Program Overview

Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (BOst) Part-time

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 Nescot.

Why study Osteopathic Medicine at 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 runs over two days years 1 to 4 and 3 days in year 5 which helps 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).

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

• Tuition fees for home students: £6,200* (80 credits) in year 1, rising to £9,535 (for 120 credits)
• Tuition fees for international students: £9,535
• 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)
• Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Practice (40 credits)

Year 2 (Level 4 & 5)

• Introduction to Osteopathic Practice Level 4 (40 credits)
• Foundation in Evidence Based and Professional Practice (40 credits)

Year 3 (Level 5 & 6)

• Human Disease and Dysfunction Level 5 (40 credits)
• Foundation in Osteopathic Practice Level 5 (40 credits)
• Developing Evidenced Based Practice Level 6 (20 credits)

Year 4 (Level 6)

• Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis Level 6 (20 credits)
• Developing Osteopathic Practice Level 6 (40 credits)
• Developing Professional Practice Level 6 (40 credits)

Year 5 (Level 6)

• Research Proposal (40 credits)
• Integrated Osteopathic Management (40 credits)
• Autonomous Clinical and Professional Practice (40 credits)

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.

Professional Links

• Please note that although we are accepting applications the programme is subject to review by our regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council, and to their granting of 'Recognised Qualification' status. This review has been completed and outcome will be available in the new year 2024.

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.

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.