Entry requirements for the undergraduate programmes

M.Ost Entry Requirements

We welcome students with a wide variety of educational experience. We encourage applications from mature candidates and/or those with a non-standard educational background and we can credit work and life experience. As well as academic ability, we select students on the basis of the qualities needed to be a good osteopath.

The usual academic requirements for our M.Ost degree programmes are:

• 5 GCSEs at grades A–C including mathematics and English language
• 3 A levels to include biology and one other science, which can include chemistry, physics, psychology, PE or a sports A level with a high scientific content
• A typical offer is: BBC with a B grade in Biology

The M.Ost is an undergraduate qualification and there is no expectation that you will have a degree already, although a number of mature students do come to us with high level qualifications. All applications are considered individually taking into account certificated evidence of Key Skills and a range of other qualifications.

Other UK qualifications

We recognise BTEC National Diplomas, Access Certificates, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificates (higher level), International Baccalaureates and a large number of equivalent home and overseas qualifications.

BTEC National Diplomas and Access courses are accepted as entry qualifications for our degree programmes, but they must contain significant human biology and science content; in general students completing the BTEC need to be studying the following units:

• 11 Physiology of Human Body Systems
• 12 Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
• 13 Biochemical Techniques
• 14 Energy Changes, Sources and Applications
• 15 Microbiological Techniques
• 16 Chemistry for Biology Technicians
• 18 Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Students will be expected to gain DMM (Distinction and Merit)

Qualities of a Good Osteopath

To be a good osteopath requires a variety of skills. You will need to be:

• Able to draw on a range of learning experiences: clinical, classroom-based and self-managed
• In possession of in-depth health-related knowledge from a variety of fields
• Committed to providing first-class care to each of your patients
• Able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life
• Self-motivated to learn throughout your professional life and to develop your professional skills autonomously
• Able to work effectively in groups with colleagues and other professionals from different health care traditions
• Good at problem-solving, synthesising knowledge and helping others to learn
• Committed to continually refining the manual skills central to osteopathy
• Good at managing your own practice environment and professional life
• Keen to be an ambassador for osteopathy to your patients, other health care professionals and the general public

Foundation Entry Requirements

Entry to our Access course is not based upon prior academic achievement, but on a demonstration that you have the qualities necessary to join the osteopathic profession. Applicants are normally expected to have GCSE Grade C or above in Math and English but we do look at all applications on a case by case basis. As successful completion of the Access course guarantees a place on our M.Ost course, applicants to the Access course are invited to an Interview & Evaluation (I&E) day to allow them to demonstrate those qualities in person.

Further information

Jordan and Shanaz in the BSO's admissions team will be pleased to discuss your qualifications and circumstances in relation to studying at the BSO. They can be contacted on: +44 (0)20 7089 5316 or click to email Admissions. They will be happy to talk to you about our Access and Introduction to Osteopathic Sciences courses, as well as our M.Ost programme.

For postgraduate entry requirements please contact Gayda Arnold on or + 44 (0)20 7089 5315