Osteopathy - 2012 entry
BOst (Hons)
/
MOst
- single
Typical A-level offer: BBB or equivalent
Recognised Qualification status with the General Osteopathic Council
Overview
Mill Court Osteopathic Clinic
Marston Road teaching site, in Oxford
Student practitioner examining knee joint (test for swelling / patellar milking / ballottement)
Student osteopath testing reflexes
Student osteopath mobilising the wrist joint
Student osteopath mobilising thoracic spine and ribs
We offer a four-year course, leading to one of two awards: the Bachelor of Osteopathy (Hons) (BOst) or the Master of Osteopathy (MOst).
Accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), Oxford Brookes was the first university to be awarded Recognised Qualification (RQ) status for a course in osteopathy delivered in-house. This was an important achievement for the university, as conferment of RQ status represents the successful culmination of a very robust process of inspection and evaluation of the course and the university’s quality structures by the GOsC. Under the terms of the RQ status, all students who successfully complete the course will be eligible to register as osteopaths with the GOsC.
Osteopathy is an established and recognised system of diagnosis and treatment which places emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. It recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the structure of the body, resulting in disturbed function.
Why Brookes?
- Oxford Brookes was the first university to be awarded Recognised Qualification status for its in-house courses in osteopathy, an impressive and important achievement.
- Within the course framework, you will receive between 1,000 and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practice at the university on-site clinics in Oxford and Swindon.
- Supported by different clinical tutors, you will manage daily the complexities of contemporary osteopathic clinical practice. This will broaden and challenge your experience.
- You will be exposed to an evidence-based practice approach to osteopathic care. Within this framework, you will become an active, independent and reflective learner.
- We have excellent teaching facilities, including dedicated clinical skills suites and extensive simulation resources.
- Oxford Brookes has been named the UK's best modern university for the tenth year in a row due to its strong teaching and research profile in the modern university sector (The Sunday Times University Guide 2011).
- We offer a very friendly and supportive environment in which to learn and we consistently receive very high satisfaction ratings for our student support and learning resources in student surveys.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Oxford Brookes University is an ideal place to study osteopathy, because there are already many well-established health care and social care pre-qualification and foundation courses taught here, including health and social care, nursing (adult, children's, mental health), midwifery, occupational therapy, operating department practice, paramedic emergency care, physiotherapy and social work, which support and enrich your learning experience. This offers you a uniquely rich environment in which to learn and gain the knowledge and confidence you will need to practise as an osteopath.
The Osteopathy course at Oxford Brookes aims to provide high-quality osteopathic education in a student-centred learning environment that celebrates the principles of widening participation in higher education, and sets out to critically expose you and your fellow students to a broad range of osteopathic philosophies and the teaching and learning methods utilised in higher education, including:
- learning packages
- lectures
- practicals
- tutorials
- problem-based learning, using scenarios drawn from practice.
During your clinical education you will be fully immersed in the complexities of contemporary practice and exposed to a range of different clinical tutor osteopaths in order to broaden and challenge your developing experience in our purpose-built osteopathic teaching clinics in Oxford and Swindon.
Assessment methods are chosen according to their relevance to the aims and content of the individual units of the courses. These include written formative and summative tests to monitor and advance progress, essays and seminar presentations, and continuous practical assessment. Formal examinations are held at the end of each year.
We will encourage you to become an active and independent learner and to have a critical approach to practice. We aim to produce high-quality graduates, who not only are skilful osteopaths, but also possess sound academic abilities. Students graduating from this course will be competent, independent osteopathic practitioners, capable of working in a contemporary multiprofessional health care environment.
Information technology plays an increasingly important role in health care courses and a very extensive range of learning resources can be accessed through ‘Brookes Virtual’, an online repository of lectures, handouts, information and learning exercises.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - BOst (Hons)
On graduation you will be competent in the GOsC's Standard 2000 Areas of Capability and you will have the capacity to further your professional development. Having successfully completed the course you will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of and evaluate the theoretical basis of osteopathy
- demonstrate a broad range of osteopathic skills appropriate to the major areas of practice
- identify patients likely to benefit from osteopathy
- collect and evaluate information on the physical and psychosocial status of a patient
- critically evaluate the influence of cultural and environmental factors on patients
- use the results of subjective and objective patient assessment techniques to plan appropriate osteopathic management
- select, implement and monitor osteopathic intervention in a manner which is safe, efficient and effective
- work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary members of health care provision in the UK
- communicate effectively and appropriately with patients, carers and members of the general public on matters of health awareness and health promotion
- evaluate and monitor your professional performance, in order to identify and plan for continuing professional development needs
- undertake your own continuing professional development
- demonstrate appropriate skills of practice management and engage constructively in policy development and implementation within the profession and in health and social care
- implement and evaluate research projects
- make effective use of published research, and undertake your own research, in order to develop and inform your own practice and that of others.
