The following information only applies to those starting in Year 1 in 2025.

Mode and course length – Full-Time (4 years)
Location – London School Of Osteopathy
Awarding Body – Anglia Ruskin University. As a registered Higher Education provider Anglia Ruskin University is regulated by the Office for Students.

Overview

This course prepares you for and assesses the requirements of the General Osteopathic Council to become a registered osteopath. You will learn the theory and scientific principles underpinning osteopathy (including osteopathic principles and theory, anatomy and physiology, pathology and pharmacology), alongside a wide range of clinical techniques to enable you to effectively evaluate and treat your patients. Our osteopathy lecturers are all registered practitioners and active in research in the field and/or practitioners working in a variety of clinical and professional settings.

As well as engaging in lectures, you will learn hands on osteopathy technique both in teaching sessions and in our student-led out-patient clinic. Active Clinic attendance begins early in Year 1 of the course and your level of engagement will increase as your knowledge and skills develop, such that you will be working as a Senior Student with overall responsibility for the patient encounter (under supervision from a Clinic Tutor) in the last two years of the course.

Our course is accredited by the General Osteopathic Council and successful completion of all the learning outcomes of the course enables you to apply to register as a fully qualified osteopath.

Course Delivery

Our courses are delivered through teaching and learning methods which provide students with the widest possible exposure to a modern and innovative higher education experience.

These methods vary and could include attendance at lectures and seminars, undertaking laboratory exercises or work-based activities, practical work, performances, presentations, field trips, other relevant visits and e-learning through Canvas, our online learning management system.

Each course is divided into a number of ‘modules’ which focus on particular areas, each of which has a specific approach to its delivery. This information is published to students for each module they take via the Module Definition Form (MDF) and Canvas.

Assessment

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment to measure your progress. Because our course is so practical, a lot of your assessment will be practical, too – including practical exams and observations in our out-patient Clinic. You’ll also do written exams, presentations, case scenario questions, case studies, reflective assignments and essays as well as a dissertation in your final year.

Fees

Information about your course fee including any annual fee increases or deposits (if required) can be found in your offer letter.

Additional Costs

During your course, you may be required to take extra or repeated modules in order to recover modules you have failed. Where this extends your course end date beyond the original end date stated in your offer letter, you will be charged an additional tuition fee to cover the costs of the extra or repeat modules. This additional fee will be based on the credits for the module(s) you repeat or take.

Each student is provided with a Learning Resource Bursary (LRB) of up to £400 per full-time academic year (calculated prorata, depending on the number of academic credits studied per year). This is provided to students in Year 1 in the form of all materials including all Year 1 core textbooks and a clinic coat. In subsequent years, the Learning Resource Bursary is provided in three instalments through the academic year. The LRB should be sufficient to cover the costs of core textbooks and equipment during these years. The estimated costs of equipment for this course are as follows:

Clinical equipment including stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, ophthalmoscope, patella hammer, pen torch – £200

Printing costs (optional) – Average: £2.50-£5.00 per teaching week.

In addition, students are expected to have access to a computer or tablet in order to access digital material and online resources.

Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Physiology  (MOD010606)

This module starts your osteopathic journey into the essence of understanding how the body moves. A unique approach shows how supporting structures and systems affect muscle function (for example blood, lymph, hormones and skin). Assessment includes students being able to locate structures on their own body or that of a patient, and being able to show their understanding of which muscles (and nerves) are involved in specific movements.

Osteopathy I: Foundation (MOD010607)

This module is the first of a series of four that introduce and embed the traditional principles and concepts of osteopathic practice, set in a contemporary evidence informed approach. Practical skill development (including palpation) is initiated with an emphasis on practitioner safety and the sensitive care of the patient and the development of critical self-awareness. This module acts as a focus for the integration of the theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as providing a framework for the continuing integration of knowledge and skills through student self-directed learning within a clinical context.

Clinic Placement I (MOD010608)

This module aims to present an overview of osteopathy. It includes a consideration of the historical perspective of the evolution of osteopathic health care philosophy and practice. It introduces the professional and theoretical knowledge underpinning the practical skills necessary to engage in basic effective patient handling, positioning, gross articulation and the use of soft tissue techniques. It commences the journey of palpatory awareness and incorporates observation as the starting point for the development of patient evaluation skills. Practical skill development, with an emphasis on practitioner safety and the sensitive care of the patient and the development of critical self-awareness, is initiated. This module acts as a focus for the integration of the theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as providing a framework for the continuing integration of knowledge and skills as an aspect of student self-directed learning within a clinic context.

Applied Anatomy & Physiology for osteopathy (MOD010609)

This module explores in more depth the supporting organs that enable the musculoskeletal system to function. Circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems are considered. Neurology and exploration of the special senses is incorporated. The complex patterns related to stress, pain and psychoneuroimmunology serve to weave the various strands into clinical relevance.

