prospectus

THE BSO: YOUR FIRST STEP TO A CAREER IN OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is an exciting and rewarding career choice.

Osteopaths work in all walks of life – with sportspeople, dancers and performers, withchildren, working people, older people, expectant mothers and many other groups. Theymake important health care contributions to the communities where they work, helping toalleviate an enormous range of conditions and keeping their patients mobile and pain-free.

The British School of Osteopathy (BSO) is Europe’s largest and oldest school of osteopathy,based in the centre of London.

We are respected worldwide for the development and provision of first-class osteopathiceducation, research and resources. We equip growing numbers of osteopaths from an ever-widening variety of backgrounds to offer their patients top-quality health care and to lead their profession.

At the BSO, we support student osteopaths from the moment they join us. We offermentoring and guidance to our graduates as they take their first steps into their new careerand we provide qualified osteopaths with the continuing professional development trainingthey need to succeed in today’s dynamic health care arena.

CONTENTS

02 WELCOME04 WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?05 OSTEOPATHY AS A CAREER09 THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY12 UNDERGRADUATE STUDY AT THE BSO22 TEACHING AND LEARNING25 STUDENT SUPPORT27 THE BSO’S CLINICS35 TAKING A BREAK FROM YOUR STUDIES39 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS40 HOW TO APPLY41 OPEN DAYS, FEES AND BURSARIES42 SUPPORT FOR GRADUATES46 POSTGRADUATE COURSES52 CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT54 BSO RESEARCH56 HOW TO FIND US

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The British School of Osteopathy’s commitment to its students and its patientshas always been second to none.

BSO graduates are soundly prepared for their professional lives, bringing relief from pain anddisability to tens of thousands of patients each year throughout the United Kingdom and,increasingly, across the world. Research carried out at the School is making an importantcontribution to the knowledge base of osteopathy.

As Patron of the BSO, I would like to congratulate it for continuing to develop and deliverinnovative osteopathic educational programmes to meet changing health care needs, and to advance osteopathy as an internationally recognised primary health care profession.

HRH The Princess Royal Patron of the British School of Osteopathy

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WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Since 1917 the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) has led the way in creating the best possible programmes to help you as a student prepare for the rewards,challenges and demands of practice life, equipping you to offer first-class osteopathic care to your future patients.

We pride ourselves on being innovative. In April 2008 the BSO opened a new £5 million state-of-the-art clinic. It is the finest of its kind in Europe and will be at the cutting edge of modern osteopathic clinical education. It is where you will undertake your clinical training whilestudying on our new integrated Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree programme. This course has been developed to reflect the latest research and best practice in clinical care and technique.

At the BSO we believe that the best possible testimonials for what we do come from our students, whom we are proud to see joining us from an ever-widening variety of backgrounds.Throughout this prospectus you will be hearing from BSO students and graduates first-hand.

Our prospectus gives details of foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and continuingprofessional development courses. It also gives the latest news from the BSO’s pioneering research department. This underlines our commitment to providing an excellent learningenvironment for our students and first-class training and support to osteopathy as a profession,which now has practitioners in 50 countries worldwide.

I look forward to welcoming you to the BSO as a student.

Charles Hunt BSO Principal & Chief Executive

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WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system, complementary to other medicalpractices. This means that osteopaths are most commonly consulted by patientswho have come directly to them. Other patients may be referred by a GP orother health care practitioner.

Osteopathic treatment is suitable for most people of any age and can contribute toalleviating a wide range of conditions. It can provide relief for simple mechanical problemsand contribute to the management of a range of long-term complaints.

A core principle behind osteopathy is the idea that the body is an integrated and indivisiblewhole, and contains self-healing mechanisms that can be utilised as part of the treatment.No part of the body works, or can be considered, in isolation. Although osteopaths workprimarily through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system – mostly on muscles and joints –special attention is paid to how the internal organs affect, and are affected by, that system.Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the process of patient diagnosis.

The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis are touch (palpation) and observation of movement.X-rays, scans and other clinical investigations are also used. A wide range of gentle, safe,non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint articulation andmanipulation, are applied therapeutically. Osteopaths may also advise their patients onexercise, posture and diet.

Some patients need only one treatment, but some require a longer course, or may return to their osteopath periodically for the long-term management of a condition.

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OSTEOPATHY AS A CAREER

BSO-trained osteopaths are highly-respected in osteopathy, the wider healthcare community and by the general public. Although most BSO graduates workin private practice, there are now many opportunities to work within the NHSand other areas of health care. Many BSO graduates go on to set up practices oftheir own.

In the United Kingdom, only graduates from a degree course that has RecognisedQualification (RQ) status are permitted by law to practise as osteopaths. RQ status isawarded by UK osteopathy’s regulatory body, the General Osteopathic Council.

Over 90% of BSO graduates are employed as osteopaths within six months of graduation.

STEPHEN HUDSON had a very successful first career as a director of an internationaltelecommunications company. However, he found himself enjoying his chosen careerpath less and less.

“I jumped at the opportunity to take redundancy,” explains Stephen, who is from Birkenhead. “I choseosteopathy because it is a profession that allows me to help other people who are in pain.”

Stephen graduated recently from the BSO, and has started his own practice four days a week. He isalso working part-time as an associate in another practice.

“By setting up in practice myself, it gives me control over my own destiny,” says Stephen. “This wasn’tpossible in my previous career.”

“I hope you have as fantastic a time at the BSO as I did. The course is tough, but nothing worth doing iseasy – you will be responsible for your patients’ health and wellbeing, so it is important that you knowyour stuff. The rewards are incredible. When your patients return and say things like: ‘I don't know whatyou did, but my pain is much less and I can do so much more’ you will feel on top of the world”.

“I chose osteopathy because it is aprofession that allows me to helpother people who are in pain.”

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THE BSO: WIDENING PARTICIPATION IN OSTEOPATHY

The BSO is proud of its work to enable students from a wide variety ofbackgrounds to study osteopathy.

Entry to BSO study is on merit. Working as an osteopath will require a variety of skillsincluding academic ability in science, good communication skills, the ability to problem-solve, dexterity and stamina. We are looking for tomorrow’s high achievers, but we knowthat some students need specific support to unlock their full potential.

l Our one-year, part-time Access course allows students without ‘traditional’ qualificationssuch as GCSEs or A levels to gain a recognised entry qualification for our Master ofOsteopathy (M.Ost) degree course. (See page 13)

l We offer generous bursaries for students with limited financial means. (See page 41)

l Roughly a quarter of all BSO students choose our Mixed Mode Pathway, which offers youthe opportunity to begin your M.Ost studies on a part time basis. It is particularly suitablefor people looking for a change of career or needing to balance home, work and study inany combination, as it combines attendance on weekends throughout the year with clinicvisits and self study. (See page 16)

l The BSO’s M.Ost degree course is validated by the University of Bedfordshire (shortlistedfor the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2007 award), which has allowedstudents access to Government-funded osteopathic education. (See page 41)

l For potential M.Ost students who have proven academic achievement but who lack a solid grounding in the sciences, we now offer an Introduction to Osteopathic Sciencescourse. (See page 14)

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DONNA CLIFT-WILLIAMS, an ex-professional dancer and a mother of two young children,was working as a fitness instructor when she first considered osteopathy as a career.

“I wanted to do something that involved the body and health,” she explains. “I also wanted an academicqualification. My own osteopath recommended that I study at the BSO – it’s the most recognisedosteopathy teaching school.”

