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About the London School of Osteopathy
For over 70 years, the London School of Osteopathy (LSO) has proudly stood as one of the UK’s leading institutions for osteopathic education. Established with the aim of advancing the science and practice of osteopathy, LSO has trained thousands of practitioners who now serve communities across the UK and beyond.
As a registered charity, we are committed to making osteopathic education accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of healthcare. Our two London-based sites, our academic location in Bermondsey and our teaching clinic in Bethnal Green, create a rich environment for both academic and practical learning. Students benefit from real-world experience in a supportive, patient-facing clinic from their very first year.
Building careers, transforming lives
Explore More About Studying Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic, patient-centred form of healthcare that recognises the relationship between the body’s structure and its function. Practised through gentle manual techniques, osteopathy is based on the principle that restoring movement and alignment helps the body to function more effectively and recover more quickly from pain or injury.
Recognised as one of 14 Allied Health Professions by NHS England, osteopathy is increasingly integrated within multidisciplinary teams and supported by robust regulatory standards. Osteopaths treat a wide range of patients, from infants to the elderly, managing conditions such as back pain, joint issues, and sports injuries.
Why Study Osteopathy?
Many of our applicants are drawn to osteopathy because of a genuine curiosity about the human body—how it functions, how it heals, and how everything is connected. Studying osteopathy allows you to turn that interest into practical expertise. You’ll explore anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics in depth, while learning how to assess and treat a wide range of conditions using hands-on manual therapy.
But osteopathy isn’t just about technical skill. You’ll also develop strong communication, clinical reasoning, and emotional intelligence—essential tools for delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.
As a career, osteopathy offers flexibility, independence, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether your goal is to work in private practice, join an NHS team, or specialise in areas like paediatrics, sports injuries or animal osteopathy, studying at LSO sets the foundation for a meaningful and adaptable profession.
Becoming an Osteopath
To become a registered osteopath in the UK, you must complete a recognised degree. At LSO, all students initially enrol on our MOst (Master of Osteopathy) programme. In the penultimate year, there is the option to transfer to the BOst (Bachelor of Osteopathy).
Full-time pathway: Graduate in 3.5 to 4 years
Part-time pathway: Graduate in 5 to 6 years, with weekend or weekday options available. BOst PT students can qualify in 4.5 years
Graduates are eligible to register with the General Osteopathic Council and begin practising immediately after qualification.
Entry Requirements
We welcome applicants from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.
School Leavers (Direct Entry):
A minimum of 104 UCAS points from:
Two or preferably three A-levels to reach 104 UCSAS points, including one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, PE, Psychology). A science A-level is ideal, but not required.
A combination of A-levels and BTECs
BTECs in Health and Social Care or Sports Science
Scottish Highers
GCSE English and Maths at minimum grade 4
Mature Students (21+): We are committed to widening access and encourage applications from mature students with vocational qualifications or relevant experience. Commonly accepted qualifications include:
ITEC Massage and Anatomy
Level 3 Personal Training
Sports Therapy or other anatomy/physiology-based certifications
If you’re unsure whether your background qualifies, our Admissions Team is happy to talk through your options. Contact us at admissions@lso.ac.uk.
International Qualifications: We accept qualifications such as the Irish Leaving Certificate and French Baccalaureate. However, LSO cannot accept students who qualify as international due to visa limitations.
All applicants are assessed individually. If invited for an interview, you’ll receive an interview pack with guidance and date options. Decisions are typically made within one week following the interview.
What You'll Study
The course content is diverse, comprehensive, and practical:
Foundations: Osteopathic theory, anatomy, physiology, pathology
Clinical Skills: Palpation, case history taking, observation, joint articulation, soft-tissue techniques
Advanced Practice: Business and marketing, research methods, ethical practice, professional development
Hands-On Learning: Start clinical experience from Year 1, with increasing patient responsibility each year
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to practise independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Career Prospects
A career in osteopathy opens doors to a wide range of opportunities:
Work in private practice or join a multidisciplinary healthcare team
Explore NHS roles as a Musculoskeletal (MSK) clinician
Earn £45–£130 per hour in private practice; some osteopaths earn over £100,000 annually
Pursue further study in specialist fields like cranial, paediatrics, or animal osteopathy
Transition into teaching, tutoring, or osteopathic research
Osteopathy offers the freedom to shape your own path while making a real difference in people’s lives.
Prospectus
The London School of Osteopathy attracts a high percentage of ‘mature students’ who find that our teaching approach and delivery style appeals to them.
What sets the LSO apart
Our Values
At LSO, we believe that excellence in education is grounded in real-world application, respect for individual journeys, and flexibility that reflects modern life. Our three core values reflect these beliefs:
Academic Excellence
Our academic programmes are designed to meet the highest standards, with validation from Anglia Ruskin University and accreditation by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Our Clinic Tutors are registered, practising osteopaths who bring current insights into the classroom.
Practical training is woven into the curriculum from day one, helping students apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Individuality
We celebrate the unique journeys of our students. Many of our students are mature learners returning to study after time away from education.
Our personalised support, small class sizes, and open-door policy ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and guided through their academic and personal growth.
Flexibility
With both full-time and part-time study options, our programmes are designed to accommodate students’ work, family, and life commitments.
Clinical hours are scheduled with flexibility in mind, and the ability to switch between full-time and part-time pathways ensures our students stay in control of their learning journey.
interested in studying osteopathy?
Join Us – Information About New Student Admissions
Thinking about studying osteopathy? Our admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the process.