BCOM & ESO - part of BCNO Group (London & Kent)

Overview

The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) – part of the BCNO Group - is a specialist provider of osteopathic medicine with a proven reputation for excellence, located in North West London. BCOM offers an impressive portfolio of degrees in Osteopathy, which are recognised and accredited by the profession’s governing body, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), and validated by its partner institution, the University of Plymouth.

For undergraduate students, BCOM offers a four-year integrated Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) and a four-year modified attendance BSc (Hons) Osteopathy, both of which are validated by the University of Plymouth.

Students benefit from access to an onsite Osteopathic Teaching Clinic, a state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory and superb research facilities, and are guided through their studies by an experienced team of teaching staff and professional researchers. BCOM has an excellent staff-student ratio, which means that students have plenty of contact time with their tutors, receiving frequent feedback and support.

BCOM is the perfect place to train to be an Osteopath, with its on-site Clinic and its fantastic London location making student life an incredible experience. At BCOM, students find themselves at home in one of the most colourful and exciting cities in the world. Its London campus is situated in Hampstead, in North West London (NW3), close to the vibrant Camden Town, with excellent transport links, making it easy for students to experience all that London has to offer.

Student Testimonials

“Studying at BCOM has been one of the best decisions I could’ve made! The close-knit community at BCOM allows for more student-faculty interaction, personal tutors/support and my contributions to the community fabric of the smaller institution feel a lot more meaningful.”

Yasmine
Year 1 student, BCOM

“Being a member of a smaller university ensures I am not just a number. I can approach any member of staff and they know exactly who I am; making the whole university experience tailored and personal to me.” 

Hannah

Year 2 student, BCOM

“BCOM has been brilliant at giving me lots of support and encouragement throughout my studies. It really has a wonderful atmosphere and there are plenty of social opportunities.”

Mike
Year 3 student, BCOM

“When I started studying at BCOM, I realise people travel from all around the world to study at this University. The year groups are a perfect size, making it so much easier to get to know all your fellow students and tutors. As an international student, BCOM is extremely supportive and I have really enjoyed my time so far. BCOM offers a broad osteopathic teaching philosophy which has suited me very well and was one of the major reasons I chose to study here”.

Julia
BCOM graduate from Switzerland

The four year full-time integrated Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) undergraduate degree offers a wide-ranging and inspiring undergraduate degree programme. It is designed to prepare graduates to be safe, competent healthcare practitioners, able to support a wide range of patients and a variety of conditions.

The M.Ost undergraduate degree integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills with clinical experience gained within our dedicated clinic setting. The electives and flexible study options provide opportunities to gain experience in areas of special interest. Students also have access to extensive resources and expert knowledge, to ensure a broad osteopathic and naturopathic education.

Successful students will graduate from BCOM with a Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost), validated by the University of Plymouth. The Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost) degree is fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

A Year 1 sample timetable for the M.Ost can be found online.

The four year BSc(Hons) Osteopathy is an undergraduate ‘modified attendance’ degree programme, blending face-to-face/live-streamed theory lectures with in-person practical classes and clinical experience.

The course is designed for those looking to become a registered osteopath who need to study flexibly around work/life commitments. It runs over two evenings a week (6-9pm) and one weekend day a month (9am-5.30pm). This is an intense full-time degree programme, with additional hours needed for the completion of essential clinical hours and for optional tutorials.

Successful students will graduate from BCOM with a BSc (Hons) Osteopathy, validated by the University of Plymouth and is fully accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

A Year 1 sample timetable for the BSc (Hons) Osteopathy can be found online.

The academic admission criteria for entry on to BCOM’s integrated Master of Osteopathy degree and BSc (Hons) Osteopathy degree are as follows:

A-level BBC including a science subject*

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma DDM in health, science or sports related subject

Access to Higher Education 18 Level 3 credits at merit or above in science or health-related subject

Welsh Baccalaureate BBC including a science subject*

Scottish Qualifications Authority BBBBC including a science subject*

Irish Leaving Certificate H33334 including a science subject*

International Baccalaureate 32 points to include 5 points in 2 science subjects. If overseas and not studying English within the International Baccalaureate, you must have International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall with a score of 5.5 in all other elements.

*usually biology, but chemistry, physical education, sports science, psychology, mathematics are also considered. General studies is not accepted.

English language Students for whom English is not their first language must have an acceptable Secure English Language Test (SELT). For example, an IELTS with a score of 6.5 total with a minimum of 5.5 in all other elements. BCOM refers to this list of approved English test providers on their website.