Donna began by taking the BSO’s one-year Access course, designed for students who want a career inosteopathy but who may not have all the necessary qualifications to study immediately for thedegree. Many Access students work during the week so the course is delivered at the BSO on Fridayevenings and Saturdays during term time.

She then took her degree via the BSO’s Mixed Mode pathway: three years of mixed part-time and on-site learning followed by two years of full-time study.

“The BSO offered me flexible study, which was very important,” says Donna. “The teaching staff wereapproachable and always ready to give me individual time and help when I needed it.”

Donna was thrilled to graduate with distinction, and to win an award for her individual enquirypresentation, now due to be published. She has since gone from strength to strength, setting up her own private osteopathy clinic. She now works as a BSO clinic tutor, is a member of its researchethics committee, and is planning to start a BSO professional doctorate in osteopathy.

“I hadn’t realised I was capable of that level of achievement,” she says. “The BSO has encouraged andsupported me throughout.”

THE BSO: HELPING YOU SUCCEED

“I had no academic confidence before I cameto study at the BSO. They drew the best outof me and I exceeded all my expectations.”

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THE BSO: A PROUD HISTORY

The British School of Osteopathy (BSO) was founded in 1917 by Dr. John MartinLittlejohn who was a student of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy. The first BSO graduates emerged in 1925.

After the General Council and Register of Osteopaths was formed in 1936, the BSO became, in 1938, the first osteopathic educational establishment to gain accreditation.

In 1963 the BSO became a registered charity, educating osteopaths, treating patients andpromoting osteopathic research.

Moving closer to the present day, in 1984 the BSO was delighted that HRH The Princess Royalbecame Patron of the BSO. She has given the School her highly-valued support ever since.

In 2000, the BSO became one of the first schools to gain accreditation from the newly-formed regulatory body for the profession, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), and in the same year it began teaching a Bachelor of Osteopathy degree, the first in the UK.

Clockwise from top left: The Children’s Clinic in the 1950s; John Martin Littlejohn, founder ofthe BSO; Shilton Webster-Jones, former Principal, teaching; students undertaking practicalwork in basic sciences; in the classroom; student entertainment 1950s style.

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THE BSO: A WORLD-LEADING FUTURE

The BSO maintains its international reputation for academic excellence andpostgraduate study, and is regularly asked to advise overseas osteopathy schools as they devise their own teaching programmes.

In February 2008 the BSO and the Osteopathic International Alliance welcomed 310delegates from over 20 countries to the Osteopathic learning and practice – a global futureconference in central London. This was the second international conference on osteopathiceducation organised by the BSO, and brought together osteopaths, educators and healthprofessionals to advance osteopathic education and practice. It was part of a celebration of osteopathic practice hosted by the GOsC to mark the tenth anniversary of statutoryrecognition of osteopathy in the UK.

The clinical centre of the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) moved on 1 April 2008 to astate-of-the-art new home in Southwark. This is Europe’s largest osteopathic clinic, wheretreatment is available to the public in 34 modern, climate-controlled treatment rooms. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the BSO’s existing premises on Borough High Street,where teaching and research will continue to be centred. The move was part of the BSO’splanned growth to accommodate the growing numbers of student osteopaths gaining theireducation with the BSO.

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDY AT THE BSO

The following pages give information about our:

l Access coursel Introduction to Osteopathic Sciences coursel Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree

If you need any further information, Lucy, Jo and Christine in our admissions team will bepleased to help you with all aspects of BSO study and the BSO’s application process. Theycan be contacted on: +44 (0)20 7089 5316 or admissions@bso.ac.uk You may also wish tovisit the BSO website: www.bso.ac.uk

“What I value most about the BSO is its dedicated teaching staff, its friendly students and itsexcellent learning environment. The support offered to students, and the BSO’s library are alsoboth really good.” Patrick Morgan, BSO student

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ACCESS COURSE

The BSO’s Access to Higher Education diploma (Osteopathy and Health Care)course is designed for students who would like to take up a career in osteopathybut may not have all the necessary qualifications to study for the degree.

This one year course leads to a nationally-recognised award. Successful students may jointhe BSO’s M.Ost degree programme directly, without any further top-up study. This courseprepares you for the M.Ost, but you will also be eligible for other first degrees.

Many Access students work during the week so the course is delivered at the BSO on Fridayevenings and Saturdays during term time. You will also spend several hours each week onassignments in private study, with full access to all the BSO’s facilities, including the library.

There is strong emphasis on the biological and physical sciences, plus an introduction tosociology and psychology. A professional studies unit looks at life as a professionalosteopath. Units on mathematics, IT, communication and study skills ensure you have asound basis for further study. You will also spend time observing in the BSO clinic.

MANMOHAN BIRDI had always been interested in a career in osteopathy, but had been workingin very different fields – IT and retail. He didn’t have an A level in biology, so he took the BSO’s Access course.

“It really helped me get to grips with what the degree course was really about,” explains Manmohan, who then went straight into studying his degree full time. He is planning to become an associateosteopath, and then start his own practice.

“The BSO degree is a very tough and focused course but it is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

“The BSO degree is a very tough and focusedcourse but it is incredibly rewarding.”

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INTRODUCTION TO OSTEOPATHIC SCIENCES

This three month course is designed for potential M.Ost students who haveproven academic achievement but who lack a solid grounding in the sciences. If you would like a career in osteopathy and you already have a non-sciencedegree or equivalent, this course is designed to support you.

The Introduction to Osteopathic Sciences course provides a programme of intensive sciencestudy, including work on the nervous system, cells, body systems (such as the digestive andcardiovascular system) and musculo-skeletal studies. It includes a unit on mathematics andstatistics. There will be a mid-point assessment to provide you with feedback on yourprogress, and then a final written assessment at the end.

It will be taught primarily through the BSO’s BONE online electronic learning environment,although some tutorials will be held at the BSO. For course starting dates throughout theacademic year please visit our website: www.bso.ac.uk

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MASTER OF OSTEOPATHY (M.OST) DEGREE

The path to qualification at the BSO is through our new Master of Osteopathy(M.Ost) degree.

The content and methodology of our M.Ost delivers a dynamic, modern programme ofstudy. This provides you with the best osteopathic clinical education available.

l Practical training with practising osteopathsl A student-centred approach to academic and clinical training l Opportunities to work with patients in a wide variety of clinical settingsl Elective options for final year students to focus on specialist areas of personal interestl Unparalleled student guidance and support l Teaching and learning to help develop your own learning stylel Flexible learning option l Research and evidence-based practice integrated and applied to osteopathic practice

throughout the coursel Ongoing mentoring for new graduates

“I was finishing A levels and panicking about what to do next when I didwork experience at an osteopathic clinic. I enjoyed it, and decided to applyfor an osteopathy degree. I chose the BSO because of its reputation asEurope’s largest and oldest school, and because I liked the friendlyatmosphere when I visited.

“The best thing about the BSO is the people. I really like the enthusiasm, broad-mindedness andcompassion you get from fellow students and from tutors. Plus, the BSO is located in a great cityand has good facilities, which are continually being improved. The BSO teaches using a holisticcurriculum – you get everything from the opportunity to be in clinic from your first year, to theopportunity for active participation in the Student Union.

