convenient to you to visit us. Click here for more information.

Step 1: Apply

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You only need to apply once to be considered for the BCNO Degree. The application codes can be found below:-

BCOM/ESO Institution code: B81
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine Course Code: B100

Applications for the MSc Osteopathic Medicine are made directly to the BCNO Group.

UCAS will electronically send your application to us for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by 29th January 2025 (for September 2025 entry). We may accept applications until 30th June (subject to availability). 

Step 2: Application Review

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).

You can find more details about the  relevant selection criteria and Admissions Policy here.

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, 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 offer through UCAS and they will give you a date by which you have to make your decision.

Step 5: Offer accepted

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

Osteopathic legislation does vary from country to country, so if you are looking to practice outside of the UK you will need to check the specific regulations of the country you wish to practice in. You can find out more on the GOsC website.

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 need a Student visa, you are strongly advised to read the information provided on the UK Government website, via 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 BCOM Admissions or ESO 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.

Please note the BCNO Group is committed to ensuring that courses run as advertised; however, if a minimum number of students is not reached, courses may be changed, rescheduled, or cancelled. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. In most cases, the approval of courses usually lasts for five years, from the point of validation until the point of periodic review of the course. During this period, a course may be modified to enhance provision and ensure that it is compliant with accreditation bodies or partners to meet quality standards. As part of this process current students will be consulted on any proposed change and current and prospective students will be notified of any change.

“I chose to study osteopathy because I am passionate about the human body and I am also passionate about helping people… The tutors and staff at BCOM have been brilliant, my fellow students have been  great and I have enjoyed every step of the journey.”

Takunda Pswarayi, BCOM 2022 graduate

“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 2018 Graduate

"I chose to study at the ESO because, having visited the school on an open day, I loved the campus and the feel of the place. The course is also very broad and teaches a lot of techniques that are often not taught at undergraduate level. Although it is a small school, the student association organises events at the campus every term which are good fun. Maidstone also has plenty of nice pubs where you play pool or darts with friends, and clubs if you prefer going out dancing."

Anna, ESO student

"After having a conversation with a local Osteopath who studied at the ESO, I came to an open day. I was really impressed by the community-like atmosphere and varied curriculum."

Andrew, ESO graduate

Anisha Joshi, Osteopath to the stars, and who also regularly appears on This Morning. She and her sister Reena (also a BCOM graduate) own and run three Osteopathic Clinics.

Takunda Pswarayi, a recent graduate, who works for Bucks Osteopathy, has lectured at BCOM and works to promote Osteopathy as a career.

Jon McSwiney, specialises in sports and was part of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games team and part of the 2012 London Olympic games medical team.

Nadia Alibhai is an Osteopath and the Director and Principal Osteopath of Back 2 Well-being, a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic based in London, who also regulary appears on This Morning.