Accommodation

BCOM is located in London’s desirable Hampstead neighbourhood, close to the vibrant Camden Town as well as Regents Park and Wembley Stadium. The campus sits next to Finchley Road tube station, with just a 7-minute tube ride to Bond Street station, a popular central London shopping district. BCOM is located conveniently near Finchley Road and Frognal rail station, with excellent access to the open green spaces of Hampstead Heath.

While BCOM doesn't have its own housing, it has partnered with private student accommodations in Wembley, Camden, and Kentish Town, offering BCOM students a discounted weekly rent. Moreover, the Admissions team at BCOM provides a list of available local accommodation and facilitates group arrangements for students choosing to live together.

Facilities

The BCOM library is a superb academic resource which has over 4,500 books, health and medical journals and a wide range of up to date scientific resources including online access to the virtual learning tools and catalogues of the University of Plymouth.

Additionally, the BCOM campus is home to a fully functioning teaching clinic providing over 20,000 treatment sessions every year. It is one of the biggest osteopathic clinics in the UK, and an excellent place for students to hone their skills.

BCOM is very proactive with its student support services, and has a dedicated Student Engagement and Welfare Officer to act as the first point of contact for any student experiencing difficulties while studying. There is free and confidential counselling available, and plenty of support from staff members. BCOM also offers complimentary access to the student assistance programme, an initiative delivered in collaboration with Health Assured, which helps students to overcome external challenges which may affect their academic work or personal wellbeing. The initiative provides 24/7 services, which include legal supports, bereavement support, medical information, and online cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).

Each student is assigned a personal tutor, who can provide both academic and personal advice, and there is also an assigned tutor for the whole Year group and a student peer support service.

Specialised assistance is available for students with special needs or disabilities.

BCOM’s Osteopathic Teaching Clinic can be used by students free of charge.

The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) delivers an internationally respected curriculum and is considered one of the top providers of osteopathic education and research in the UK.

It is regularly recognised for the high quality of its educational services, having achieved three consecutive outstanding reviews for quality from the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Students are taught by a team of expert academics and healthcare practitioners, who are enthusiastic about the success of their students, and eager to share their wealth of experience.

Students at BCOM benefit from extensive support and training provided by experienced lecturers and Osteopaths, many of whom hold MD and PhD qualifications. The learning experience includes practical, hands-on clinical practice to enhance their understanding in real-world scenarios, and courses are designed in collaboration with leading UK health services to ensure relevance to the profession of Osteopathy.

Students' Union

The students’ union at BCOM is a student-run organisation which is dedicated to managing student activities, aiming to enhance the student experience, represent the voice of its membership, and build the BCOM student identity. The students’ union is also the central hub of BCOM’s social scene, organising a variety of activities to suit a diversity of preferences.

Clubs and Societies

BCOM’s students’ union organises a variety of activities to suit a diversity of preferences. Whether it’s social nights out in London, sports events, cinema nights or global cuisine nights, there’s truly something for everyone. BCOM provides excellent opportunities for students to meet like-minded individuals and make long-lasting friendships.

City life

Students at BCOM benefit from living and working in London, a city that is regularly voted among the best student cities in the world. Whether it be for culture, history, entertainment, or academic heritage, London has it all, and BCOM students are extremely well placed to take advantage of it.

BCOM has an outstanding reputation for graduate employment. In fact, 100% of all BCOM graduates are in employment six months after graduating, making it one of the most employable career options within healthcare.

BCOM tutors support students with careers, organising workshops, career fairs, and networking events where students may meet alumni, and speak with members of the Osteopathic community, gaining valuable professional connections.

Osteopaths have the flexibility to work independently, collaborate with a small team, or be part of the NHS. It is an excellent career choice for those looking to strike a balance between work and family life. Osteopaths can earn from £45 to £180 per hour and 11% of Osteopaths earn in excess of £100,000 (based on results from 2021 Institute of Osteopathy census). There are excellent opportunities to specialise in various areas within the field (for example, sport, women’s health, animal practice, paediatrics), and the excellent reputation of BCOM trained osteopaths opens doors for career opportunities worldwide.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

BCOM understands that the cost of training while living in London can be a significant consideration, and works hard to provide a raft of resources to ensure that all students have the opportunity to study in comfort and confidence.

While BCOM does not offer dedicated scholarships for its high-quality Osteopathy courses, its website has details of how students can source and secure funding from external sources.

BCOM is accredited by the University of Plymouth, and a BCOM student can approach the University’s financial services department for help and advice. Students are able to access disability allowances and other means-tested funding opportunities through the BCOM website.

Fees

Tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are:

Master of Osteopathy

Home students: £9,250 per annum
EU/International students: £11,000 per annum

BSc (Hons) Osteopathy (only available to Home students)

Year 1: £7,700 

Year 2: £7,700 

Year 3: £6,160 

Year 4: £6,160