“Come and study at the BSO! It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop personally andprofessionally.” Kiran Ul-Haq, BSO student

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M.OST: INTEGRATED MASTERS PROGRAMME

The (M.Ost) degree is an Integrated Masters programme. Studying for the M.Osttakes four years full-time (Standard Pathway), or five years if you follow theMixed Mode Pathway, where you study the first half of the course part-time forthree years, followed by a final two years of full-time attendance.

The qualification is awarded at Masters level because by the end of the course (which islonger than a normal Bachelors degree) you will be working at a level beyond most firstdegrees, taking responsibility for patients in clinic, and undertaking a demanding researchproject. It is, nonetheless, an undergraduate degree, and there is no expectation that you willhave a degree already, although a number of mature students do come to us with high levelqualifications. The degree is validated by the University of Bedfordshire, which wasshortlisted in 2007 for the Times Higher Education University of the Year award.

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M.OST: COURSE CONTENT

The M.Ost programme is the most up-to-date preparation for becoming anosteopath. Part of its distinctive strength lies in the fact that it recognises thatclinical practice, rather than classroom theory, is the heart of osteopathy. Thereis therefore a very strong clinical emphasis throughout the course.

In your first two years you will be introduced to the key disciplines of physiology, anatomy,psychology, sociology, research strategies, study skills and professional practice skills. These formthe bedrock of knowledge and skill upon which your clinical practice and future professionaldevelopment can be built. To help you integrate your theoretical learning with clinical work, youwill study a unit entitled ‘Developing Osteopathic Thinking’. Through the use of clinical examplesyou will begin to integrate a wide range of knowledge with common clinical situations. This willprepare you for the patients you will see as a student in the BSO clinic.

The later stages of the course are mainly clinically focused, and you will also undertake aresearch project. In addition, you will be prepared for professional practice life through a unitcalled ‘Learning for Professional Autonomy’. This will give you an opportunity to pursue oneof a number of specialist options.

Throughout the course you will be taught and tutored by experienced practising osteopaths.Clinic tutors will demonstrate the practical application and clinical implications oftheoretical teaching, but gradually you will develop your own clinical experience and style by observing, participating in and finally taking responsibility for patient care.

The M.Ost will provide you with a rewarding and challenging learning experience in bothclassroom and clinic that is responsive to your individual needs and appropriate to your priorlearning experience. In addition, the programme provides a range of resources that you canuse to support your individual learning.

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M.OST: PATIENT CONTACT

Clinical work and contact with patients are fundamental to the M.Ost. From your first year you will have contact with patients; this gradually expands until,in your final two years, you spend a large part of your time in the clinic. Thispractical work is essential if you are to become a competent and confidentosteopath. The only way to become proficient as an osteopath is to do it – you can’t learn to drive a car, for example, by sitting in a classroom.

Clinical work entails a wide range of skills and abilities, consisting of finding out what theproblem is, explaining it to the patient and then carrying out the best possible treatmentplan. To achieve this, you will need to have good practical skills, enabling you to examineand treat a patient, but also good communication skills to enable you to gather informationand reassure the patient.

All of these skills are underpinned by a secure knowledge base, guided by a questioningcuriosity and tempered by a desire to care for your patient. In clinic you will be tutored byexperienced practising osteopaths.

Your level of responsibility for patients builds throughout the course. Many students pursuetheir own interests in our range of specialist clinics. These are run both in-house and on anoutreach basis as part of the BSO’s commitment to making osteopathy accessible to thegeneral public. They provide treatment for children, people with HIV/AIDS, homeless people,expectant mothers, people with sports injuries and older people. (See page 27)

The quality and variety of the clinical experience on this course are unrivalled. From theearliest stage you will have every opportunity to put theory into practice.

“It is intellectually stimulating and allows you to combine your knowledge with a practicalaspect; realising you can successfully apply your knowledge feels exhilarating.”Kimberly Chan, BSO student

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M.OST: STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT

The M.Ost’s teaching and learning, though incorporating a rigorous theoreticalcore, never loses sight of the fact that most graduates move into clinical practiceand therefore require knowledge, skills and attitudes that are of practical value.

The course programme is divided into four phases: l Orientation: you begin to orientate yourself towards being an osteopath and primary

care practitioner, acquiring basic knowledge and skills and starting to appreciate thechallenges involved

l Development and Integration: your knowledge and those skills are further developed,consolidated and integrated to provide a secure foundation for your developing clinical work

l Integration and Synthesis: you focus on bringing a range of new and previously acquired knowledge and skills together in order to understand how the human bodyfunctions holistically

l Pre-professional: takes your clinical skills to a much deeper level, to prepare you for the challenges of working independently.

You will experience a range of assessment methods including traditional timed, writtenexaminations; open book exams – where you have access to resources to help solve aproblem – and in-course essays.

There are a range of practical examinations including Objective Structured PracticalExaminations (OSPEs) where a series of short tasks, mostly practical, are tackled in sequence;essays reflecting what you have learned from your clinical experiences; patient case studiesand patient management problems. Your clinical work will undergo ongoing assessment by tutors and you will have Clinical Competence Assessments as the culmination of yourstudies. You will also pursue a topic of personal interest in your Individual Enquiry project.

A range of assignments at various stages provide you with useful knowledge of yourachievements and capability, plus feedback to guide your future development. We aremoving towards offering online assessments within a range of virtual learning environments.These will provide you with instant feedback, available at any time.

“BSO staff are very approachable, happy to help and share their knowledge and experience, andthe Research Team have been excellent at helping me to organise ideas, to keep my area of individual enquiry focused and to develop my research skills.” Oliver Lasham, BSO student

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M.OST: TEACHING AND LEARNING

We support our students from the very start. Before they enrol on the M.Ostdegree programme, all successful BSO applicants receive a full set of pre-coursereading. Our teaching and learning methodology is student-centred and active.You will receive practical training with practising osteopaths.

Osteopaths work in a variety of styles. Our objective is to give you the tools to practise inyour own way, while fulfilling the criteria for professional status.

Our approach to teaching is personal and detailed. The tutor/student ratio in techniqueclasses is around 1:8, with 1:1 tutoring in the clinic. We continuously assess all aspects ofthe teaching and learning experience and exploit the best modern teaching methodologies.

“I really like the mixture of lectures and tutors I’ve had so far. There are so many teaching stylesand angles, and it gives you a good, broad perspective.”John Singleton, BSO student

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ACTIVE LEARNING

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods at the BSO. You will experiencetraditional lectures in some subjects and innovative learning methods in others.

Course delivery methods include: l Clinical supervision – intensive one-to-one tuition in the clinic, with real patients. You will

gain experience of managing particular problems, diagnosis and evaluation, how to selectparticular treatments to correct specific problems and develop interpersonal skills

l Practical sessions – where you practise technique rather than simply hearing or readingabout it

l Tutorials and seminars – for in-depth discussionsl Self-managed learning – where you reflect on your work, pursue areas of special interest

and gain a deeper, more natural familiarity with the subjects. Your use of the professionaldevelopment portfolio will enable you to set your own goals and evaluate your progressand learning needs in a professional manner.

The BSO’s excellent learning resources make active learning a pleasure. You will be able to log onto to BONE, the BSO’s own online virtual learning environment, view videos anddemonstrations made by faculty especially to support the M.Ost, use message boards andconferences to work collaboratively with teachers and students, and assess your ownprogress online.

External visits in the UK and abroad are arranged and you will be encouraged to attendregional conferences and meetings so you can experience different approaches to osteopathy.

