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Prospectus
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WHY CHOOSE THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY?

• practical training with practising osteopaths

• UK’s largest general osteopathic clinic
• specialist and community clinics
• accredited degree course
• extensive modern facilities
• excellent osteopathic library
• accessible location in the heart of London
• unique opportunity to develop individual style
• part-time and full-time study options
• excellent job opportunities: over 90% of BSO graduates
employed as osteopaths within three months of graduation.
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CONTENTS

06 WELCOME
08 WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
11 A CAREER IN OSTEOPATHY
12 THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY
16 BACHELOR OF OSTEOPATHY
19 STUDY OPTIONS
20 COURSE CONTENT
22 TEACHING AND LEARNING
31 LEARNING RESOURCES
33 ACCESS COURSE
34 ADDITIONAL COURSES
37 STUDENT SUPPORT
38 STUDENT LIFE IN LONDON
43 FIND OUT MORE
44 NECESSARY SKILLS
47 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
48 HOW TO APPLY
51 INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION DAYS

The British School of Osteopathy is accredited by the General Osteopathic Council. The Bachelor of Osteopathy degree is validated
by the University of Luton. The Access to Osteopathic Health Care course is run jointly with Southwark College and validated by the
London Open College Network. The BSO is a registered charity (no 312873) that educates osteopaths, provides treatments for patients
and promotes osteopathic research.
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‘AS OSTEOPATHY WINS INCREASING RECOGNITION FROM THE

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS AND AN EVER WIDER PUBLIC, THE
BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY, A WORLD LEADER IN ITS FIELD,
CONTINUES TO SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PATIENT CARE
AND EDUCATION. AS PATRON OF THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF
OSTEOPATHY I CONGRATULATE THE SCHOOL ON ITS SIGNIFICANT
ACHIEVEMENTS AND WISH IT CONTINUED SUCCESS.’

HRH The Princess Royal

Patron of the British School of Osteopathy

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‘I USED TO BE AN NHS TRANSLATOR

BUT WENT INTO OSTEOPATHY
BECAUSE I COULD TAKE MY NEW SKILLS
ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.’

Warsan Egal, 2005 Graduate

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WELCOME

OSTEOPATHY IS AN ENORMOUSLY REWARDING PROFESSION. IT IS RESPECTED IN

MANY COUNTRIES ACROSS THE WORLD THANKS TO THE COMMITMENT AND
SKILLS OF PRACTITIONERS LIKE THOSE WE EDUCATE HERE.

The British School of Osteopathy has led the development of osteopathic education
and practice in the UK since 1917, producing leaders in the field and driving forward
standards.

On site, we have probably the largest osteopathic clinic in Europe and a thriving
research department. Uniquely, BSO offers a broad clinical education, through
working in our off-site community clinics. For instance, students can gain experience
of working in a GP practice, or work in an NHS hospital with patients who have HIV.
We constantly appraise our work to ensure that the Bachelor of Osteopathy degree
course provides you with the best clinical training available.

Our educational ethos is clear. We are committed to helping you become a caring,
able practitioner who is fully equipped to take advantage of the wide range of career
choices osteopathy offers.

We are very proud of this vibrant, friendly school. As the profession continues to
grow we take intense pleasure from the role we play in training the new generation
of practitioners, tutors and researchers.

We look forward to welcoming you to the British School of Osteopathy.

Charles Hunt and Margaret Wolff

Acting Principals

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WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

OSTEOPATHY IS A HOLISTIC PATIENT-CENTRED SYSTEM OF HEALTH CARE THAT

IS COMPLEMENTARY TO OTHER MEDICAL PRACTICES.

Osteopaths mainly work with the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and pay special
attention to how it affects, and is affected by, our vital internal organs. A well-
functioning musculo-skeletal system plays an important role in wellness, disease
prevention and recovery.

Another important principle of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing
mechanisms which can be utilised as part of the treatment.

Treatment is usually performed using highly skilled manual techniques tailored

to the individual patient. Osteopaths frequently support these treatments with
advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise. Relevant psychological and social factors also
form part of the diagnosis.

