New Starter - Master of Osteopathy | Health Sciences University

Master of Osteopathy

Welcome from the Head of School

Dear Students,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the UCO School of Osteopathy at Health Sciences University (HSU) London.

Whether you are joining us at the beginning of your osteopathic education or continuing your journey towards professional practice, you are becoming part of a long-standing tradition of excellence in osteopathic education coupled with innovation. Our School is committed to developing skilled, compassionate, and reflective practitioners who are equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of patients and communities.

At HSU London, you will benefit from a vibrant learning environment that combines academic rigour, clinical excellence, and a strong sense of community. You will be supported by a dedicated team of academic, clinical, and professional services staff who are committed to helping you achieve your full potential. We encourage you to make the most of the opportunities available, challenge yourself, engage with your peers, and embrace the rewarding experiences that lie ahead.

The study of osteopathy is both demanding and immensely fulfilling. Throughout your time with us, you will develop not only the knowledge and practical skills required for professional practice, but also the critical thinking, resilience, and professionalism that define exceptional healthcare practitioners.

I encourage you to approach your studies with curiosity, enthusiasm, and an openness to lifelong learning. The relationships you build, the experiences you gain, and the knowledge you develop here will form the foundation of your future career.

On behalf of all our staff, I warmly welcome you to the UCO School of Osteopathy and wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead.

Best wishes,

Patrick Gauthier
Head of School
UCO School of Osteopathy

Welcome Week, Enrolment and Induction


Registration and Enrolment

Enrolment is where we complete final document checks and fully complete your registration for your course.

Induction is your introduction to your course and life as an HSU student. You’ll get important information about your course, meet key members of your teaching and support teams, and find out everything you need to know to get started.

Welcome Week is your chance to meet your tutors, university teams and, most importantly, your new classmates. You’ll also have the opportunity to get to know your campus, take part in social activities and start settling into university life.

All of the above are important parts of starting your HSU journey.

Enrolment, induction and welcome week activities are combined for full-time and part-time students and will take place on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September. You should arrive at the London campus for 10am on Thursday and will be allocated to a group on arrival. You can find provisional timetables for each group below, including details of planned sessions and activities.

Group A – View your Welcome Week timetable here.

Group B – View your Welcome Week timetable here.

  • Note: Welcome Week timetables are provisional and subject to change

Information for your First Day


Where to go on your first day

On your first day at Health Sciences University (HSU), go directly to the reception area – located at 275 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JE for the London campus. Staff will be there to greet and direct you.

What time to arrive

Enrolment, induction and welcome week activities are combined for full-time and part-time students and will take place on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September.

You should arrive at the London campus for 10am on Thursday 10 September and will be allocated to a group on arrival. You can find provisional timetables for each group below, including details of planned sessions and activities.

Group A – View your Welcome Week timetable here.
Group B – View your Welcome Week timetable here.

Teaching start dates

Full time classes start 10.30am, Monday 14 September 2026

Part time classes start 9.00am, Saturday 19 September 2026
  • Note: Welcome Week timetables are provisional and subject to change
What to bring
  • A laptop or tablet with access to Microsoft Teams, a webcam and a microphone.
  • A notepad and pens for taking notes.
  • A refillable water bottle. Water fountains are available throughout the University.

If you have been allocated a locker, you do not need to bring a padlock.

Dress Code

There is no formal dress code for lectures, seminars and other classroom-based teaching. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear that is suitable for a full day of study.

Clinic scrubs will be required for practical teaching sessions and clinical activities from Year 1 onwards.

Who to contact if you're delayed

If you’re going to miss a session or be late, let your unit lead know in advance where possible.

If you have concerns about attendance or would like to discuss the course further contact Course Lead, Patrick Gauthier (patrick.gauthier@hsu.ac.uk).

Sample Timetables (for Full and Part Time studies)

   

Academic Preparation


Key Dates

For 2026/27 key dates are as follows: 

Enrolment, induction and welcome week: Thursday 10 & Friday 11 September 2026

Semester 1 : 14 September – 4 December 2026 (Reading week: 26 – 30 October 2026) 

Semester 2 : 11 January – 19 March 2027 (Reading week: 15 – 19 February 202) 

Semester 3 : 12 April – 18 June 2027

Timetable

Our Full Time timetable is planned to give you some flexibility in your week and to allow time for employed work or other commitments. 

In term one students are typically required to attend campus for timetabled lectures, seminars and practical sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday every week. Thursday and Friday are reserved for self-directed study days and occasional clinic attendance (typically 2 days in Semester 1 of the first year). 

 

 

Key Dates

For 2026/27 key dates are as follows: 

Enrolment, induction and welcome week:
Thursday 10 & Friday 11 September 2026

Timetabled teaching will take place on the following weekends:
19-20 September 2026
3-4 October 2026
17-18 October 2026
31 October – 1 November 2026
14-15 November 2026
28-29 November 2026
12-13 December 2026
9-10 January 2027
23-24 January 2027
6-7 February 2027
20-21 February 2027
6-7 March 2027
20-21 March 2027
10-11 April 2027
24-25 April 2027
8-9 May 2027
22-23 May 2027
5-6 June 2027
12-13 June 2027
19-20 June 2027
 

Timetable

The part-time course is delivered on alternate weekends so that you can study alongside work or other commitments.  