“I like the fact that we have small group tutorials as well as lectures in most academic subjects. Ithelps immensely because the tutors can help you with any difficulties you are having, and arewilling to repeat information covered previously.” Fatema Contractor, BSO student

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LEARNING RESOURCES

THE BSO LIBRARYOur library is one of the best osteopathic libraries in the world. Our librarians are consulted byhealth care practitioners from around the globe. In addition to books and journals it has state-of-the-art computerised search facilities, WP and statistical packages, and flagged access tomedical databases and other useful websites. We maintain a wide range of learning resourcematerials including anatomical models, specimens, videos – including film of expertpractitioners in action – slides and imaging records such as X-rays.

Our librarians refine the collection to ensure you have a plentiful supply of key texts and to grow the holding in areas of special interest. They operate an enquiry service for studentsand arrange inter-library loans from collections such as the BMA Library, the British Libraryand NHS libraries in London.

“The BSO library as a resource is excellent.” Claire Bailey, BSO student

ONLINE RESOURCESAn essential element of our active learning approach is the use of online resources. The BSO has its own online virtual learning environment called BONE. This features learning resource packs, workbooks, copies of PowerPoint presentations from lectures, online assignments and assessments, bulletin boards, and online conference/chat roomswhere students and tutors discuss topics of interest. You can download information fromspecialised sites and communicate with administrative, clinical and academic staff. BONE can be accessed from all over the world.

A MAKE-OVER FOR OUR TEACHING CENTREAs well as opening our new clinical centre, in 2008 the BSO began work to update itsteaching premises on Borough High Street. To match the quality of education that the BSOdelivers, we are investing in new teaching and study spaces, lecture theatres, practical skillsteaching rooms and a new ICT centre.

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BSO TEACHING AND LEARNING IN PRACTICE

DIANA ROWLANDS was 36 when she began her return to work, having been a full time motherto two childr en after a first career in occupational therapy (mental health).

“I wanted to move into the physical side of occupational therapy, and I began to think about retraining,”she explains. “I was interested in osteopathy as I used to visit an osteopath.”

“I called to enquire about the BSO course and was invited to attend an Interview and Evaluation day,” sheexplains. (See page 41) Diana was subsequently offered a place at the BSO. “I’m pleased it worked outthat way, as I believe a BSO degree is a ‘weighty’ qualification in the osteopathic realm.”

Diana chose to study her degree via the BSO’s Mixed Mode pathway: three years of mixed part-timeand on-site learning followed by two years of full-time study.

“I valued the academic rigour of the course and the sense of achievement it provided, together with thediversity of approaches, opinions and ideas,” she says. “We also worked with a range of different patientsthrough the BSO’s specialist osteopathy clinics – one of the advantages of the BSO’s central location. But most of all I valued the people – the friendships I’ve made will continue to be invaluable.”

Diana, who is from Surrey, graduated recently and now works in two local clinics.

“There was good academic support. Tutors would make themselves available for queries or problems, andthe BSO’s library team was great at seeking out obscure books and articles!” she says. “There was alsohelp from other staff members – the BSO has a friendly, welcoming feel. In clinic, a framework of supportwas developed to help struggling students, which I think is essential. Especially important to me was thenumber of tutors who ‘went the extra mile’ with the dedication and enthusiasm they showed. That reallyhelped me through the hard times.

“If you want a well-respected degree; if you want to study in London and if you want to meet someamazing people, then study at the BSO!”

“I valued the academic rigour of the courseand the sense of achievement it provided,together with the diversity of approaches.”

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STUDENT SUPPORT

Our Student Support team assist students in all aspects of their lives both insideand outside school. They are available at any time during your studies.

Our Student Welfare Advisor offers advice and support on issues such as higher educationstudent finance, other sources of funding, accommodation, childcare issues, benefits and debt. We also offer free, confidential counselling for our students with a professionally trained andqualified counsellor.

The BSO’s Student Learning Advisor supports students with their academic skills. Workshopsand one-to-one support are available and the service can be tailored to suit individual needs.Our Student Learning Advisor also manages students’ Professional Development Portfolios.For prospective students with disabilities, the BSO’s Interview and Evaluation Days provideopportunities to see if the course is right for them and whether they will be able to meet the course requirements. (See page 41) Prospective students may also like to read the BSODisability Statement, which is viewable at: www.bso.ac.uk. Our Student Welfare Advisor is also available to discuss your needs further before you apply. If appropriate, the Advisor willsupport you through applying for the Disabled Students Allowance.

The BSO’s Student Support team also works to actively support any BSO students for whomdisability or health issues arise during the course of their studies. The team also providessupport for dyslexic students where needed.

“I got help from the BSO Student Support office when I had difficulties with studying because ofmy dyslexia. I also received great support from the BSO Student Welfare team when I got intofinancial difficulties. I’d say ‘Go for it!’ to anyone considering studying osteopathy at the BSO. I’vemet some of the nicest people ever.” Zuzka Janakova, BSO student

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THE BSO’S CLINICS

The BSO’s state-of-the-art, fully accessible clinical centre is based in Southwarkin central London and is the largest in Europe. From here we run our busyGeneral Clinic, and our specialist in-house clinics for expectant mothers,children, people with HIV/AIDS and for people with sports-related injuries.

We also run a range of outreach clinics. These offer osteopathy to groups in the communityincluding homeless people, older people in their home setting, children with emotional andbehavioural difficulties and patients of a local GP surgery.

In 2008 the BSO won a Southwark Civic Award for services of excellence provided, and forits provision of outreach clinics.

Overall, the BSO provides approximately 40,000 patient appointments each year to peoplefrom all walks of life. This unrivalled patient contact is fundamental to our students’ learningexperience: from the earliest stage our M.Ost students have every opportunity to put theoryinto practice in our clinics, supervised by supportive tutors who are fully qualifiedosteopaths.

“The range and number of patients we get to see in the general clinic is, I believe, unsurpassedand the outreach clinics are a bonus.” Claire Lisboa, BSO student

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THE GENERAL CLINIC

Since the BSO moved to Southwark in 1997 it has been committed to offeringaffordable and accessible osteopathic treatment to the local community and beyond.

Most of our patients would face long waits for treatment on the NHS. Nearly half theappointments we offer are taken up by patients who qualify for the concessionary rates that the BSO offers, and a number of appointments are provided free of charge.

The General Clinic at the BSO is open all year round, providing the highest standards ofpatient care, and receiving regular media coverage. Student osteopaths are supervised asthey investigate and treat the underlying causes as well as the symptoms of the huge varietyof conditions that patients present with. Plenty of time is given to in-depth consultations.

The BSO is proud that many patients come to our General Clinic for the first time followingrecommendations from previous patients.

“The standard of treatment we have received has always been excellent. As we are bothpensioners, that value for money is really important – we could not afford to keep seeing anosteopath privately, and we would face long waits for treatment via the NHS.”Himat and Nalini Shah, BSO patients

“The British School of Osteopathy has cheap appointments available – you’re seen by a third orfourth year student with a tutor supervising. I’ve had excellent treatment there.”BSO patient recommendation, The London Paper, 9 February 2007

“This is one of the most reasonably-priced complementary health places in London.” Time Out magazine, 27 March 2008

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“I’ve valued the exposure my BSO studies havegiven me to a wide range of internal and externalclinics, and to a wide variety of tutors and theirdiffering approaches to osteopathy.”