Learning Outcomes – MOst
- critically evaluate the theoretical basis of osteopathy
- demonstrate a well-developed broad range of osteopathic skills appropriate to the major areas of practice
- demonstrate developing osteopathic skills appropriate to specialist areas of osteopathic practice, which may require further development through appropriate professional training
- identify patients likely to benefit from osteopathy
- critically evaluate the role of osteopathic care in a variety of specialist areas
- collect and evaluate information on the physical and psychosocial status of a patient
- critically evaluate the influence of cultural and environmental factors on patients
- synthesise the results of subjective and objective patient assessment techniques by means of highly developed clinical reasoning in order to plan appropriate osteopathic management
- select, implement and monitor osteopathic intervention by means of highly developed clinical reasoning in a manner that is safe, efficient and effective
- demonstrate highly developed decision-making processes required for complex and unpredictable clinical situations
- work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary members of health care provision in the UK
- communicate effectively and appropriately with patients, carers and members of the general public on matters of health awareness and health promotion
- critically evaluate and monitor your professional performance in order to identify and plan for continuing professional development needs
- undertake your own continuing professional development
- demonstrate well-developed skills of practice management and engage constructively in policy development and implementation within the profession and in health and social care
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to research or advanced scholarship in osteopathy as a means of implementing and evaluating research projects
- critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in osteopathy and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses that have the potential to inform your own research, your own practice and that of others.
In detail
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
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Course content
The basic premise of osteopathy is that the body is capable of healing itself, given the appropriate environment, both internally and externally. Osteopathy shares many similarities with conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. In addition, osteopaths assess their patients from a mechanical, functional and postural perspective.
The manual systems of treatment used are tailored to the needs of the individual. Osteopathic techniques aim to ensure that there is adequate flow of blood to all tissues and organ systems, to remove strains and tensions within the muscles, and to promote good movement through joint complexes.
This course is taken over four years. Within its structure you have the opportunity to undertake one of two degree awards: the Bachelor of Osteopathy (Hons) (BOst) and the Master of Osteopathy (MOst). The MOst is an option designed for those who wish to achieve an enhanced competence profile in osteopathic research and within specific specialist areas of osteopathic clinical practice such as sports care, obstetrics or paediatrics. Both study routes leads to eligibility to apply for statutory registration as an osteopath..
Note: Entry to the MOst course is currently only available to those students who have successfully completed Years 1 and 2 of the BOst (Hons) full-time course with an average of 60% or above in all Year 2 compulsory modules.
The taught part of the course for the BOst (Hons) award runs in Semesters 1 and 2. However, you will be able to gain your practical clinical experience in the university’s osteopathic clinics throughout the full calendar year.
Years 1 and 2 equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding in the basic sciences, including osteopathic philosophy and basic techniques, in preparation for clinical practice. You will be required to have achieved 50 hours of clinic-based learning in Year 1, and 100 hours of clinic-based learning in Year 2.
Years 3 and 4 you will be required to have achieved at least 850 hours of clinic-based learning which will enable you to reach the competence required to meet the standards set by the General Osteopathic Council.
Clinical teaching experience is provided via a total of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical education at the university’s osteopathic teaching clinics in Oxford, Swindon and elsewhere during the four years of the course.
MOst only
Years 1 and 2 equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding in the basic sciences, including osteopathic philosophy and basic techniques, in preparation for clinical practice. You will be required to have achieved 50 hours of clinic-based learning in Year 1, and 100 hours of clinic based learning in Year 2.
Years 3 and 4
The MOst course builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding in the basic sciences, including osteopathic philosophy and basic techniques, developed during the initial two years of the BOst (Hons) programme. The MOst course provides for a progressive development of your knowledge, skills and understanding of osteopathic practice. In addition to the development of an appropriate competence profile for autonomous practice, students graduating from this MOst course are expected to have developed greater capabilities in dealing with clinical uncertainty, research methodology and specialist osteopathic practice.
Clinical teaching experience in the two years of the MOst course is provided via a total of 850 hours of supervised clinical education in our own purpose-built osteopathic teaching clinics.
In addition to a broad range of clinical experience in typical areas of osteopathic practice, you will have an opportunity to critically explore osteopathic practice in a variety of clinical contexts, such as obstetric, paediatric and sports care.
Study modules
Work placements
The dedicated Practice Education Unit (PEU) will assist you in allocating and administering your practical clinical experience in the university’s osteopathic clinics in Oxford, Swindon and elsewhere throughout the year.
Study abroad
There are ERASMUS exchange opportunities for students in France at the Institut des Hautes Etudes Osteopathiques in Nantes. To find out more, please contact the Programme Administrator.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA
RELATED COURSES:
Hannah Kitchen
The best part has been treating real people with a variety of injuries/problems in the Osteopathic Clinics.
