Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) with Foundation Year

This unit introduces the normal structure and organisation of the human body, from tissues through to major body systems. You will learn anatomy through both theory and practical application, including surface anatomy, anatomical terminology, models, images and safe palpation. The unit provides an essential foundation for physiology, biomechanics, clinical skills and later chiropractic practice.

This unit introduces the core principles of normal human physiology, including homeostasis, cellular function, metabolism and regulation. You will develop the theoretical scientific knowledge needed to understand how the body maintains normal function. This provides the foundation for later study of body systems, dysfunction, disease and clinical science.

This unit introduces chiropractic as a person centred, ethical and regulated healthcare profession. You will combine theory, communication practice, reflection and observational learning to understand patient experience, healthcare systems and professional identity. Simulated and observational activities help you begin linking classroom learning with real healthcare contexts.

This unit introduces the role of evidence in healthcare and chiropractic practice. You will learn what evidence is, how research is generated, and how different types of evidence are organised and used. Through guided academic activities, the unit builds early research literacy and prepares you for later critical appraisal and evidence informed clinical reasoning.

This unit explores how the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and biomechanics work together to support movement and function. You will combine theoretical learning with practical skills such as surface anatomy, palpation, postural observation and range of movement assessment. This supports progression into clinical examination, movement analysis and chiropractic assessment.

This unit develops your understanding of how major body systems work together to maintain normal function. You will study cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and endocrine physiology, alongside nutrition, metabolism, growth, maintenance and repair. It provides important theoretical understanding that supports later study of pathology, clinical risk and patient care.

This unit builds on early professional learning by introducing foundational physical examination, manual and soft tissue techniques, and basic imaging awareness. You will develop practical skills in safe handling, patient positioning, professional communication and introductory examination within supervised learning environments. The unit combines theory, simulation, practical teaching and observational learning to prepare you for later clinical assessment.

This unit develops your understanding of how evidence is accessed and used within healthcare and chiropractic contexts. You will learn how evidence informs guidelines, professional standards and policy, while recognising uncertainty, variation and potential bias. The unit uses applied academic tasks to help you connect evidence informed practice with safe and accountable healthcare.

This unit develops your ability to assess, diagnose and manage upper quarter presentations, including the cranium, cervical spine, thoracic spine and upper limb. You will combine theory, practical skills, imaging interpretation, clinical reasoning and supervised exposure to practice. Learning includes therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions, supporting safe and evidence informed patient care.

This unit explores how dysfunction and disease affect normal anatomy, physiology and human function. You will study pain, inflammation, healing, pathology, neurological and systemic disease, medication influences, red flags and clinical risk. The unit strengthens your theoretical understanding of abnormal findings and supports safe diagnostic reasoning in later clinical units.

This unit focuses on lower quarter presentations, including the lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limb. You will continue to integrate theory, physical examination, imaging, diagnosis, chiropractic therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation. Practical and case based learning help you build confidence in applying chiropractic skills to realistic patient scenarios.

This unit brings together public health, behaviour change, health inequalities, evidence appraisal and clinical reasoning. You will explore how wider social, lifestyle and healthcare factors influence patient outcomes and engagement with care. Applied learning activities support patient education, communication, collaborative care and evidence informed decision making.

This unit develops advanced clinical reasoning for more complex and chronic presentations. You will use theory, case based learning, practical reasoning and simulation to manage uncertainty, assess risk and adapt care. The unit supports your progression from structured clinical scenarios towards whole patient decision making.

This unit focuses on person centred care, health psychology, behaviour change, pain science and applied research. You will use theory and applied activities to explore how patient goals, beliefs, context and health behaviours influence care and outcomes. The unit supports the design and justification of patient centred interventions using evidence, communication and reflective practice.

This unit extends your ability to manage complex and diverse patient presentations. You will explore areas such as paediatrics, pregnancy related care, sport, older adults, disability, safeguarding, consent, risk and adapted management. The unit combines theory, case based learning, practical reasoning and assessment activities to support safe clinical judgement and referral reasoning.

This unit includes a substantial supervised placement experience and supports your transition into applied clinical practice. You will combine placement learning, reflection, communication, interprofessional awareness and professional judgement. The unit helps you integrate academic learning with real practice environments and prepares you for final year clinical placement.