Miranda Redfern, BSO student

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EXPECTANT MOTHERS’ CLINIC

In 1982 the BSO opened the UK’s first Expectant Mothers (EMC) Clinic. Sincethen it has treated over 3,000 women.

Working in the EMC Clinic offers BSO students experience in treating pregnancy-relatedconditions. More than 80% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. Osteopathyprovides non-invasive relief from structural pain, tension, digestive problems and otherdifficulties and is safe for both mother and unborn baby. Analysis of 800 BSO EMC patientsshowed that more than 70% of them were reporting improvement in their condition, withinthree treatments, ranging from some relief to being symptom-free.

As a perfect testament to the first-class treatment available from the BSO’s EMC Clinic, oneof its former patients has gone on to become an osteopath. Helen Robinson attended theclinic for regular osteopathy whilst pregnant with her first son: she had previously had a badback and was concerned about it recurring during pregnancy. She returned for treatmentwhilst expecting her other two children.

“I think osteopathy played a key role in my being able to have safe home births each time,” saysHelen. She found out about osteopathy as a profession from the osteopath and tutor wholed her treatment, who encouraged her to enrol as a BSO student. She qualified in 2000,and now has her own private practice in south east London. Four years ago Helen came backto the BSO as a part-time General Clinic tutor.

CHILDREN’S CLINIC

The BSO has had a Children’s Clinic for over 50 years. It is run by experiencedpaediatric osteopaths, and offers the chance to work with children as young assix weeks old. Students learn to treat a range of childhood health problems,from postural defects and chronic infections to behavioural difficulties andallergies.

As in other BSO clinics, at each child’s first consultation a detailed medical history iscompiled. This involves talking to parents and guardians or older children, followed by aphysical examination of the child patient.

“We got a very good diagnosis for my son’s colic. They responded to my concerns about thehealth of my baby and the treatment really helped calm him.” Alison Rasalingham, who

brought her six week old baby to the BSO for treatment

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SPORTS CLINIC

The BSO’s Sports Clinic helps physically active people deal with injury and improveperformance, at all levels of involvement. Patients include professional athletes,committed amateurs, gym and fitness enthusiasts plus dancers and actors.

Osteopathy is extremely effective in alleviating the immediate symptoms of sport- andfitness-related injuries, and can help prevent injury recurring or becoming a more seriousproblem. It also contributes to performance and long-term training goals. In the SportsClinic an experienced osteopath leads students in looking at the relationship betweenmuscle, limb and spine function, the underlying cause of symptoms and a patient’s lifestyle.By understanding how these factors interact, they can learn to make adjustments andrecommendations to help prevent injury and aid patients in achieving their goals safely.

“They took me from being stressed and in pain into good physical and mental condition in no timeat all – a fantastic service.” Morgan White, BSO Sports Clinic patient

CHAPMAN CLINIC FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS

The Chapman Clinic opened in 2001 and is dedicated to providing specialistosteopathy for patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

Osteopathy can bring great improvements in quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS byaddressing the particular musculo-skeletal pain and dysfunction they often experience. Italso complements the drug therapies used to manage HIV/AIDS and may also help in copingwith the side effects they can bring.

Chapman Clinic treatment is provided by student osteopaths supervised and supported bytutors who are qualified osteopaths, and who have a specialist interest in HIV/AIDS, drugtherapies, associated pathologies and the musculo-skeletal presentation of HIV/AIDS.

“The BSO Chapman Clinic is a vital element of my care and is essential to my health and wellbeing. The problems for which I need osteopathy were not caused by, but have been greatlyimpacted by HIV. Chapman Clinic treatment gives me a range of mobility I would not otherwisehave and allows me to cope much better with a complex chronic illness. The standard of careand understanding achieved in the process throughout is second to none.” Robin, BSO Chapman Clinic patient

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OUTREACH CLINICS

The BSO is committed to supporting people who might not otherwise haveaccess to osteopathic care. Supervised BSO students contribute to the importantwork of our outreach clinics, gaining responsibility and maturity from interactingwith patients and other stakeholders in providing health care.

Manna Centre Osteopathic ClinicThe Manna Centre is a day centre offering a range of services for homeless people. The BSOhas a long tradition of providing osteopathy to homeless people in London and has run thisclinic since 1998. Erratic and rough sleeping lifestyles have an enormous impact on the bodywhich osteopathy seeks to address. Psychological and social interaction benefits can also beobtained through treatment.

Lucy Brown House ClinicLucy Brown House is a sheltered housing unit for older people. Through this BSO clinic,tenants receive high-quality osteopathic care in their own homes. Qualified tutors work withBSO students to treat musculo-skeletal conditions associated with the ageing process,predominately wear and tear, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pains and osteoporosis. By offeringrelief to the pain brought on by these conditions, osteopathy contributes to improvingquality of life for many patients.

Royal Free Hospital HIV/AIDS ClinicOpened in January 2004, this clinic at the Royal Free Hospital’s Ian Charleson Day Centrewas born out of the success of the BSO’s in-house Chapman Clinic for patients diagnosedwith HIV/AIDS. It gives BSO students experience of inter-professional communicationsbetween consultants and other health care staff, whilst improving their knowledge andperception of HIV/AIDS.

East Street ClinicThe BSO has a NHS contract with the East Street GP surgery in Southwark to provide freeosteopathic care to its registered patients. BSO students are supervised by a qualifiedosteopath and a General Practitioner, and patients are referred by the GP or practice nurse.This clinic allows BSO undergraduates to develop their clinical training within the NHS.

Beormund School ClinicThe Beormund School is a special school for children with social, emotional and behaviouraldifficulties. This clinic encourages children to express their emotions through positiveinteractions, and gentle manual therapeutic techniques are used to improve their health andsocial well-being.

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1st Place Children’s and Parents’ Centre ClinicIn Summer 2007 the BSO opened an osteopathic clinic for children from birth to four yearsold at the 1st Place Centre, which is located on a housing estate off the Walworth Road andwhich serves local families. This clinic aims to provide relief from a range of conditions forvulnerable local parents and children. Treatment also allows children to be more relaxed andimproves their feeding and sleeping pattern. It also treats toddlers with postural andmobility abnormalities and recurrent infections.

“No other osteopathy school can give you that much patient contact and variety of externalclinics.” Samantha Fennell, BSO student

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LONDON LIFE

The BSO is located near the South Bank of the Thames and at the centre of Londonlife. West End shops, fringe and mainstream theatre, comedy shows, music venues,restaurants, clubs, museums, galleries and much more are all within walking distance.

Our clinic and teaching premises are in a fascinating part of London. Southwark, andespecially the Borough area, is exploding with history, life and character.

The BSO is very close to major London rail links (London Bridge and Waterloo). It is just aminute’s walk from Borough tube station and is on several bus routes.

Nearby are clubs, sport and fitness centres, yoga centres, delicatessens and plenty of smallcafes and wine bars to meet in, plus lots of pubs. Another major attraction is the now world-famous Borough Market, which is open to the public selling fresh produce and artisan food.

By the river is the Globe Theatre, a replica of the original Shakespearean playhouse whereyou can watch some of the capital’s finest theatrical productions for as little as £5. The TateModern art gallery and the Millennium Bridge make a walk along the river front a delightfulway to relax.

Whatever your interests, there’s something for you near the BSO.