Osteopathic treatment is suitable for almost any patient and can contribute
to alleviating an enormous range of conditions. Patients may be referred by
their doctor or opt to attend an osteopathic clinic independently.

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‘THE BSO IS A HIGHLY-REGARDED OSTEOPATHIC

SCHOOL. EMPLOYERS RECOGNISE THE
QUALITY OF THE BSO DEGREE.’
Ed Jones, 2005 Graduate

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A CAREER IN OSTEOPATHY

YOUR BSO DEGREE IS A GATEWAY TO A REWARDING CAREER. THERE IS A

GROWING DEMAND FOR OSTEOPATHS AS THE PUBLIC BECOMES MORE
AWARE OF OUR WORK AND RECOGNITION FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH
SERVICE RAPIDLY INCREASES.

Choose where and how you practise

Osteopaths come from all walks of life and can choose to practise in many
different ways.

Your BSO degree qualifies you to work in many parts of the world
Many areas in the UK do not have sufficient osteopathic services to meet
growing demand.

Osteopathy can be financially very rewarding and part-time practice is a

popular option. Osteopaths can easily adapt their hours to combine work
with other interests – parenthood, teaching or further study.

Setting up your own practice

Many of our graduates join existing practices for experience before setting up
on their own. Others start their own practice as soon as they graduate.

Setting up in practice requires little capital. You can work in any private room
and the equipment you need is not expensive. Your most valuable assets will be
the skills you acquire at the BSO.

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THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY

THE BSO IS THE UK’S LARGEST AND OLDEST SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY. WE

ARE RECOGNISED ALL OVER THE WORLD AS A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR
HIGH-QUALITY, INNOVATIVE AND MODERN OSTEOPATHIC EDUCATION.

First and foremost

We have always played a pivotal role in educating osteopaths to the highest
professional standards. The school was founded by John Martin Littlejohn in 1917
on his return to the UK from the US after studying under Andrew Taylor Still,
the founder of osteopathy.

We were one of the first schools to gain official recognition by the statutory
regulating body, the General Osteopathic Council. Several of our senior academics
sit on the Council committees which monitor and develop education, research,
continuing professional development and regulation.

We teach students from a very broad range of ages and backgrounds. Some come
to us from A levels. Others take the Bachelor of Osteopathy as a second degree.
Many of our mature students chose to re-train after careers in fields as diverse as
sports, engineering, bricklaying and banking.

Within three months of graduation over 90% of our graduates find employment
as osteopaths. Many of our graduates are now leaders in the field.

We continue to provide support and mentoring to our graduates after training

is complete.

Resources
We have a progressive programme of investment in educational IT and the largest
library of osteopathic books, CD-ROMs, journals and videos outside the USA.

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BSO Clinics
BSO clinics offer unrivalled opportunities for students to gain the widest possible
osteopathic experience. Our general clinic is one of the largest of its kind in Europe
and it is fully integrated into the learning experience we offer.

We treat approximately 900 patients a week in our general clinic at the school. We
hold specialist clinics at the school for sports injuries, children, expectant mothers
and patients with HIV.

We also run seven outreach clinics in Southwark and Camden. In these clinics
we treat the elderly, the homeless and children with emotional and behavioural
difficulties. We also hold a second clinic for HIV patients in an NHS hospital.

Practical training in our clinics is a key part of the Bachelor of Osteopathy course.
In the final two years of study, every student has their own list of patients to treat
under supervision.

Research
Our Research Centre is the UK’s leading centre of osteopathic research and a
member of the National Council for Osteopathic Research.

We adopt a broad view of research involving both qualitative and quantitative

methods and diverse aspects of osteopathic care and its underlying philosophy.

Our researchers have collaborative links with research groups in other universities
and medical schools. They frequently deliver papers at conferences and publish in
peer-reviewed journals. Above all, they are actively involved in teaching and
supervising students’ undergraduate research.

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BACHELOR OF OSTEOPATHY

THE BACHELOR OF OSTEOPATHY (B.OST) DEGREE PREPARES YOU FOR

PROFESSIONAL LIFE AS AN OSTEOPATH AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
PRACTITIONER.

