British School of Osteopathy - In Depth

Founded: 1917.

Site: Single site in Borough.

How to get there: Close to London Bridge mainline station, London Bridge and Borough underground (Northern Line); various bus routes.

Academic features: Course is student-centred with a focus on problem-solving in a clinical context: includes clinical supervision, practical sessions, tutorials, seminars and self-managed learning. Nearly all tutors run their own practices.

Awarding body: Luton University. Main undergraduate award: BOst.

Length of courses: 4 years standard pathway; 5 years mixed mode pathway.

Library & information services: 10,000 volumes, 110 periodicals, 70 study places. Specialist collections: Rare books on osteopathy. Separate IT service, open 60 hours/week in term time. Ratio workstations to students 1:10. access to internet from all computers; IT support available. 2-hour introduction to library and information services for new students; computer training given if needed. Other learning facilities: Well-equipped human performance laboratory and anatomy resource room; computer-aided interactive anatomy.

Student advice & services: Dyslexia tutor, counselling service; further advice and services planned. Elected SU welfare officer; student welfare committee of staff and students.

Amenities: SU active in organising social functions with similar institutions.

Sporting facilities: Student sports clubs make arrangements externally for playing facilities with other institutions. eg local medical schools, London South Bank and Luton universities.

Accommodation: No college accommodation but arrangements with other institutions possible. Most students live in privately owned accommodation (Educational Development & Welfare Office can help). Majority of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by School.

Term-time work: Some work available in school bar, reprographics and office.

Financial help: Bursary fund and student welfare funds for severe hardship available for students in years 2-4; amount awarded £1000-£3000 pa.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6670 pa.