“The BSO’s central London location was the main deciding factor in my study choices, but also itsreputation as the most renowned and best in terms of resources.” Ludmilla Anchugova, BSO student

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TAKING A BREAK FROM YOUR STUDIES

I’m Annik Dufour, a BSO student. As current President of theStudent Union (SU) I would like to welcome you to the BSO,and tell you a bit about the very friendly, fun and active BSO SU team, and about social life at the BSO:

The British School of Osteopathy has a very friendly, open-door policy towards its students.You get to know staff and students from all walks of life.

Everyone needs to take a break from their studies. Students and staff can relax in the BSO’scafé/bar, which offers breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks throughout the day and a musicalatmosphere in the evenings. There are pool and table-tennis tables.

The SU is formed by a group of students from different years and backgrounds. Throughoutthe year we plan and organise events, sports activities and represent students’ interests.Other students are always welcome to help and contribute. The SU team always looksforward to meeting new BSO students.

As well as running the bar, the SU also organises regular parties, entertainments (such asquiz nights, DJ/bands) and sporting events.

Clubs and societies Annual eventsFilm club Halloween, Christmas and Easter partiesYoga End-of-academic year celebrationsFootball Sports Day (new for 2008)Cricket practice Summer BallNetball Dance Whisky and wine clubs Manus Sinistra (visiting guest lecturer club)

“The BSO’s central London location was an important factor for me, but I also found that it has avery close-knit, friendly student community.” Trishul Vadi, BSO graduate

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THE BSO: WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE

“I planned out my A levels and life around trying to get into the BSO.”

HANNAH LEWIS was a top-level gymnast as a child, representing England in competitions. Then one day in national training, aged 13, Hannah injured both her knees and was initially toldby an on-site physiotherapist that she would never be able to compete again. After a year ofphysiotherapy she then began to suffer from lower back pain, and sought help from anosteopath who had been treating her mother.

“I’m not exactly sure what she did but the treatment was amazing and I felt such relief,” enthuses Hannah. “Ever since that day I have always wanted to be an osteopath!”

Hannah began researching places where she could train. This led to a two-week work experienceplacement at the BSO.

“I loved every minute of it! Everyone was so friendly,” she says. “After that I planned out my A levels andlife around trying to get into the BSO.”

Hannah, from Surrey, got a place to study a BSO osteopathy degree. Now 22 years old andcompleting her studies, she has valued the BSO’s talented teaching staff and its extensive library asshe begins to plan her future after graduation.

“I hope to gain experience by working in a couple of clinics a few days a week, and then eventually openmy own clinic and also travel and work as an osteopath.”

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THE BSO: WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

“I was looking for a more global and holistic approach, as I was not happy with the local and anti-symptomaticphysiotherapy that I was practising.”

FERNANDO DEL RIO is a physiotherapy graduate from Spain, who has come to study anosteopathy degree at the BSO.

“I was looking for a more global and holistic approach, as I was not happy with the local and anti-symptomatic physiotherapy that I was practising,” explains Fernando.

“The BSO is the oldest osteopathy school in the UK and probably the most prestigious in Europe,” he saysof his decision to become one of the many international students the BSO welcomes each year.

Because of his previous qualifications and experience, Fernando, 35, joined the BSO degree course asa third year student. To help him to integrate fully, the BSO informally ‘paired’ him with anotherinternational student already on the course.

“It’s hard work but I’m really enjoying my studies,” says Fernando. “The educational standards are veryhigh, the learning resources are great and it’s a really friendly environment.”

Fernando hopes to continue his studies by taking the postgraduate MSc in Osteopathy in the CranialField which the BSO offers (see page 50), before returning to Spain to practise osteopathy.

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NECESSARY SKILLS

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

l able to draw on a range of learning experiences: clinical, classroom-based and self-managed

l in possession of in-depth health-related knowledge from a variety of fields

l committed to providing first-class care to each of your patients

l able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life

l self-motivated to learn throughout your professional life and to develop your professionalskills autonomously

l able to work effectively in groups with colleagues and other professionals from differenthealth care traditions

l good at problem-solving, synthesising knowledge and helping others to learn

l committed to continually refining the manual skills central to osteopathy

l good at managing your own practice environment and professional life

l keen to be an ambassador for osteopathy to your patients, other health care professionalsand the general public

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The BSO welcomes students with a wide variety of educational experience. Weencourage applications from mature candidates and/or those with a non-standardeducational background and we can credit work and life experience.

The normal requirements for our integrated undergraduate masters (M.Ost) degree are:

l 5 GCSEs at grades A–C including mathematics and English language

l 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

The M.Ost is an integrated degree and there is no expectation that you will have a degreealready, although mature students do come to us with high level qualifications.

We welcome certificated evidence of Key Skills.

We also recognise AVCE, BTEC National Diplomas, VCEs, Access Certificates, ScottishHighers, Irish Leaving Certificates (higher level), International Baccalaureates and a largenumber of equivalent home and international qualifications.

Equal opportunities: The BSO is committed to an equal opportunities policy for the wholestudent population. All persons of the required academic standard and practical ability areeligible for admission as registered students to the School. The BSO does not discriminateagainst any persons on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, religion, political beliefs ornational or social origins.

Lucy, Jo and Christine in the BSO’s admissions team will be pleased to discuss yourqualifications and circumstances in relation to studying at the BSO. They can becontacted on: +44 (0)20 7089 5316 or admissions@bso.ac.uk

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HOW TO APPLY

Master of OsteopathyApplications for the M.Ost. Standard Pathway (full time study) are made online via UCASwho will forward your application to us. Please contact them for further information, orspeak to your school or college.

UCAS telephone: + 44 (0)870 1122211 UCAS website: www.ucas.com M.Ost course code: B110 BSO UCAS institution code: B87

Applications for the Mixed Mode (flexible learning) pathway can be made direct to us. You can request an application form from the BSO’s admissions team (see contact detailsbelow), or you can download application forms from the BSO website at:http://www.bso.ac.uk/sm1apps.htm

Access to Osteopathic HealthcareYou can request an application form from the BSO’s admissions team (see contact detailsbelow), or download an application form from the BSO website at:http://www.bso.ac.uk/sm1apps.htm

What happens next?We want you to make the career choice that is right for you. On applying to the BSO youmay be invited to take part in a number of activities to help you, and us, evaluate yourpotential. You may be advised to undertake preparatory courses.

Regional Osteopathic Careers OfficersOnce we receive your application for the M.Ost our Admissions Department may arrange,via your Regional Osteopathic Careers Officer (ROCO), for you to visit a practisingosteopath in your area. This is not compulsory, but it gives you the opportunity for aninformal discussion about life as an osteopath, osteopathy as a profession and the BSO. Your ROCO may feed back to us about your visit, but their report will not play a part in our decision about your application. Please contact the BSO admissions team for more information.

Lucy, Jo and Christine in our admissions team will be pleased to help you with allaspects of the BSO’s application process. They can be contacted on: +44 (0)20 70895316 or email admissions@bso.ac.uk

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OPEN AFTERNOONSThe BSO holds regular Open Afternoon sessions where anyone can come and find out aboutosteopathy and studying at the BSO. These sessions give you the chance to meet practisingosteopaths, watch them demonstrating osteopathic technique, and ask them aboutosteopathy as a profession. You can also find out more about how studying at the BSOwould fit in with you own particular circumstances.

