British College of Osteopathic Medicine

British College of Osteopathic Medicine (British College of Osteopathic Medicine)

History: Founded in 1936 by famed naturopath Stanley Lief. The original college in Wyndham Place was bombed in 1942. The college consequently operated for several years on an ad hoc basis. In 1953, a grateful patient donated the property in Hampstead and the first academic year began in 1954. The college almost doubled in size in 2004.

Address: Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, in north-west London on a traditional single-campus site in classic Victorian surroundings.

Ambience: A welcoming campus-based institution with an ethos of hard work and dedicated research. The college is based in Frazer House, a grade two-listed nineteenth century building with clinic facilities, lecture rooms, library and research facilities, and the purpose-built Lief House, which was opened in 1996. A student body representing all ages, backgrounds and cultures contributes to an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Who's the boss? Dr Ian Drysdale has been principal since 1989.

Prospectus: 020 7435 6464 or view and download it here.

UCAS code: B81

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Applicants must have science A-Levels, which should normally include biology and chemistry. A science-based access or foundation course is also accepted.

Vital statistics: Offers a single pathway to registration with the General Osteopathic Council, the four year master's in osteopathy (M.Ost.). It is also the first UK osteopathic college to offer a BSc (Hons) osteopathy conversion course for graduates with the diploma in osteopathy. All degrees are validated by Plymouth University. 75% overall student satisfaction and good employment prospects with over 80% student employment within 6 months after graduation.

Added value: Internationally regarded for its holistic or naturopathic approach to osteopathic care. The college runs a clinic, which is open to the public and is staffed by students under the close supervision of clinical tutors. Provides exercise physiology and hydrotherapy facilities on site. A large number of full-time specialists staff the college and practising osteopaths work both in the clinic and as practical tutors. Strong links with many of London's leading medical institutions such as the Royal Free Hospital Medical School and the Royal College of Surgeons. In 2008 it became the first osteopathic college in the UK to get ‘approval without conditions’ from the General Osteopathic Council.

Teaching: Covered by QAA for accreditation to the General Osteopathic Council.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but they do help students find a place to live nearby.

Cheap to live there? No - Hampstead is an especially expensive place to live. Rental prices vary, however the average is between £90 and £150 per week. This may or may not include utility bills.

Transport links: Situated opposite Finchley Road tube station, on the Metropolitan and Jubilee Tube lines. A 10-minute walk from Finchley Road & Frognal overland station.

Fees: Starting in September 2013, full-time home undergrads will pay £7,350.

Bursaries: Applications for bursaries are considered on educational merit as well as economic need. The maximum bursary is equivalent to the top-up fee loan usually issued via the Student Loans Company; usually, the smallest but also most common amount will be for £1,000 per year of allocation.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: The West End, Covent Garden, South Bank and City are all within 25 minutes. Swiss Cottage and Hampstead have some glamorous restaurants, theatres and shops as well as leisure and sports facilities. The small SU puts on various social events.

Sporting reputation: No entry into the BUCS league table - not a sporting institution.

Glittering alumni: Plenty of top class graduates in the osteopathy field.