This placement unit supports you to consolidate clinical reasoning, patient management, communication and professional behaviour in supervised practice. You will take increasing responsibility for patient care while continuing to receive guidance and feedback from clinical educators. Assessment includes competency evidence, reflection and viva voce, helping you demonstrate safe and developing professional capability

This unit supports your transition from student practitioner to graduate chiropractor. You will develop understanding of professional regulation, ethics, clinical governance, CPD, quality improvement and safe practice systems. The unit combines professional theory with applied tasks that prepare you for accountable practice after graduation.

This final placement unit supports you to demonstrate readiness for professional practice through extended supervised clinical activity. You will refine your clinical reasoning, risk management, patient communication, documentation, reflection and professional judgement. The unit helps you evidence consistent, safe and effective practice as you prepare to graduate.

This unit develops your understanding of leadership, management, innovation, sustainability and service development in chiropractic practice. You will explore how chiropractors contribute to safe, ethical and effective healthcare services. The unit uses applied professional tasks to support confidence, business awareness and leadership capability.

This optional unit allows you to explore paediatric and pregnancy related chiropractic practice through evidence synthesis and critical reflection. You will select a focused topic and evaluate evidence, guidance, governance, communication and safeguarding considerations. The unit supports deeper specialist interest while maintaining an evidence informed and professionally accountable approach

This optional unit allows you to explore sports chiropractic through a focused evidence based topic. You will consider athlete welfare, evidence synthesis, governance, performance, injury management and return to activity. The unit supports deeper understanding of sports related practice before graduation.

This optional unit allows you to explore complex pain management through evidence synthesis and critical reflection. You will examine biopsychosocial approaches, clinical uncertainty, patient centred care, governance and professional reasoning. The unit supports deeper understanding of complex pain and its relevance to contemporary chiropractic care.

This optional unit develops advanced rehabilitation reasoning and programme design. You will use theory, case based learning, practical evidence and applied tasks to create and justify rehabilitation strategies for complex musculoskeletal presentations. The unit supports clinical reasoning, adaptability and person centred rehabilitation planning.

This optional unit explores the application of biomechanics, exercise science and technology informed practice to chiropractic and musculoskeletal care. You may work with movement analysis, performance data, ethical considerations and applied clinical reasoning. The unit supports students interested in movement, function, exercise and performance related practice.

If you’re applying from the UK or Ireland:

You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English language and Maths. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number can be accepted in place of English and Maths GCSE. For mature or non-traditional applicants consideration will be given to individual circumstances.

Is there anything else that is required?

If you live in the UK, we’ll need a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced DBS) check. It’s standard for all UK students and we’ll be there to guide you through the process once you’ve applied.

• 64 UCAS Tariff points
• A-levels: DDE or higher. Your grades can be in any subject, though we don’t consider General Studies.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Merit
• Access to HE Diploma: 45 credits at level 3 with a merit profile or above. We accept a range of different Access programmes to join us on the MChiro course. Access to Health Sciences, Access to Science, Access to Medicine, Access to Nursing would all be accepted.
• International Baccalaureate: Overall grade of 28 points or higher.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: BBCCC or above from 5 Higher subjects.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Minimum of 5 subjects at Higher level, with grades H3, H3, H3, H4, H4 or above.
• T Levels: Merit in any T-Level subject.

We welcome learners from non-traditional backgrounds and will consider individual circumstances where appropriate.

If you have undertaken a qualification that’s not listed, it may still be considered. Get in touch with our Admissions team via email or call us on 01202 436200 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Is there anything else that is required?

If you live in the UK, we’ll need a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced DBS) check. It’s standard for all UK students and we’ll be there to guide you through the process once you’ve applied.

To gain a place on the course applicants must also successfully undergo an interview process. These interviews will be undertaken remotely via Teams. More information about this process will be provided if/when applicants are invited to the interview stage.

Please note:
You may be required to have an occupational health screening prior to commencement on the course.

For more information about our admissions policies and procedures, including our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Policy, see our latest policies.

International Students

If your qualification is not listed here, please read our international entry requirements or get in touch with our Admissions team.

Please note:
To be accepted onto this course; you will also need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum standards of English.

For further information on English language requirements, please read our English language requirements. More information on permission to study in the UK can be found on our Visas and Immigration page.