With a B.Ost you will have a detailed understanding of the principles of osteopathy,
a range of effective clinical skills and techniques, and the ability to work sensitively
and professionally with every patient.

It is a necessarily intensive course with a practical, clinical focus. Though it incorporates

a rigorous theoretical core, our teaching and learning never loses sight of the fact
that most of our graduates will enter clinical practice.

Why B.Ost?
The BSO’s Bachelor of Osteopathy degree has Recognised Qualification status which
enables graduates to apply for registration with the General Osteopathic Council
(GOsC). It is not possible to practise as an osteopath in the UK without registering
with the GOsC.

Once you graduate you will be eligible to apply for registration with the General
Osteopathic Council which will enable you to practise as a primary care practitioner.

The B.Ost is validated by the University of Luton and undergoes regular quality
assurance checks.

The B.Ost is a professional qualification that prepares you for practice as an

osteopath. It is a more specialist degree than a general B.Sc (Hons).

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‘THE LEARNING STARTS STRAIGHT AWAY.

IT’S REALLY INTENSIVE.’
Rosie Philips, First Year

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STUDY OPTIONS

WE OFFER STUDENTS THE OPTION OF STUDYING FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME.

EACH YEAR OF STUDY HAS A THEME:

Phase one: ORIENTATION

Phase two: CONSOLIDATION
Phase three: DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION
Phase four: PRE-PROFESSIONAL

Full-time study
Our B.Ost Standard Pathway is four years of full-time study.

Part-time study
Our B.Ost Mixed Mode Pathway is a five-year option. It offers students the opportunity
to spend three years studying the Orientation and Consolidation phases using a mix of
distance and on-site learning. This enables students to combine study with work for the
first three years of the five-year Mixed Mode pathway.

Phases three and four cannot be studied part-time: they involve two years of
full-time study as in the Standard Pathway.

This five-year Mixed Mode Pathway is especially suitable for mature students
wanting to change careers. It is a very demanding way to study and it doesn’t suit
students who have no experience of part-time learning.

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COURSE CONTENT

THE B.OST IS A COMPREHENSIVE AND FOCUSED QUALIFICATION THAT WILL

PROVIDE YOU WITH A THOROUGH PREPARATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER
AS AN OSTEOPATH.

A key focus of the course is our outpatient clinic where you will progress from
observing clinical work in your first year to taking full clinical responsibility for
patient care in your final year.

The course has five main areas of study:

• Structure and Function: exploring the integrated nature of anatomy
and physiology
• Function Dysfunction: exploring how the body adapts to changes in the internal
and external environments
• Practical Osteopathic Skills: highly specialised manual skills, palpation
and observation that characterise osteopathic practice
• Osteopathic Practice: working with patients – observation, diagnosis, ethics and
patient management
• Critical Analysis and Enquiry: key transferable skills that enable critical
investigation, analysis and synthesising knowledge and information.

Your studies will include:

• biomedical sciences relating to human health and illness
• pathophysiological changes that lead to disease and illness
• concepts underlying osteopathic practice
• the psychosocial perspective on health and illness
• research skills and clinical audit
• manual practical skills required for practice
• interpersonal and clinical skills
• key transferable skills.

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TEACHING AND LEARNING

OSTEOPATHS WORK IN A VARIETY OF STYLES AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU

WITH THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTISE IN YOUR OWN WAY AND
MEET THE CRITERIA FOR PROFESSIONAL STATUS.

How we teach
From early in your studies, you will be involved with our clinics and benefit from
one-to-one intensive tuition with practising osteopaths and their patients. Many
of our dedicated teachers are practising osteopaths, often with higher degrees and
specialist skills. Most of our tutors also run their own practices. Being taught by
practising osteopaths is an invaluable part of the detailed training we offer all our
students. Patient contact is fundamental to our degree course.

Our research staff are leaders in osteopathic thinking and will work with you as you
prepare your dissertation.

