Osteopathy, MOst

The Osteopathy, MOst program is a four-year initial degree that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a registered osteopath. The program is approved by the General Osteopathic Council, enabling graduates to register to apply for practice upon graduation.

Course Overview

This advanced degree gives students a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the psychology of pain, along with excellent clinical examination techniques. The program combines in-depth academic work with extensive practical clinical skills, preparing students to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues through manual therapy, tailored exercises, rehabilitation, and advice.

Why Osteopathy at Swansea University?

Swansea University has an excellent reputation, being ranked 1st in the UK for Complementary Medicine (Complete University Guide, 2024). The state-of-the-art facilities in the School of Health and Social Care include a multi-disciplinary osteopathic clinic, providing a safe and supervised environment for students to build their skills and confidence.

Modules

The program consists of four years of study, with modules including:

• Osteopathic Skills 1 and 2
• Introduction to Personal and Professional Development
• Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2
• Osteopathic Skills 3 and 4
• Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 1 and 2
• Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical Biomechanics and Imaging
• Introduction to Business Management for Health Care
• Autonomous Osteopathic Practice
• Personal and Professional Development Portfolio

Entry Requirements

The typical A-level offer is BBB, including at least one A-level in Biological Science, Physical Education, or Psychology. Applicants must also have a minimum of five GCSE passes at Grade A*-C, including Welsh or English Language, Maths, and Science. International students must have an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.

How You're Taught

The program uses a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Students will also have access to digital learning tools, such as recorded lectures and online resources.

Welsh Provision

Some provision is available through the medium of Welsh, but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. Academi Hywel Teifi offers support for Welsh-speaking students, including access to generous Welsh-language study bursaries and the opportunity to receive personal correspondence in Welsh.

Professional Body Accreditation

The program is accredited by the General Osteopathic Council.

Meet Your Lecturers

The program is led by a team of experienced lecturers, including Simon Devitt, Charles Millward, Stephen Buss, Jo Perkins, Sue Croft, Bethan Davies, Payal Sood, Martin Boddy, Sharon Sylvester, and Marelie Mey.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are:

• UK students: Ł9,535 per year
• International students: Ł20,050 per year

Funding and Scholarships

Students may be eligible for funding to support their study, including scholarships and bursaries. Academi Hywel Teifi also offers generous Welsh-language study bursaries.

Additional Costs

Students will need to purchase their own digital device and IT kit, and may incur additional costs for travel, printing, and equipment.

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support students at each stage of their career journey, helping them build a bright future. The team offers employability workshops, individual advice and guidance, and help with finding jobs and internships.

Academic Support

The Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops, and one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, maths and statistics, critical thinking, and time management. The centre also offers specialist support for students with specific learning difficulties or disabilities.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

Students may have the opportunity to study abroad or participate in international summer programs.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants will be invited to interview, which may take place in person or via telephone/video call. The interview will last around 30 minutes and will include questions about the applicant's motivation for studying osteopathy and their understanding of the profession.

Degree Overview:

This advanced four-year initial degree in Osteopathy will impart the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to register as an osteopath and be qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues through manual therapy, tailored exercises, rehabilitation, and advice. You will develop a profound understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the psychology of pain, along with excellent clinical examination techniques, combining in-depth academic work with extensive practical clinical skills.

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Outline:

The course content is tightly structured, with all modules being compulsory. Over the four years, you will progress through modules in anatomy and physiology, osteopathic skills, pathophysiology and therapeutics, culminating in a dissertation in your final year.

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Assessment:

Your learning will be assessed through written exams, coursework, and practical exams known as Objective Structured Practical Examinations, which have interactive elements.

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Teaching:

We are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience, employing the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, allowing for full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops will predominantly take place in-person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

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Careers:

Upon graduation, your salary will be determined by the number of patients you see and whether you establish your own practice or join an already established practice as an associate partner. You can expect an average starting salary of around £28,407.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 17,350 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 18,200 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events