Integrated Masters Chiropractic

During the programme, you'll study human biology and physiology in order to understand the human body in health and disease. You'll also explore the important role chiropractors have in contributing to the management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions, and have the unique opportunity to study alongside other associated undergraduate students in Allied Health Sciences, including Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation and Exercise.

Diagnostic, clinical and research skills are developed throughout the course through a range of modules. There are clinical placements that will equate to at least 1000 hours. This component is assessed through a range of case-management summaries and direct supervision.

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.

Year 1

• Concepts of Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice (IPL4)
  This module introduces students to the place and value of interprofessional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of interprofessional health and social care delivery.
  
  Students will work collaboratively on-line to explore and develop understanding of the purpose, scope and range of interprofessional and collaborative working. Assessment is a 3000-word submission.
• Clinical Anatomy
  This module is designed to provide the student with an in-depth understand of clinical anatomy. Students will explore the relation between anatomical structures and systems and their clinical importance. They will acquire the vocabulary and terminology required to allow further study in human health care. Practical sessions will be devoted to hands-on examination of the anatomical structures. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to understand functional muscle testing and develop an appreciation of their clinical application and significance. Assessment is a written and practical examination. 
• Clinical Physiology 1 
  This module introduces the student to the functioning of the human body. Beginning with a basic overview of human physiology, discussions will include the chemical and cellular organisation of the human body. Energy production and homeostasis within the human system will be explored. The remainder of the module will examine the functioning of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.Assessment is a written final exam. 
• Chiropractic 1
  This module is designed to provide the students with the biomechanical model of the human skeletal system with special emphasis spinal kinematics, motion and function relative to structure and posture. The module will cover basic principles and procedures of joint assessment including static and dynamic motion palpation, joint play and end feel. Students will become familiar with anatomical landmark location.
  
  Additionally, the history and practice of chiropractic and its relationship to the healthcare community, both past and present will be discussed. Assessed through both a written and practical exam.
• Normal Radiographic Anatomy
  This module will introduce the student to the body of knowledge relevant to radiological studies and to the skills needed to understand and interpret radiological findings for X-ray, MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, Dexa, nuclear and CT scans. Interpretation of normal radiographic anatomy of the human body including anatomical variants and anomalies using appropriate terminology will provide the students with the firm foundation for further radiographic studies. Assessed through written and online exams. 
• Psychology & Behavioural Science
  This module is designed to provide the student with an in-depth understand of the biopsychosocial perspective in healthcare. The nature of self-awareness, attitudes and beliefs of both the clinician and the patient are examined. Models of mental health theories and motivational interviewing are discussed. Assessment is a 3,000-word written case study. 

Year 2

• Appraising Evidence for Research Informed Practice (shared Learning)
  This module extends students’ understanding of the concept of evidence based practice and research in practice.   The module equips students with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice.
  
  The steps in conducting research, main research methods, approaches to data analysis and presentation are explored. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and core skills that are pre-requisite for critical appraisal and evidence synthesis. Assessed through a 3,000-word written assignment. Students will be required to undertake a critical appraisal of an assigned article of relevance to discipline specific practice.
• General Diagnosis (History & Physical Examination)
  General Diagnosis- History and Physical Assessment will introduce the student to the skills and clinical reasoning that will enable them to identify and differentiate common signs and symptoms of health problems routinely encountered in clinical practice. In this module students will acquire the skills necessary for taking an appropriate case history, and the principles and practice of physical examination of the various systems of the body. Assessment is a practical examination. 
• Clinical Anatomy – Head, Neck and Neuroanatomy
  This module is designed to provide the student with an in-depth understand of head and neck anatomy and neuroanatomy. Students will explore the relations between anatomical structures and systems and their clinical implications. They will also study the organisational make-up of the nervous system, the major subdivisions and their functions. Practical sessions will be devoted to hands-on examination of the anatomical structures and the relationship between anatomy and clinical assessment of the head, neck and nervous system. Assessed through both a practical and written examination. Students must pass both parts to complete module. 
• Clinical Physiology II - Pathophysiology
  Picking up from Year 1, this module is a continuation of the study of human physiology. The focus will be on neurophysiology, endocrinology, renal and reproductive physiology. Students will gain an understanding of how each system functions and the inter-relationship between these systems in health and disease. Assessed through a wrriten exam. 
• Chiropractic II
  This module provides students with the practical working knowledge and understanding of normal and abnormal biomechanics and function of the human body with particular emphasis on the spine and pelvis and related soft tissue. Segmental joint function and the mechanical properties of the spine are examined. Students will also learn a variety of manipulative techniques for the involved joint structures and how these can be used for common musculoskeletal problems. An introduction to aspects of clinical case management is included. Assessment is a practical examination. 
• Clinical Imaging II – Pathologic Radiological Anatomy
  This module continues introducing the student to the body of knowledge needed to understand pathological radiological studies and to the skills needed to interpret radiological findings for X-ray, MRI, and diagnostic ultrasound. Interpretation of relevant radiographic findings of the human body with emphasis on the abnormal and pathological radiographic anatomy is emphasised. Assessed by a 3,000-word essay. 