We take a personal and detailed approach to all our teaching and we will treat you
as an individual throughout your studies. BSO clinical and research staff are
committed to sharing with you their unequalled knowledge and experience.

In technique classes we normally have a tutor/student ratio of just 1:8, and in

the clinic the ratio is lower.

The BSO’s B.Ost will allow you to develop your own style. As well as the essential
knowledge base, you will also learn practical, interpersonal, cognitive and key
transferable skills as well as developing the necessary attitude of enquiry,
professionalism, ethical caring and respect that characterises a competent and
effective osteopath.

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‘THE BSO COURSE IS STRONGLY BASED IN

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND
PATHOLOGY.’
Olivia Rowley, First Year

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‘AT THE BSO, YOU MEET AN AMAZING RANGE OF PEOPLE.’

Rebecca Johnson, 2005 Graduate

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Student-centred learning
We focus on helping you to recognise and address your needs and fulfil your
potential. Throughout your time with us you will be guided and supported by
academic tutors and a full-time co-ordinator.

Through your Personal Development Plan you will learn to evaluate your own
learning needs and be able to make the most of your strengths. We will support
you and help you address any weaknesses.

Our Student Learning Advisor runs workshops on topics such as exam preparation
and essay writing skills. The Advisor also offers individual sessions with any student
who requires extra learning support.

Active learning
We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including:
• clinical supervision: intensive one-to-one tuition with patients in our clinics
where you learn how to manage patients’ problems, make clinical judgements
such as diagnosis and evaluation, select particular treatments to correct specific
problems and develop your interpersonal skills.
• practical sessions: practising technique instead of just watching it being done
• tutorials and seminars: for in-depth discussions
• self-managed learning: where you reflect on your work, pursue areas of special
interest to you and gain a deeper and natural familiarity with the subjects.

We keep the number of whole-year lectures to a minimum and continuously exploit

the best of modern teaching methodologies.

We also arrange external visits in the UK and abroad and will encourage you to
attend regional conferences and meetings to experience different approaches to
osteopathy and broaden your understanding of the practice.

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Assessing your work

To be a safe and competent practitioner, it is vital that you possess the necessary
knowledge and skills.

We believe that regular assessment helps you learn in the most effective way because
it provides you with a focus for your study and opportunities for feedback.

We assess through essays, a research project, tutor feedback, timed examinations

and the following:
• objective structured practical examinations that assess your
skills in technique with ‘live’ demonstrations
• case study presentations
• skills assessment of clinical procedures
• on-line assessments that you complete when you are ready
• portfolios that provide a record of achievement and evidence
of learning outcomes
• clinical competence assessments with external examiners
assessing your competence with patients.

Preparing for practice

Your final year is your pre-professional phase when your experience is very close to
that of real practice.

You will spend your final year concentrating on your clinical and technical skills and
developing practice management skills. You will already have had many hours of
contact with patients and you will now have your own list of patients for whom
you are responsible under supervision. Final year Business Practice lectures on
subjects such as clinical management and accountancy will help you prepare for
life after graduation.

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‘I EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE

WITH THEIR GENERAL HEALTH AND
FITNESS, AND GIVE ADVICE ON
CORRECTIVE EXERCISE AND
NUTRITION. I’D LIKE MY OWN CLINIC
AND LIFESTYLE CONSULTANCY.’
Ricardo Davids, First Year

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LEARNING RESOURCES

The library
Ours is the largest osteopathic library in the UK and one of the best in the world.
It has computerised research facilities and flagged access to medical databases and
relevant websites.

As well as books and journals, we maintain a wide range of learning materials

including anatomical models, specimens, DVDs, videos, slides and imaging records
such as X-rays.

Our librarians keep a plentiful supply of key texts and continually expand the
information we hold. We operate an enquiry service for students and arrange
inter-library loans from collections including the BMA library and the British Library.

Video
You will be filmed practising on fellow students so that you can analyse and receive
feedback on your technique. Your video portfolio provides evidence of your
technique and clinical work for assessment. Our library includes videos of expert
practitioners
in action.

