Program Overview

Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (BOst)

Overview

The Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (BOst) is a dynamic programme taught by expert and enthusiastic staff, and will provide you with the understanding and skill required for success as a practicing osteopath. The programme is validated by LSBU and delivered by our partner Nescot . The programme is recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and on successful completion you will be eligible to register as an osteopath with the GOsC.

Why study Osteopathic Medicine with LSBU?

• The course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for professional osteopathic practice and life-long learning.
• Each year you will have a dedicated tutor who is responsible for overseeing your learning experience and who is available for pastoral as well as academic support.
• Professional accreditation: we’re accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
• Small cohort sizes of approximately 10 allow opportunity for personalised teaching both in the lecture room and student clinic.
• Teaching typically runs over three days and therefore allows you to manage your time effectively and efficiently.
• You will gain 1000 hours of clinical training which is delivered on campus in our modern and bespoke training clinic.
• LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).

Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method

• Mode Full-time | Duration 4 year | Start date September | Application code 5892 | Application method NESCOT

Course Accreditations

• General Osteopathic Council

Location

• Nescot College

Entry Level Requirements

• UK Qualifications:
  • A levels: 96 UCAS Tariff points, including science based subjects
  • BTEC: 96 UCAS Tariff points, in science-based subjects
  • Access Diploma: Pass with 60 credits (Science based)
  • An Honours degree
  • A foundation degree in a professional relevant subject
  • Plus: GCSE (A*-C): minimum of five subjects including Mathematics and English Language.
• International Qualifications: Applications from international students with equivalent qualifications are welcome.
• A minimum IELTS score of 6 overall, with no element below 5.5, or equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is required.
• All applicants must be 18 years or over at the commencement of the course.

Advanced entry

• Applicants who have studied in a related area and/or have relevant professional experience may be able to apply for advanced entry via our recognition of prior learning (RPL) policy.

Fees

• Annual Fees: £9,535
• Concession: NO
• Government Subsidised: NO
• Student Loan Available: YES (Higher education loan may be available)
• Full fee information here
• Fees are for 2024/25 entry and are for UK students of all ages.
• Osteopathy students may incur the following additional costs:
  • Clinical Tunics and equipment: Stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer (Blood Pressure Cuff), Patella Hammer and ideally an Ophthalmoscope. The approximate costs of these items of equipment is £300 - £500 and they have to be purchased at the start of the year.

Course Content

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (40 credits)
  • In this module students learn about normal structure and function, anatomy and physiology of the human body with reference to osteopathic practice. Students will understand the processes by which the body and its systems function under normal circumstances to maintain homeostasis. Students will also develop a working knowledge of surface anatomical landmarks and confidence in the use of anatomical language and terminology.
• Introduction to Osteopathic Practice (40 credits)
  • In this module students will develop a basic knowledge and practical understanding of osteopathic examination and technique. The module will include the teaching of observation, active and passive examination, palpation and soft tissue and articulatory techniques for both the axial and appendicular systems. The module also introduces learners to osteopathic theory and principles and the application of these to osteopathic practice.
• Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Practice (40 credits)
  • This module will develop learners’ academic skills necessary for writing, critical thinking, presenting and reading research articles. It will introduce them to the concept of professional development with specific reference to the Student Fitness to Practice Guidelines and the Osteopathic Practice Standards. Learning will be facilitated by guided observation in the teaching clinic.

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Human Disease and Dysfunction (40 credits)
  • This module is designed to give students an understanding of disease processes and their effect on the normal structure and function of the human body. Students will learn the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis and presenting signs and symptoms of diseases that they are likely to encounter in their clinical practice. Traditional medical management including surgery and pharmacology as well as nutritional support will be discussed. Students will be taught the necessary clinical skills to physically assess the different body systems and to interpret basic medical test and imaging results in order to support their differential thinking.
• Foundation in Osteopathic Practice (40 credits)
  • In this module students will develop their repertoire of osteopathic manual therapy techniques and learn common orthopaedic tests. They will also be introduced to the use of exercise as an adjunct to osteopathic manual therapy techniques. Emphasis will continue with regard developing the students understanding and appreciation of the relationship between osteopathic principles and applied techniques.
• Foundation in Evidence Based and Professional Practice (40 credits)
  • This module will develop students understanding of evidence-based practice and professionalism. The module will provide students with the confidence and skills necessary to search and review the literature in order to answer clinically relevant questions. The module will also support the students as they progress their clinical training and prepare them for their role as a student practitioner.

