Course Overview
At the College of Osteopaths, we understand that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We respect and value everyone in our college community and have created a supportive environment where everyone is helped to reach their full potential. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the Osteopathic profession.
The flexible study structure of the Bachelor of Osteopathy (Hons) programme has been designed to meet the needs of increasing numbers of students wishing to work whilst they train for a new career. Our programme develops the educational and professional skills required for successful practice as a registered osteopath and member of a respected network of professional healthcare specialists.
The College of Osteopaths course is validated by the University of Derby and is four years in duration with the option to take a further semester (6 months), to complete the clinical hours element of the programme should this be required. Programme delivery is varied including online lectures, face-to-face lectures, workshops, self-directed home study and clinic-based learning.
The course is a modular programme, comprising three levels of study; Levels 4, 5, and 6 with each level becoming successively more academically challenging. There are, broadly speaking, four strands of modules extending over the levels. These strands are ‘hands-on’ modules, clinical modules, academic modules and professional modules and students are to develop their practical skills from the start of the programme.
Learning Structure
There are 18 teaching weekends a year delivered either online or face-to-face held at either the Hendon Campus, Middlesex University or at the University of Derby.
In addition to the academic teaching, students are required to complete 1,000 clinical hours and see 50 new patients over the course of the programme (4 to 4.5 years). The clinic hours and experience required to qualify across the programme can be gained at either of our clinical locations. Opening hours across the clinics include evenings and Saturdays enabling students to continue with established work and home-life commitments throughout the duration of their course.
Practical modules require that students act as both patient and practitioner enabling students to really understand the treatment experience and the ‘hands on’ person to person contact that is an essential element of osteopathy. The college also provides a virtual clinic designed to help develop personal and interpersonal (clinician and patient) skills and these generally take place in the evenings.
There are a number of different assessments during the course, ranging from presentations to written exams, essays to practical assessments. Assessments may be scheduled during the week, at teaching weekends or evenings with clinical assessments generally taking place during clinic opening hours. All assessment dates are provided at the start of term so you are able to plan ahead.
The college’s BOst (Hons) programme is designed for flexible learning but it is a degree course and will be hard work. Students are expected to do a significant amount of self-study and prepare effectively for teaching weekends, so being proactive in your learning and managing your own study schedule will be vital as at least 7-14 hours of home study per week is expected.
Flexibility and adaptability is important as lecturers, clinical educators and college staff guide your learning journey in an engaging learning environment that will fully support you in your journey from student to osteopath.
The Programme Specification BOst (Hons) provides full details of each level of study, the programme modules and assessments for the course.
Student Terms and Conditions
The College of Osteopaths Bachelor of Osteopathy (Bost, Hons) programme is designed to ensure that you meet the learning outcomes essential to graduate as an Osteopath and apply for registration with the General Osteopathic Council. Our Student terms and conditions will form part of your agreement with the college once your application has been accepted – Student-Terms-Conditions-Entry-2024 and the University of Derby policies and procedures will also apply.
As recommended by the Competition Marketing Authority (CMA) the college wishes to specifically draw your attention at the pre-contract stage (i.e. before you make a decision about joining us) around the provision outlined in section 10, which allow us to make changes to the programme:
CHANGES TO COURSES AND SERVICES
10.1 The College will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver teaching and related educational and other services and facilities required for your programme in accordance with the description applied to it in the academic year in which you begin the programme. However, the college will be entitled to make reasonable changes to the course or to other related educational and other services and facilities where that will enable the college to deliver a better quality of educational experience to students enrolled on the programme.
10.2 Such changes may be to:
(a) the content and syllabus of the programme, including in relation to placements;
(b) the timetable, location and number of classes;
(c) the structure and/or timing of the academic year;
(d) the method of delivery of courses, services and facilities; and
(e) the examination and assessment process.
10.3 In making any such changes, the college will aim to keep the changes to the minimum necessary to achieve the required quality of experience and will consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required. If the college changes your programme and you are not satisfied with the changes you will be offered the opportunity to withdraw from the programme and, if required, offered reasonable support to move to another provider. Further guidance can be found in the Student Protection Plan.