On-line resources
The BSO is moving toward a Managed Learning Environment (MLE) and on-line
resources are an essential element of our active learning approach.

We currently use First Class, the communication system used by the Open
University and accessible to students from anywhere in the world.

We offer on-line learning resource packs, workbooks, Power Point presentations from
lectures, on-line assignments and assessments, bulletin boards and conference/chat
rooms where students and tutors discuss topics of interest. Students can download
information from specialised sites and communicate with administrative, clinical and
academic staff.

BSO students have access, via ATHENS, to on-line databases of learning resources
and research journals.

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ACCESS COURSE

IF YOU WANT A CAREER IN OSTEOPATHY BUT DO NOT HAVE ALL THE

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS TO STUDY FOR THE DEGREE (SEE PAGE 47), YOU
CAN APPLY FOR OUR ACCESS COURSE.

Access to Osteopathic Health Care

The Access to Osteopathic Health Care course is a one-year Further Education
course run jointly with Southwark College. The course leads to a nationally
recognised award and is designed specifically for students who wish to go on to
become osteopaths. It is aimed at students with little or no scientific background
who have not previously studied in Higher Education.

Students who have successfully completed our Access course with the required
grades will normally progress straight onto the first year of the B.Ost programme.

The Access course enables you to develop the knowledge and skills needed for
successful study of osteopathy at undergraduate level. There is a strong emphasis on
the biological and physical sciences, as well as an introduction to sociology and
psychology. A professional Osteopathic Studies unit looks at life as a professional
osteopath. Units on mathematics, IT, communication and study skills ensure you
have a sound basis for further study.

At present the course is taught at the BSO on Friday evenings and Saturdays during
term time.

Intensive study blocks are held at the nearby Southwark College’s Waterloo Centre.
You will also spend several hours each week on assignments in private study. You
will have full access to the library and leisure facilities at the BSO and Southwark
College.

Please apply to the BSO Admissions Department on +44 (0)20 7089 5316 or by
emailing studentadmissions@bso.ac.uk

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ADDITIONAL COURSES

Postgraduate diplomas and research

We offer an expanding range of postgraduate courses and research opportunities
for osteopaths and health care professionals from any relevant discipline.
Please contact Postgraduate Admissions on +44 (0)20 7089 5315 or email
postgradadmissions@bso.ac.uk

MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy

Our MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy is a collaboration with the Osteopathic Centre
for Children (OCC) and is validated by the University of Luton. The course runs
over two years.

PgDip (OCF) – Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Practice of Osteopathy

in the Cranial Field
This is currently a four-year part-time course validated by the Open University.
We have been teaching cranial courses for 30 years and our Postgraduate Diploma
is believed to be the world’s first post-graduate award in OCF validated by a
university. Subject to validation by the University of Luton, we plan to offer a
three-year part-time MSc in this subject starting in September 2007.

Continuous Professional Development

We are committed to lifelong learning and we offer a range of continuous
professional development courses for qualified health care practitioners. These
include:
• Ergonomics: a four-day course
• Strain and Counterstrain: one day
• Involuntary Motion Studies Course: five days
• Involuntary Motion Studies Update: one day
• Functional Anatomy of Joints: one day
• Osteopathic Care of Children: three days
You will find more information on our website at www.bso.ac.uk

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‘I FELT THAT THE BSO WAS THE MOST

PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL, WHICH IS
WHY I APPLIED HERE.’
Ben Gilbert, First Year

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STUDENT SUPPORT

YOU’LL FIND A UNIQUE SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY AT THE BSO AND A WARM

AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.

Throughout your training, you will be able to call on student support services for
help with any educational needs or personal issues such as finance, accommodation,
welfare or personal crises. We offer students the services of a Student Learning
Advisor, a Student Welfare Advisor, a trained counsellor and a dyslexia tutor.

Students’ Union
We recognise how important it is for you to relax when course work is so intense.
That’s why our Students’ Union is an important part of BSO life. It’s self-governing
and staffed by volunteers who organise a calendar of sporting and social events
that include the Christmas and Summer Balls and the BSO Rag Week.