You will also need to complete a number of clinical hours in our teaching clinic. The number of hours you need to complete each year increases as you progress through the course:

Year 1 – 21 hours
Year 2 – 21 hours
Year 3 – 140 hours
Year 4 – 364 hours
Year 5 – 518 hours 

This clinical requirement takes the form of weekday clinical attendance, both during term time and vacation periods.  

In addition to your tuition fees, there are some additional costs you may wish to budget for during your studies. These will vary depending on your personal circumstances and choices.

Accommodation and Living Costs

If you are moving away from home, you will need to arrange and pay for your own accommodation and day-to-day living expenses. Our Student Services team can provide advice and guidance on finding suitable accommodation.

Enhanced DBS Check

As part of the requirements for this course, you will need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting your studies. You are also required to subscribe to the DBS Update Service for the duration of your course so that your DBS status can be checked as required.

  • Enhanced DBS Check: approximately £58
  • DBS Update Service: currently £16 per year, plus a £5 administration fee
  • Police Checks (if required): subject to local charges
Occupational Health Screening and Vaccinations

Before enrolling, you will need to complete an occupational health screening to confirm your suitability for clinical practice.

The initial pre-enrolment health screening currently costs £28.50. Additional costs may apply for vaccinations, missed appointments or second opinions where required.

Students are strongly advised to ensure they are vaccinated against COVID-19 and occupational Hepatitis B, and that routine immunisations, including Polio, Tuberculosis (TB), Tetanus, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Varicella (Chickenpox) and seasonal influenza, are up to date.

Clinical Equipment

You will need to purchase a range of clinical equipment for practical and clinical examination skills from Year 1. This typically includes a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, patella hammer, tuning forks, pen torch and neurological testing equipment.

  • Approximate cost: £150–£300, depending on the supplier.
Clinic Scrubs

Clinic scrubs are required for practical teaching and clinical sessions from Year 1 onwards. We recommend purchasing three sets.

  • Current supplier price: from £13.40 + VAT (without an embroidered HSU logo) or £17.15 + VAT (with an embroidered HSU logo). HERE
  • Prices may vary if purchased from another supplier.
Student ID Card

Your first HSU Student ID Card is provided free of charge when you enrol. Replacement cards are available for a non-refundable fee of £10.

Travel

You will be responsible for the cost of travelling to and from the University throughout your studies. Most of our clinics are within walking or cycling distance of the campus, although some community clinic placements may require additional travel.

Optional Overseas Opportunities

There may be opportunities to take part in optional overseas placements or exchanges, including Australia and other destinations. Participation is voluntary, and students are responsible for all associated travel, accommodation and visa costs.

Books and Study Materials

Most learning resources are provided electronically through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Core textbooks are available through the library, although copies may be limited, and many students choose to purchase some recommended texts. We recommend waiting until your course begins before buying any books, as your tutors will advise which resources are most appropriate.

Printing and Photocopying

Should you wish to print lecture notes or other learning materials, you will be responsible for these costs. Printing required for patient records in clinic is provided where necessary.

IT Equipment

To make the most of your studies, we recommend having access to a laptop or tablet for accessing online learning resources, completing coursework and participating in digital learning activities.

Social Activities

The Health Sciences University Students’ Union (HSUSU) organises a range of social events throughout the year, including Welcome Week activities designed to help new students settle into university life. Participation is optional, but you may wish to budget for any events or activities you choose to attend. UK students from low-income backgrounds may also be eligible for the University’s Welcome Week Social Events Bursary. Please visit our Scholarships & Bursaries page for more information.

Graduation

If you successfully complete your course, you will be invited to attend your graduation ceremony. Attendance is optional.

Graduates attend the ceremony free of charge but are required to hire academic dress (approximately £39). Guest tickets are available to purchase (typically £20–£25 each), and any travel or accommodation costs associated with attending the ceremony are the responsibility of the graduate and their guests.

Please note: This information is intended as a guide and is not an exhaustive list of potential additional costs. Fees and charges are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

Meet your Teaching Team


Patrick Headshot

Course Leader

Patrick Gauthier

Head of School, UCO School of Osteopathy

Patrick Gauthier is the Head of the UCO School of Osteopathy at Health Sciences University, London. An experienced academic leader and clinician, he is dedicated to advancing osteopathic education through interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation. Patrick leads the curriculum redesign of UCO’s flagship osteopathy programme, integrating AI-enhanced learning, clinical simulation, and digital tools to futureproof student training. With a background in healthcare leadership, anatomy education, and policy development, he also contributes to national strategies on education and regulation.

Full bio

Any Other Information


Read our course page HERE.

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