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis (20 credits)
  • This module is designed to further develop students’ clinical reasoning and practical examination skills in order that they can formulate a well justified clinical diagnosis. The module will also introduce students to the pain science literature as well as develop their ability to identify presentations which are likely to require onward referral. Due consideration will be given to biopsychosocial model and its application to clinical reasoning and patient management.
• Developing Osteopathic Practice (40 credits)
  • This module will give students the opportunity to broaden and refine their osteopathic manipulative and exercise rehabilitation skills. Emphasis will be given to developing students skill and confidence in the use of manipulation techniques. Learners will also develop a critical understanding of the specific clinical issues relating to special populations including obstetrics, geriatrics and sports injuries and will be encouraged to consider critically the osteopathic management of these.
• Developing Professional Practice (40 credits)
  • This module is designed to build upon the clinical and professional skills acquired by the student at level 5. In year 3 the students role in clinic as observer changes to practitioner and the module will support this transition. The module will encourage students to reflect on their clinical experience and personal and professional development in the context of the Osteopathic Practice Standards.
• Developing Evidenced Based Practice (20 credits)
  • This module will introduce learners to research methodologies and data analysis techniques to prepare them for their final year project. It will continue to develop their critical thinking and general academic skills.

Year 4 (Level 6)

• Research Proposal (40 credits)
  • The module enables students to demonstrate research and analytical skills through the completion of a research proposal. The learners will identify a clinically relevant area for research and formulate a research proposal applying the skills acquired in previous modules and Developing Evidenced Based and Professional Practice. Learners are allocated a project supervisor to support the development of their research proposal.
• Integrated Osteopathic Management (40 credits)
  • This module will develop students proficiency and autonomy as highly reflective osteopathic practitioners who are capable of providing care to a broad range of individuals with neuromusculoskeletal conditions and associated comorbidities. Due attention will be given to their role as educators and their ability to demonstrate leadership and team working skills. Students will also continue to develop confidence in their manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation skills and their ability to integrate these effectively in clinical practice.
• Autonomous Clinical and Professional Practice (40 credits)
  • This module is designed to build upon and refine students osteopathic professional and clinical skills. It aims to develop students’ competence as autonomous practitioners and provide them with the business and communication skills required to work successfully in private practice and as an employee. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate current research and challenge and justify the beliefs that influence their approach to clinical reasoning and patient management. Consideration will be given to the osteopathic practice standards and the CPD process required of graduate practitioners.

Placements

• Clinical training is supported by the professional practice modules that run during each year of the course.
• All clinical training occurs on site in our bespoke clinic and is supervised by our clinical tutors who are all registered and practicing osteopaths as well as experienced and qualified educators.

Careers

• Most osteopaths are self-employed and work in the private sector, although some are working in multi-disciplinary environments within the NHS and in occupational healthcare in public bodies and private companies.

Employability Service

• At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
  • Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
  • Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Professional Links

• The programme is recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and on successful completion graduates are eligible to register as an osteopath with the GOsC.

Teaching and Assessment

• All lecturers are qualified osteopaths and ensure that theory taught is enhanced with their own real life clinically relevant experiences.
• A blended teaching approach is used with face-to-face lectures supported and enhanced by group work, guided clinical observation and informal and formal (twice a year) one-to-one tutorials. Teaching is further supported by digital resources available via the Virtual Learning Environment that include lecture presentations and handouts and module related online courses.
• The assessment strategies are varied to promote inclusivity and variety. They include formative approaches which provide opportunities for students to gain valuable ongoing feedback on academic, practical and professional ability. Summative assessments used include written exams, technique, exercise and clinical examination practical assessments, presentations and viva, reflective essays, literature reviews, case study presentations and essays, data interpretation exercises, research project, teaching tasks and clinical based assessment.