Master of Osteopathy Degree

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 function of the body.

Osteopathy can help alleviate pain with a range of conditions and concerns including sporting injuries, postural problems, and hip or 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 your overall wellbeing. The benefits of osteopathy include improved mobility, a regular and more restful sleep pattern, increased energy levels, a reduction in stress and muscle tension, and a positive impact on your mood.

Our four year full-time Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) undergraduate degree offers a wide-ranging and inspiring 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 will be ready to begin their career in practice and to embrace new opportunities evolving within the profession.

The M.Ost undergraduate degree integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills with the exceptional clinical experience gained within our dedicated clinic settings. Our electives and flexible study options provide opportunities to gain experience in areas of special interest prior to graduating. Students also have access to the resources and expert knowledge available at both our sites, to ensure a broad osteopathic and naturopathic education.

Successful students will graduate from BCOM or ESO with a Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost), validated by the University of Plymouth. The Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree is 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 Level 7 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.

The Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree is validated by our partner university, University of Plymouth, and is fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) with ‘recognised qualification’ status in accordance with the Osteopaths Act 1993.

On successful completion of this osteopathy degree course, graduates may apply for registration with the General Osteopathic Council, the UK regulator for the profession and obtain a Diploma in Naturopathy from General Council and Register of Naturopaths  and then start practising as an osteopath straight away.

The M.Ost is available at each of our amazing sites. Students may choose to study in London, at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, or in Kent at the European School of Osteopathy. They may also choose to study across both sites, for example spending two years in London, the third year in Kent, before returning for their fourth year. This flexibility allows students to interact with a diverse patient population, presenting with a wide variety of conditions, and gives access to different osteopathic specialities, for example in sports care, women’s health, care of the older adult.

The Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree is validated by our partner university, University of Plymouth, and is 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 four years of full-time study. The teaching clinic sits alongside practical skills classes, lectures, tutorials, online learning resources, which aims to develop clinical reasoning, student reflection and self-directed learning. Throughout the four years, students engage with evidence-based medicine and learn to evaluate and appraise evidence critically. The M.Ost builds on the students clinical experience with Complex Case Management. Due to the unique nature of the Osteopathic profession, students at Level 7 are taught business and practice management skills allowing the graduate the choice on how they will develop their careers as independent practitioners.

For more information about module content, assessment and delivery please click here.

The Master of Osteopathy 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 M.Ost is delivered Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5/6pm, with extended evening clinic hours in Years 3 and 4. 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 38 weeks in Year 2, 43 weeks in Year 3 and 38 weeks in Year 4 to incorporate essential clinical experience. Reading weeks are scheduled for mid-term to allow students to consolidate their learning and to attend clinic as necessary.

The Clinic remains open during holiday periods, inclusive of reading weeks, and Year 3 and Year 4 students are scheduled to attend sessions over a given number of weeks between the academic terms. Please note that in the third 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 fourth 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). Year 2 students spend part of the summer holidays in Clinic, as part of the transition period from Year 2 to Year 3. Year 1 and Year 2 students observe in the teaching clinic during scheduled hours throughout the academic year. Students spend over 1000 hours in clinic during their osteopathic training, experiencing around fifty new patient interactions.

In total the programme amounts to 480 UK academic credits totalling 4800 hours, including time allocated for completion of a research dissertation between Years 3 and 4 and guided independent study.  Coupled to this is the life simulated learning gained through clinical educational.

M.Ost Year 1 – example timetable

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

A-level BBC including a 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 IB, must have IELTS 6.5 overall with 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 Secure English Language Test (SELT), for example, IELTS with a score of 6.5 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, ahead of starting the main degree course. 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. 

Applicants who have studied in a related field (such as Physiotherapy or Sports Science) may be eligible to join us in Year 2 or 3 via our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

If you would like to be considered for APL, please see our handy PDF guide for more information.

Home students: £9,250 per annum
EU/International students: £11,000 per annum

Students are able to pay for fees termly (£3250, £3000, £3000 for home students or £4000, £3500, £3500 for EU/Internationall students. Instalments are payable by either the end of the first week of each term or by the beginning/ first day of each term.

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
• 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

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

Step 1: Apply

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You only need to apply once to be considered for the BCNO Degree. This can be through BCOM or the ESO – the codes for each can be found below:-

BCOM Institution code: B81
Master of Osteopathy Course Code: B312

ESO Institution code: E80
Master of Osteopathy Course Code: B310

UCAS will electronically send your application to us for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by 31st January (for 2024 entry).

We will accept applications until 30th June (subject to availability). After that date, please contact our Admissions team. 

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 on the ESO and BCOM websites.

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 ESO Admissions / BCOM Admissions Teams 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 feel like the best thing about studying at the ESO is the feeling that you are part of a big family. You get to know each other well during the first term, and you do everything together. The student association organises events at the campus every term which are good fun. Maidstone also has plenty of nice pubs and clubs."

Oliver, ESO 2022 Graduate

“The ESO has so many amazing connections and I like the idea of spending a few years working in New Zealand. I know I made the right choice choosing ESO as I have met so many amazing and like-minded people. I can see why graduates come back as lecturers to teach at the ESO.”

Anna, ESO Year 4 Student