Osteopathy II: Understanding (MOD010610)

This module continues the osteopathic learning journey, consolidating your novice skill development. It will extend knowledge underpinning evaluation and diagnosis by expanding case history taking and exploring models of clinical reasoning and osteopathic concepts. The module aims to broaden your appreciation of a growing professional identity as an osteopath, reflecting your values and beliefs, and setting this within the wider healthcare context.

Clinic Placement 2 (MOD010611)

This module continues the osteopathic learning journey. It will extend knowledge underpinning evaluation and diagnosis by introducing case history taking, and exploring various models of clinical reasoning and osteopathic concepts. The module aims to broaden appreciation of a student’s growing professional identity as an osteopath, reflecting their personal values and beliefs, and setting this within the wider healthcare context. Tools to do this include insight into other healthcare paradigms, including sociology and psychology as a basis for the biopsychosocial model for manual therapy. Respectful and patient centred communication is enhanced, alongside active listening skills and accurate recollection.

Year 2

Clinical Pathology for Osteopaths (MOD010612)

This module focuses on pathology, in particular the clinical symptoms and signs of disorders. The underlying process of the disorder is considered, along with aetiology, epidemiology and usual medical & pharmacological interventions. A particular emphasis is placed on reviewing the manifestations of systemic disease in the musculoskeletal system so that a broad clinical gaze is developed, rather than an immediate fixation musculoskeletal dysfunction. The student’s ability to place presenting signs and symptoms within a wider view of health is developed. Practical workshops provide a forum for rehearsing clinical examination routines to observe and elicit those signs accessible to osteopathic practitioners, including orthopaedic testing for the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

Engaging with Evidence (MOD010613)

This module helps students develop critical insight into, and a reflexive stance towards, the concept of evidence in osteopathic clinical practice. Being able to source, understand, analyse and develop critical insight into various sources of information is essential for lifelong learning and safe clinical practice. The literature used in this module will be relevant to contemporary osteopathic practice and debate, and its relationship with the wider healthcare environment.

This module helps students develop critical insight into, and a reflexive stance towards, the concept of evidence in osteopathic clinical practice. Being able to source, understand, analyse and develop critical insight into various sources of information is essential for lifelong learning and safe clinical practice. The literature used in this module will be relevant to contemporary osteopathic practice and debate, and its relationship with the wider healthcare environment.

Osteopathy III: Application (MOD010614)

This module continues your osteopathic learning journey, moving from novice to advanced beginner in skill development. It will extend your knowledge underpinning evaluation and diagnosis with more in depth case history taking, various models of clinical reasoning and osteopathic concepts. Two new approaches are initiated (HVT and an indirect functional approach), and treatment protocols considered. The module continues to foster a professional identity as an osteopath and enhance communication skills, along with self-awareness and criticality.

Osteopathy in context (MOD010615)

This module brings together various scientific underpinning studies and clinical medicine (including imaging), and puts them in the context of current osteopathic practice. The therapeutic relationship is considered in more depth, from both orthodox and alternative legal and ethical perspectives. Communication, boundaries and trust are explored within the therapeutic context. The physiological basis for osteopathic interventions is used to inform the development of osteopathic patient management plans.

Wellness and Resilience (MOD010616)

Supporting student health and welfare is of great importance. In this module, a range of wellness and resilience strategies are explored (such as movement & exercise; breath work; mindfulness; sleep; nutrition), which students can use for their own benefit. They will also learn how to engage with patients ethically and respectfully to explore underlying lifestyle choices and habitual patterns to promote wellness.

Clinic Placement III (MOD010617)

This module continues the student’s osteopathic learning journey, moving from novice to advanced beginner practitioner in skill development. It will extend their knowledge underpinning evaluation and diagnosis with more in depth case history taking, and various models of clinical reasoning and osteopathic concepts. Two new approaches are initiated (functional & HVT), and treatment protocols considered. Consolidating the ‘reporter’ actions, students start to engage in the ‘interpreter’ phase of the RIME framework, and have increasing access to electronic note taking. The module continues to foster a professional identity as an osteopath, reflecting the increasing experiential learning in the clinical context. Self awareness and criticality are integral to development. Ethical, safe and respectful patient care is fostered in a professional setting. Students start to take responsibility for patient care in carefully supervised interactions.

Year 3

Differential Diagnosis for Osteopathy (MOD010618)

This module centres around analysing and synthesising information, and being able to respond to the changing situations that occur in real life clinical practice. You will learn to prioritise information related to the patient’s individual presentation and history. You will also develop the ability to adapt and rationalise your interpretation of case history information and examination findings, and communicate this to a variety of audiences.