INTERVIEW AND EVALUATION DAYSWhen we receive your application you will be invited to an Interview and Evaluation (I&E)day. This gives you an in-depth opportunity to assess osteopathy as a career and find outmore about the BSO, allowing you to make an informed choice about your study options.You will meet members of staff and BSO students, hear presentations on osteopathy andthe M.Ost degree, and watch a demonstration of osteopathic technique. There will be plentyof time for you to ask questions.

I&E days are part of the BSO’s selection process. You will be interviewed, and you will alsobe invited to take part in a number of challenges, such as practical aptitude tests. These helpyou and us to evaluate your potential to benefit from the degree course, helping to ensurethat osteopathy is the right career choice for you.

FEESThe M.Ost is an Integrated Masters degree course and is subject to the same undergraduatefee regulations as most universities and other higher education institutions. The Departmentfor Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) sets undergraduate fees for full-time coursespayable by UK and EU students each year. The BSO decides all other fees annually. The feecontributes towards the cost of your tuition, including exams, assessment and access tolearning facilities. For eligible UK and EU students, the Government also makes acontribution to the overall cost of your tuition which is distributed through the HigherEducation Funding Council for England (HEFCE) via the University of Bedfordshire.

BURSARIESThe BSO offers generous bursaries for students with limited financial means. Our admissionsteam will be pleased to discuss them with you.

Lucy, Jo and Christine from the BSO’s admissions team will be pleased to give youmore information about all our courses, and to answer your questions about allaspects of BSO study. They can be contacted on: +44 (0)20 7089 5316 oradmissions@bso.ac.uk You can also visit: www.bso.ac.uk

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ONGOING SUPPORT FOR GRADUATES

Going into practice for the first time can be a nerve-racking transition.

The BSO offers a unique, free mentoring programme for new graduates. You are not on yourown once you gain your degree – you will have a mentor and access to advice and supportby phone and email.

You will also be invited back to the BSO for workshops and other events as you move intoyour professional life. For example, we offer refresher classes in osteopathic technique, aswell as a full programme of postgraduate and continuing professional development courses.

“I saw osteopathy as a vocation, not a job – a chance to find out why people became ill, whatinfluences illness and how I could influence a change for the better”, says BSO graduateSuzanne Beirne. She wanted a career that was ‘portable’, allowing her to work part-time andto travel.

Suzanne initially worked for a practice in the Cotswolds and then recently set up her ownpractice, allowing her flexible maternity leave to spend with her baby daughter.

“It’s good to know that the BSO gives ongoing support once you’ve got your degree. I’m planningto use it more once I’m back at work,” she says.

“The BSO has a reputation for producing some of the best osteopaths in the world.” Louise Evans, BSO graduate

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“I enjoy the more difficult and unusual cases, because once you begin to make sense of thepatterns involved, there is so much scope to help with a great variety of health problems.”Kuno van der Post, BSO graduate

“I didn’t find osteopathy, it found me”, explains Kuno, who is from Oxford and who had a reallyexciting first career as a professional skydiving instructor. “In 1995 I broke my back in a badlanding, and although I recovered well initially, my health slowly began to deteriorate in subtleways. I found help from several fields, but most particularly an osteopath and a homoeopath,who showed me a completely different way to see things. At around the same time a closerelative fell seriously ill, and I became very aware of the limitations of the medical approach to problems. It was then a natural progression to study osteopathy.”

Since graduating from the BSO, Kuno has trained in Classical Osteopathy.

Kuno welcomes the support that the BSO offers graduates. As well as using the BSOintranet system to keep in touch with fellow students, and occasionally refer patients toeach other, he has also made use of postgraduate technique guidance.

“Knowing that these resources are available and that I can call on them if I need to is veryreassuring,” he says. “Two years after qualifying, I still find osteopathy as exciting as I did in thebeginning, and I am at last finding some of the answers I have been seeking for many years.”

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POSTGRADUATE COURSES

A career in osteopathy may take different directions at different times,especially in today’s ever-changing health care environment.

The BSO offers an expanding range of first-class postgraduate courses for osteopaths andhealth care professionals from relevant disciplines, allowing them to specialise, changedirection and learn more. The following pages give details of our:

l MSc in Paediatric Osteopathyl MSc in Osteopathy in the Cranial Fieldl Professional Doctoratel Continuing Professional Development courses

For more information about any of these courses, please contact Gayda Arnold ong.arnold@bso.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7089 5315.

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MSC IN PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY

This course is the result of collaboration between the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy(formerly known as the Osteopathic Centre for Children: OCC) and the BSO. It is validatedby the University of Bedfordshire and is a development of the successful Diploma inPaediatric Osteopathy (DPO), run for ten years by the OCC.

Osteopathy has a holistic approach to disease and osteopaths do not specialise in types ofcondition. However it is sometimes desirable to specialise in types of patient. Public demandfor osteopathic care of children is increasing. As patients children are significantly differentfrom adults, and practical experience and specialist knowledge are required for examining,diagnosing and treating children.

Students, who must be registered osteopaths, benefit from the wealth of clinical experienceavailable at the Foundation’s clinics in Clerkenwell and Manchester together with the BSO’sexpertise in osteopathic education. They have access to the BSO’s extensive library andlearning resources as well as being able to use the learning resources available through theUniversity of Bedfordshire.

The course runs part-time over two years. Students will be given a placement at one of theFoundation’s clinics, which they will attend for one day a week for a minimum of 48 weekseach year. Here they will develop high-level skills treating babies, children and pregnant andpost-partum women, under the expert supervision of specialist tutors and consultants. Thisexperiential learning is backed up by a series of study weekends, held at the BSO on setdates through the year. These are unit-based, and cover:

l birth and deliveryl research and postgraduate learningl respirationl immune systeml advanced applied anatomyl central nervous system and orthopaedics

Assessments include written case studies and end-of-year written examinations. Clinicallearning is tutor-assessed each term, and students complete a portfolio of clinical learningbased on critical incident analysis. This portfolio replaces the research-based dissertationsrequired in traditional MSc courses. There is practical assessment of skills and appliedknowledge at the end of the second year.

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The MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy course places great emphasis on self-criticism, reflectivelearning and continued self-development. The skills and knowledge particular to the care ofchildren are best developed in a practical setting, so the clinical component is central.

Neonates Osteopathy can be important in establishing the health of a baby. Babies are often broughtto clinic after a long labour or difficult delivery, sometimes on the advice of a midwife orhealth visitor. Others are brought for a routine check. Intra-uterine factors may also affectnewborn babies, and these are most easily treated soon after birth.

ToddlersToddlers can be difficult to treat. They throw tantrums, wriggle, or will not sit or lie downlong enough to be treated. They require technical skill and patience. Because toddlers arenewly mobile they are prone to falls and minor accidents which may require osteopathictreatment. They also begin to mix with other children at nursery or playschool, whichexposes them to infection.

ChildrenEssentially healthy children may require treatment for headaches, dyslexia, dyspraxia,constipation etc. Osteopathy can also be used to treat chronically ill children with moreserious conditions such as epilepsy, hydrocephalus, leukaemia and chronic asthma, and canachieve dramatic improvements in their quality of life.

“The MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy combines the unrivalled academic educational experienceand resources of the British School of Osteopathy with the unique and innovative clinicalteaching in the clinics of the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy.

