Masters in Osteopathy

The Masters in Osteopathy (M.Ost) integrates academic scientific, anatomical, theoretical and research knowledge with applied clinical osteopathic and naturopathic skills. The purpose of the degree is to train and educate safe, competent and effective practitioners of Osteopathy eligible to register in the UK with the General Osteopathic Council. BCOM surveys its graduates and consistently finds that 95-100% of our graduates are in full-time osteopathic employment within three months of graduation. The Masters in Osteopathy therefore certainly provides an education towards a career with a future.

The Masters in Osteopathy is issued as a validated degree of the University of Westminster. Graduates will usually also graduate with BCOM's highly respected and historically significant stand-alone awards, Diploma in Osteopathy and Diploma in Naturopathy.

The Masters in Osteopathy involves a minimum of 25 hours theory and practical classes per week. Clinic forms the focal point of the course. The clinical component is significant and the level of achievement is high. These standards are at the core of BCOM's high academic reputation throughout the osteopathic sector and seek to surpass the minimum of General Osteopathic Council's Standard 2000. Years One and Two are essentially delivered via traditional lectures, whereas Years Three to Four incorporate a more problem-based learning approach using clinical situations with real patients. A tutorial system throughout the course provides feedback and guidance. The Masters in Osteopathy also makes wide use of new media and digital learning, including the acclaimed interactive anatomy software AnatomyTV© and the provision of a comprehensive lecture note, research resource and digital learning archive integrated into its innovative and much-praised intranet, Osteonet.

Due to its large clinical component, the College is operational for 51 weeks per year. The academic year is three terms of 12 weeks during a 36-week year in Years One and Two and a 45-week year in Years Three and Four. There will be clinical training outside term times in Years Three and Four. A high percentage of practical study demonstrates the skills required to become an Osteopath. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, coursework, practical and clinical assessments, vivas and a research paper. Final examinations are usually set at or near the end of the academic year. All students receive an assessment schedule. This timetable is published on Osteonet. The Masters in Osteopathy replaced BCOM's traditional Dissertation with an innovative, publication-ready research paper. The best BCOM student research has been presented at international osteopathic conferences.

Syllabus

Year One

• Anatomy: Osteology & Arthrology
• Cardio-respiratory Physiology
• Anatomy: Myology
• Anatomy: Neurology
• Nutrition & Biochemistry
• GI, Renal and Endocrine Physiology
• Principles of Naturopathy
• Principles of Osteopathy
• Osteopathic Technique
• Soft-Tissue Techniques

Year Two

• Integrated Anatomy
• Clinic Theory & Observation
• Diagnosis
• Spinal Mechanics
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Soft-Tissue Techniques
• Osteopathic Technique

Year Three

• Differential Diagnosis
• X-ray Diagnosis, Rheumatology & Orthopaedics
• Psychology
• Paediatrics
• Research Methodology
• Peripheral Mechanics
• Applied Natural Therapeutics
• Applied Pharmacology
• Clinical Practice
• Osteopathic Technique

Year Four

• Clinical Rheumatology, Orthopaedics & X-ray
• Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Clinical Psychosomatics
• Practice Management, Ethics And Audit
• Project (double module)
• Osteopathic Clinical Practice