Osteopathy IV: analysis (MOD010619)

This module continues your osteopathic learning journey, moving from advanced beginner to competent practitioner in some skill development. Your knowledge will be enhanced, and the challenge of finding solutions to novel situations tested in a supported environment. The focus of your effort becomes more patient centred, as your knowledge and skills develop. The module continues to foster your professional identity as an osteopath, reflecting your increasing experience in the clinical context. Self-awareness and criticality are integral to your development.

Applied Osteopathy in context (MOD010620)

This module continues the learners’ journey of learning about learning, reflective and reflexive practice, peer review and professionalism. It is underpinned by a series of teaching sessions and tutorials that address the key areas of professional practice including business skills. It also provides an opportunity to reflect upon progress made, and appraise current practice against external benchmarks, thus providing a solid platform from which you will undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The model of lifelong learning is embedded in this module.

Clinical Placement IV (MOD010625)

This module continues your osteopathic learning journey, moving from advanced beginner to competent practitioner in some skill development, and from novice to advanced beginner in others. Your knowledge will be enhanced, and the challenge of finding solutions to novel situations tested in a supported environment. The focus of your effort becomes more patient centred, as your knowledge and skills develop. The reporter activates are well embedded with notes committed to the patient management system in real time. Interpretation is accompanied by patient management skills, drawing on osteopathic interventions and lifestyle modifications. The module continues to foster your professional identity as an osteopath, reflecting your increasing experiential learning in the clinical context. Self awareness and criticality are integral to your development. Ethical, effective non-judgemental patient care is fostered in a professional setting. The clinic report drawn up by clinic tutors and aligned to professional standards aids student development.

Applying Clinical Evidence (MOD010624)

In this module, you will be introduced to the underlying processes leading to the construction of the osteopathic evidence base, along with the ethical implications for the profession and its patients. You will develop the skills to identify and evaluate clinical research methodologies in the preparation of a topic review or research project (eg a protocol), and to communicate, explain and defend perspectives on clinical evidence in a way that would make sense to peers, tutors and stakeholders of the college clinic, including patients.

Year 4

Advanced Osteopathic Studies 1 (MOD010626)

This module continues the osteopathic learning journey, moving to competent practitioner in skill development and level of clinical reasoning. You will be able to appraise the scope, limitations and evidence for osteopathic interventions for common presentations across the human lifespan from adolescence onwards. You will be able to develop evidence informed interventions and management strategies for novel hypothetical situations. Your communication skills will be enhanced to enable effective advocacy, and sustain academic and professional debate.

Professional & personal development for osteopathy (MOD010627)

This module represents the culmination of the student’s learning journey from novice beginner to autonomous practitioner.  Not only does it provide an opportunity to reflect upon progress made and critically appraise current practice against external benchmarks, but it provides a solid platform from which students will undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  The model of life-long learning is embedded in the portfolio and throughout the module. 

The module also advances skills that support the transition to independent practice as well as leadership & team-working skills.

Advanced Osteopathic Studies 2 (MOD010628)

This module introduces advanced techniques for pain modulation (both physical and psychological), and broadens the skill base to include visceral and cranial approaches. You will be required to exercise autonomous professional judgement in devising & implementing management strategies. The assessment requires you to build a reflective account of your effect on patient outcomes aligned to evidence sources and professional standards.

Integrating Osteopathic Evidence (MOD010629)

This module requires students to undertake advanced evidence synthesis in response to a reflexive audit of clinical practice. The major project at level 7 is largely self-directed, but builds on the knowledge and skills gained at level 5 (engaging with evidence) and level 6 (clinic topic review). It is a substantive undertaking, but is aligned to clinical practice that is relevant to the individual student.

Clinic placement Final MOst FT (MOD010631)

This is the final clinical module for the Masters pathway. Students are supported in demonstrating reflexive clinical practice, embedding the professional duties of care, candour, effective communication and safeguarding within the context of the clinic, and more widely as an advocate for patients, peers and the profession of osteopathy, to embody and promote a flourishing practice. The clinic provides opportunities to interact with patients in previously unknown situations, demanding an ability to develop and critically appraise novel protocols and make sound evidence-informed clinical judgements. Students will be required to analyse current research linked to patient presentations, and share this with peers and tutors. Reliance on Clinic Tutors diminishes, with independent planning replacing tutor guided interactions (for patient protection, any intervention still needs to be approved before implementation). The time taken for patient interactions moves towards being aligned with market place expectations. Monitoring patient outcomes, increasing efficacy, and taking responsibility for clinic activities all form part of the strategy to prepare the student for independent autonomous practice as a primary health care practitioner.

Optional Modules
(Subject to availability)