Our SU bar is open for coffee, lunch and evening drinks. It’s a regular venue for
bands, comedy acts and other social events and a great place for students and
staff to mingle, relax, have fun and maybe mull over tricky osteopathic issues and
troublesome points of physiology or clinical practice.

Student involvement
We regularly canvass students for their views on all aspects of life at the BSO and
our Quality Assurance Committee takes action on any matters of concern. Student
representatives from each year are invited to join the Staff and Student Liaison
Committee and the Academic Council. We also include a student representative
on our University Board.

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STUDENT LIFE IN LONDON

THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY IS AT BOROUGH IN SOUTHWARK

ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER THAMES. IT IS A FASCINATING CENTRAL
LONDON LOCATION PACKED WITH INTERESTING AND DIVERSE ATTRACTIONS.

Southwark has a great mix of traditional and modern pubs, cafes, restaurants
and shops. Ancient Borough Market with its Victorian architecture and bustling
atmosphere thrives as a farmers’ market attracting locals, students and globe-trotting
celebrity chefs. Luxury apartments and leisure venues sit alongside old cottages
and housing estates, making it a favourite London location of many movie-makers.

The Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre and the Millennium Bridge line the nearby
Thames. We are not far from the South Bank complex with its galleries, concert
halls and theatres including the National Film Theatre. The City, Covent Garden
and the West End with all their mainstream and fringe attractions are a short bus
ride over the river.

The BSO is well served by public transport. We are a few minutes from London
Bridge mainline station and the Northern Line of the underground. Several bus
routes pass our door and we are not far from Waterloo station with its speedy
Eurostar services to France and Brussels.

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‘EVERYONE SMILES A LOT.

IT’S A GREAT COURSE.’
Rachel Knight, Second Year

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‘THE HIGH POINT OF MY TIME AT THE BSO

IS TODAY, THE DAY I GRADUATE – TOGETHER
WITH ALL THE PEOPLE WHO’VE WORKED SO
HARD TOGETHER OVER FOUR OR FIVE YEARS.’
Simon Chafer, 2005 Graduate

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FIND OUT MORE

WE WORK HARD TO HELP YOU MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT

WHETHER A CAREER IN OSTEOPATHY IS THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU.

Open Afternoons
Once a month we hold Open Afternoons at the School. These offer an informal
opportunity to find out more about osteopathy and the BSO. You will have a chance
to talk to staff and tutors and to observe a clinical demonstration. This is an
excellent time to get a feel for our collaborative and friendly atmosphere.

Financing your studies

Thanks to an exclusive agreement reached between the BSO and University of Luton,
our B.Ost degree receives government funding. Full time ‘Home’ students will no
longer pay private tuition fees. Please contact the admissions department or check
our website for further details.

Bursary schemes
As part of our commitment to widening participation in Higher Education we
have developed a bursary scheme to assist students from low income households.
For further information please contact the admissions department on +44 (0)20
7089 5316 or by emailing studentadmissions@bso.ac.uk

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NECESSARY SKILLS

OSTEOPATHY IS A HIGHLY RESPECTED AND REWARDING CAREER THAT SUITS

PEOPLE FROM A WIDE RANGE OF AGES AND BACKGROUNDS. OSTEOPATHS
SHARE A COMMITMENT TO CARE FOR PEOPLE AND TO PLAY A USEFUL ROLE
IN SOCIETY.

To be a good osteopath you need the following qualities:

• Co-ordination, dexterity and stamina

Osteopathy is a hands-on profession and you need co-ordination,
dexterity and stamina rather than physical strength

• Good communication skills

Osteopaths treat every type of person and need to be good communicators

• Methodical problem-solving skills

Patient evaluation and management can be complex. You need a clear
methodical approach to problem-solving

• Ability to work independently

Most osteopaths work freelance or run their own practices so you need to
be able to work independently

• Professionalism
Osteopaths work collaboratively with other health care professionals

• Aptitude for lifelong learning

Healthcare practice continuously develops. You will need to appreciate the
value of lifelong learning. Your continuous registration with the GOsC requires
lifelong learning.

