M.Ost degree programme (full time)

The M.Ost degree is an integrated Masters programme. Studying full time for the M.Ost. takes four years and focuses primarily on:

Practical training with experienced osteopaths
A student-centred approach to academic and clinical training
Opportunities to work with patients in a wide variety of clinical settings
Elective options for final year students to focus on specialist areas of personal interest
Excellent guidance and support
Teaching and learning to help you develop your own learning style

The qualification is awarded at Masters level as the final years of the course are taught at a level beyond most first degrees, with students taking responsibility for patients in clinic and undertaking a demanding research project. It is, nonetheless, an undergraduate degree, 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.

The degree is validated by the University of Bedfordshire, which has been acclaimed for its quality and standards. The University was shortlisted in 2007 for the Times Higher Education Supplement University of the Year.

Our M.Ost delivers a dynamic, modern programme of study. As clinical practice rather than classroom theory lies at the heart of osteopathy, clinical work begins from the first year.

Course structure

In the first two years of the full time M.Ost, the foundation knowledge of physiology, anatomy, psychology, sociology, research strategies and professional practical and technical skills is embedded. Our Developing Osteopathic Practice unit brings the theoretical knowledge to life, allowing you to apply the facts to osteopathic clinical situations.

The last two years of the M.Ost are mainly clinically focused, and you will also undertake a research project of your choice. Our clinical provision is run from the largest osteopathic clinic in Europe, in our state of the art, fully accessible clinical centre, offering excellent facilities to treat patients. In addition, our elective, specialist clinics run on and off-site, providing treatment to:

These clinics allow you to develop expertise with particular patient groups.

Running alongside the development of clinical skills is the Learning for Professional Autonomy unit, which allows you to study a variety of elective subjects to enhance your professional abilities once qualified. Current electives offered include:

IMS (cranial osteopathy)
Functional technique
Obstetrics and osteopathy
Advanced spinal manipulation
Strain counterstrain
Visceral technique

A key strength at the BSO is the range and experience of our faculty – with tutors who have postgraduate qualifications in education as well as osteopathy, and with a wealth of experience. Our faculty also includes specialists from outside osteopathy who bring experience of other professions and practice.

The BSO also provides comprehensive support to students throughout their studies, including a unique ongoing mentoring programme for new graduates as they take their first steps into osteopathy as a career.

pdf To download our Course Information document, please click here.

pdf To download our leaflet about 'Becoming an Osteopath at the BSO', please click here.