“It gives me great pleasure to be involved in such a fruitful collaboration between theorganisations. The scope and breadth of osteopathic practice in the United Kingdom and indeed throughout Europe has been broadened and enhanced by our working together and is continuing to evolve.” Stuart Korth DO DPO FICO, Director of Osteopathy, Foundationfor Paediatric Osteopathy

MSC IN OSTEOPATHY IN THE CRANIAL FIELD

Building on the BSO’s 30-year international reputation for postgraduate study of osteopathy in the cranial field, this new three-year course has been created by experts, including BSO faculty members and external lecturers specialising in fields including dental and paediatric osteopathy. It is the result of extensivebackground work, and is validated by the University of Bedfordshire.

Designed for qualified practitioners and ideal for osteopaths returning to study, this courseoffers excellent ratios of tutors to students, with four students to one tutor for most of thetaught practical work.

Students will have the opportunity to practise in the BSO’s new clinic, Europe’s largestosteopathic clinical centre. However, BSO attendance requirements will not be intensive.Study will be part-time and supported by regional tutors, facilitating participation byosteopaths based outside London and the South East of England.

The research component of the course will be well supported by the BSO’s research team,which specialises in working with students with widely-varied levels of experience inconducting their own research.

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PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE IN OSTEOPATHY

The BSO will be offering, from 2009, a Professional Doctorate in Osteopathy. Its programme of advanced study and research is designed to meet the needs of qualified osteopaths with at least five years’ experience, working in clinical oreducational practice, who want to investigate contemporary osteopathy acrossthe world. It will be assessed through coursework and the submission of aportfolio of publishable research.

The programme will:

l use and contribute to evidence relevant to osteopathic practicel develop critical thinking and analytical skillsl emphasise personal development planning for continuing professional development

The Professional Doctorate is aimed at experienced osteopaths with an active interest inpractice-based research and professional practice.

For more information about any BSO postgraduate courses, please contact Gayda Arnold on g.arnold@bso.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7089 5315.

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CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The BSO is committed to reflective, lifelong learning and has providedcontinuing professional development (CPD) courses for many years. Now thatCPD is mandatory for osteopaths, the BSO is developing a range of courses tohelp you meet the new requirements, a key element of which is your portfolio of learning. The BSO has extensive experience helping people to prepare andmaintain learning portfolios, for example in our work with undergraduates andpostgraduates. We are using this expertise to develop training in line with thenew regulations.

CPD courses on offer recently at the BSO have included:

l introduction to psychological management of people in painl osteopathy in the cranial field – preliminary coursel strain and counter-strainl ergonomics and osteopathyl osteopathy and obstetricsl BSO summer school

For more details of currently-available CPD courses, please visit www.bso.ac.uk or contact Gayda Arnold on g.arnold@bso.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7089 5315.

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BSO: A WORLD LEADER IN OSTEOPATHIC RESEARCH

The BSO has an international reputation for the quality of its osteopathicresearch, its design and delivery of osteopathic curricula and its work to expandevidence-based practice within osteopathy.

The BSO Research Team also works to promote and develop scholarship within the School,and to build successful collaborations with other institutions.

In February 2008, in partnership with the Osteopathic International Alliance, the BSOwelcomed 310 delegates from over 20 countries at the Osteopathic learning and practice – a global future conference in central London. This conference brought together osteopaths,educators and health professionals to debate and advance osteopathic education and practice.

The conference was held as part of a celebration of osteopathy hosted by the GeneralOsteopathic Council to coincide with the tenth anniversary of statutory recognition ofosteopathy in the UK. It allowed attendees to share examples of good and bad practice; lookat different educational models within their frameworks and take away useful ideas andinformation in order to contribute to keeping quality foremost as osteopathy moves towardsa globalised community. Key papers from the conference were published in the InternationalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Research Team has also collaborated on five multidisciplinary conferences: Chiropractic,osteopathy and physiotherapy: moving forward through research and practice, acting as host in2007 and 2008. These annual conferences facilitate presentation of student-based work andthe chance to hear keynote speakers.

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RESEARCH TEAM NEWS

The research element of the BSO’s undergraduate programme is supported bythe Research Team. This programme now regularly produces work of sufficientquality to publish: in 2007 six manuscripts were submitted for publication. TheBSO Research Team also provides support to postgraduate students.

The BSO participates actively as co-applicants on funded research grants. Recent grants havebeen funded by bodies such as the Arthritis Research Campaign and The Economic andSocial Research Council.

BSO faculty members have been awarded funding for research grants held at the School. Ina national call for research, the National Council for Osteopathic Research awarded the BSOa grant to explore adverse events in osteopathy.

The BSO has also been awarded £10,000 to carry out a project looking at work-relatedattitudes and behaviours in faculty clinicians treating back pain.

An ongoing collaborative research project includes a study examining the effect of fear ofpain in back pain patients which is near completion. In partnership with Royal Holloway,University of London, we are using functional brain imaging to examine patients’ responsesto a range of stimuli.

Individual faculty members are actively engaged in ongoing research programmes, writingtextbooks, doctoral studies, publishing articles in peer-reviewed academic journals andpresenting their work at national and international conferences. Recently-published papershave covered topics including:

l analysis of exercise content in undergraduate osteopathic educationl attitudes to back pain amongst musculo-skeletal practitionersl the role of exercise in the prevention of low back pain in clinical evidence-based

sports medicine

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The BSO has made every effort to ensure that the information in this prospectus is accurateat the time of publication. However we do not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The BSOreserves the right to change or cancel its courses and services at any time without liabilityeven after students have registered with us.

The BSO is a registered charity (no. 312873) which educates osteopaths, providestreatments for patients and promotes osteopathic research.

HOW TO FIND US

The British School of Osteopathy is accredited by the General Osteopathic Council. The Master of Osteopathy degree is validated by theUniversity of Bedfordshire. The Access to Higher Education diploma (Osteopathy and Health Care) is validated by the AQA. The BSO is aregistered charity (No 312873) that educates osteopaths, provides treatments for patients and promotes osteopathic research.

Photographers’ credits: • Photograph of HRH The Princess Royal’s BSO clinic visit (p. 2): Simon Brooke-Webb, sbw-photo.• Photographs from the Advancing Osteopathy and Osteopathic Learning and Practice conferences (pages 3, 10, 53 and 54): Simon Clark, Eyebox.• Osteopathic treatment photograph (p.29): Mark Anderson, BSO.• Cranial osteopathy treatment photograph (p.50): courtesy of Nick Woodhead.

Designed and produced by Calverts 020 7739 1474 www.calverts.coop

Printed on EMAS certified paper from sustainable forests, with vegetable oil based inks.

“The BSO seemed to tick all the boxes for me. Everyosteopath I spoke to praised the BSO and told meabout its great reputation.”

Hannah Lewis, BSO student

The British School of Osteopathy275 Borough High StreetLondon SE1 1JE

Tel: +44 (0)20 7407 0222Fax: +44 (0)20 7089 5300Email: info@bso.ac.ukWeb: www.bso.ac.uk

Student admissionsTel: +44 (0)20 7089 5316Email: admissions@bso.ac.uk

Postgraduate courses and CPD enquiries Tel: +44 (0)20 7089 5315Email: g.arnold@bso.ac.uk

Clinic98–118 Southwark Bridge RoadLondon SE1 0BQ

Tel: +44 (0)20 7089 5360Email: clinicappointments@bso.ac.uk

Research team contactsResearch team contactsSteven Vogel, Vice Principal (Research and Quality)Tel: +44 (0)7089 5331Email: s.vogel@bso.ac.uk

For more information about the University of BedfordshireTel: +44 (0)1234 400 400Web: www.beds.ac.uk

CONTACT US