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‘I WORKED IN COMPUTERS
FOR 18 YEARS, BUT I
ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK
IN HEALTH. I WAS INSPIRED
TO TRAIN AS AN
OSTEOPATH
BY FRIENDS INVOLVED IN
THE PROFESSION.’
Ismet Rasul, 2005 Graduate

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WE WELCOME STUDENTS FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

WE ENCOURAGE APPLICATIONS FROM MATURE CANDIDATES INCLUDING
THOSE WITH A NON-STANDARD EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WE CAN
CREDIT WORK AND LIFE EXPERIENCE.

Normal minimum requirements

Five GCSEs at grades A-C including mathematics and English language. Three A
levels to include biology and one other science (preferably chemistry). Typical offer:
BBC.

Other qualifications
As an alternative to A levels we also accept AVCE, BTEC National Diplomas, Access
Certificates, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, International Baccalaureate
and a large number of equivalent home and overseas qualifications with relevant
science content.

Foundation courses
If you need to re-familiarise yourself with science, our short foundation phase units
will help you prepare for the B.Ost. If we believe you will benefit from taking these
courses we may ask you to take them as a condition to your entry onto the B.Ost.
Please ask our Admissions Department for more information.

Key skills
We welcome certificated evidence of Key Skills.

English language
Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate fluency
in both written and spoken English. We accept a wide range of English language
qualifications such as IELTS and TOEFL.

Criminal Records Bureau

We will carry out a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check for all students at Enhanced
Disclosure Level before commencing training in the BSO clinics. A criminal record
may not prevent you from studying at BSO, but we must ensure that we provide a

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safe and secure environment for our patients and staff.

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HOW TO APPLY

Studying full-time
If you are a UK applicant you will need to apply online via the Universities and
Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) who will then forward your application to us. All
UK schools and colleges (and a few overseas establishments) are registered with UCAS
to manage their students’ applications.

You pay a small application fee to UCAS online using a credit card or debit card. You
may also be able to pay through your school or college.

Mature students
If you are no longer at school or college you need to apply independently to UCAS
online. You will be responsible for paying the correct application fee, for obtaining
and attaching the academic reference and for submitting your completed application
online to UCAS.

International students – EU and worldwide

If you are from any country other than the UK you will need to apply independently
to UCAS online (unless you attend one of the few schools or colleges abroad that are
registered with UCAS). You will be responsible for paying the correct application fee,
for obtaining and attaching the academic reference and for submitting your
completed application online to UCAS www.ucas.com

The UCAS code for the British School of Osteopathy is B87. The course code for the
B.Ost is B110. You will find full instructions at www.ucas.com to make it as easy as
possible for you to fill in your online application.

Studying part-time
If you want to study part-time, you can apply direct to us for our flexible learning
programme – the B.Ost Mixed Mode Pathway. Please request an application form
from the Student Admissions Department on +44 (0)20 7089 5316 or by emailing
studentadmissions@bso.ac.uk

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INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION DAYS

AFTER WE RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION, WE MAY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND

AN INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION DAY TO HELP YOU AND OUR
ADMISSIONS TEAM ASSESS YOUR SUITABILITY FOR THE PROFESSION AND
THE BSO MORE FULLY.

Our Introduction and Evaluation days are stimulating and rewarding. During
the day we hold a presentation about osteopathy and a demonstration of
osteopathic technique. You will be asked to take part in a range of aptitude tests,
a written English test and a personal interview. We allow plenty of time for you to
talk to our staff and students.
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Equal Opportunities
The BSO is committed to an
equal opportunities policy.
We do not discriminate
against any persons on the
grounds of age, sex, race,
disability, religion, political
beliefs or national or social
origins. All persons of the
required academic standard
and practical ability are
eligible for admission to the
school as registered students.
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The BSO has made every
effort to ensure that the
information in this
prospectus
is accurate at the time of
publication. However we do
not accept liability for any
inaccuracies. The BSO
reserves the right to change
or cancel its courses and
services at any time without
liability even after students
have registered with us.
The BSO is a registered