See full profile »Department
Department of Sport and Health Sciences
Professional accreditation
RQ (Recognised Qualification) status was awarded to the two courses by the Privy Council on the recommendation of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This was an important achievement as Oxford Brookes University became the first university to deliver osteopathic undergraduate education in-house. This formally recognised the substantial investment of the university in successfully establishing osteopathy as part of its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary portfolio.
Under the terms of the RQ status, all students who successfully complete the BOst (Hons) or MOst courses will be eligible to register as osteopaths with the GOsC.
Course length
Full-time: BOst (Hons) / MOst 4 years
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Marston Road
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
BOst (Hons)/MOst: B310 BOST/OS
Fees / funding
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA
RELATED COURSES:
International students
Full-time: £11,000
Find out how to pay your fees.
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
You can view our financial help leaflet here.
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA
RELATED COURSES:
Typical offers
A-level: BBB or equivalent
IB Diploma: 32 points including Biology Level 4
Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level Biology/Human Biology at grade C and GCSE Science at grade C
A-levels must include Biology/Human Biology.
Other typical offers include:
- BB at A-level (must include Biology/Human Biology) plus BB at AS-level.
- BTEC extended diploma, with Biology as a core subject - distinction profile in final year.
- Access Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3 including at least 12 in Biology or Human Biology, 15 credits at Level 2. If GCSE Maths is below grade C, then 12 credits at Level 2 Maths is accepted.
- Scottish Highers: minimum of 5 subjects (including Biology, Maths and English) passed in one sitting.
Applications are particularly welcomed from mature students, for whom entry requirements are more flexible.
Screening
All applicants will be screened for fitness for practice and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check will be made.
Specific entry requirements
A-level: BBB and must include Biology/Human Biology
GCSE: Minimum of 5 passes at GCSE, including English, Maths and a science subject at grade C
- 2 AS-levels can be offered in lieu of a non-biological A-level. A-level in General Studies is excluded
- alternative academic qualifications to A-levels are considered.
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
International applications
International applicants should contact the Programme Administrator for details regarding entry requirements.
International applicants will need to apply early to allow enough time for obtaining visas if you are offered a place.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA
RELATED COURSES:
Jason Bradford
As a visually impaired student I require some support to facilitate my progress through the course. Brookes has been an extremely amenable and supportive organisation.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Osteopathy
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities.
Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.
Specialist facilities
We have excellent teaching facilities including classrooms, a 280-seat lecture theatre, dedicated clinical skills suites and fully-networked computer rooms. Our simulation resources include a very well-equipped movement laboratory, a family of computerised simulation manikins and an extensive range of anatomy models.
Oxford Brookes has its own purpose-built osteopathic teaching clinics based at Oxford and Swindon, which offer treatment to students, staff and the general public. Students assess and treat clients under the close supervision of the osteopathic tutors. The clinics provide a full range of osteopathic treatments across the lifespan (ante/postnatal, children, adults and older people). They also provide comprehensive treatment options for sports injuries and follow-up care.
We also have excellent library resources, accessible both through the web and through a range of locally-based facilities on university and NHS sites.
Support for students studying Osteopathy
We provide a very supportive learning environment with excellent teaching facilities and learning resources. All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to teaching and learning and are strongly focused on encouraging you to attain your full potential as a lifelong learner.
There is a range of support mechanisms for students, such as academic advisers, who will facilitate your academic development, and student support co-ordinators, who provide a drop-in service for queries about any aspect of student life, covering both academic and personal welfare.
The university’s support services include Upgrade, which provides advice on study skills such as planning and writing essays, assignments and dissertations, research, or preparing for an exam. They also give advice on statistics and maths. There is a dedicated Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, which provides support for students with disabilities including sensory and mobility impairments, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health problems and medical conditions. Here, staff offer advice and support on a range of issues, including physical access, funding, alternative assessment arrangements and liaison with teaching staff to ensure that they are aware of your requirements.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
DOWNLOADS
- Financial help leaflet (PDF)
- Osteopathy brochure (PDF)
- Guide to health and social care courses (PDF)
SOCIAL MEDIA
RELATED COURSES:
Professional accreditation
RQ (Recognised Qualification) status was awarded to the two courses by the Privy Council on the recommendation of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This was an important achievement as Oxford Brookes University became the first university to deliver osteopathic undergraduate education in-house. This formally recognised the substantial investment of the university in successfully establishing osteopathy as part of its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary portfolio.
Under the terms of the RQ status, all students who successfully complete the BOst (Hons) or MOst courses will be eligible to register as osteopaths with the GOsC.
Career prospects
It is estimated that each year six million people are treated in the UK by osteopaths. Public demand for well-trained and qualified osteopaths has resulted in closer co-operation between members of the medical and osteopathic professions. Although most people consult an osteopath privately, NHS doctors are referring an increasing number of patients to osteopaths. Most private health insurance schemes provide cover for osteopathic treatment.
Against this background, career prospects for osteopaths are excellent, with an increasing number going on to study for postgraduate awards.