Year 3

• Clinical Nutrition and Public Health
  This module focuses on wider determinants of health and key opportunities that exist in contemporary chiropractic practice to support health and wellbeing. It develops a detailed understanding of nutrition and homeostasis in relation to function, recovery and health and wellbeing. The importance of evidence based public health practices, initiatives and opportunities are explored within this module providing students with broader knowledge and skills that support effective interventions and case management. Assessment is a 3,000-word essay. 
• Chiropractic III
  This module will continue with the development of chiropractic manipulative skills applicable for out-patient clinics. Students integrate their knowledge and understanding of diagnostic criteria and clinical case management appropriate to evidenced based chiropractic treatment. Discussions will centre on a range of common and less common neuromusculoskeletal syndromes encountered in a typical chiropractic practice. Case studies are presented for student discussion. Assessed by a practical examination. 
• Rehabilitation and Functional Management
  This module provides the student with the clinical justification, a working understanding and practical skills needed to implement a variety of therapies that serve as adjuncts to chiropractic care and enhance patient treatment. Assessed via practical assignments. 
• Clinical Diagnosis (General Diagnosis-Systems)
  This module introduces the student to the skills and clinical reasoning that will enable them to identify and differentiate signs and symptoms of health problems relating to specific organs and systems of the human body. Building on GD-History and Assessment this module will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to examine the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary systems as well as dermatological issues. Each organ and system will be reviewed and the relationship to chiropractic care explored. Assessment is a practical examination. 
• Contemporary Issues in Chiropractic Practice
  Covering a broad range of issues, this module will provide students with an understanding of current issues affecting chiropractic profession.  The concerns and needs within public health that are current and most commonly seen in clinical practice are considered alongside issues of nutrition, mental health, microbiology and epidemiology.
  
  The scope of professional practice will be reviewed along with the role of the UK and European statutory bodies and professional associations. The expected duties and responsibilities at graduation regarding practice standards and ethical behaviour will be discussed. The students will become familiar with the clinical procedures they are expected to know as well as the relationship between the GCC Standards of Practice and Code of Practice and how these related to clinical practice.
  
  The module is assessed in a practical examination that needs to be passed to allow progression to the final clinical and research year and supports competency in final year students. Assessed by practical/clinical skills exam - multi-station OSCE covering all aspects of clinical practice.

Year 4

• Clinical Practice Placement
  This module allows students to integrate and consolidate the various aspects of clinical practice and case management. Students are supervised within the structure of an outpatient clinic, which is on the university site. Up to 100 hours of the overall clinical placement will be in external clinics to support ‘real life experience’ outside of the on-site clinic.
  
  Students will write a self-reflective portfolio during the course of the year as a means to enhance learning and understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and patient care. Assessed by two practical exams and a Clinical Self Reflective Portfolio (completion and sign off with a minimum of 40 individual new patient clinical cases across a range of conditions).
• MSc Dissertation for Allied Health Professionals (Shared Learning Opportunity)
  This module enables the student to plan and conduct an in-depth investigation of a topic that contributes to professional practice.  It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows demonstration of their ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It promotes the dissemination of findings to the relevant professional community. Assessment has three options: a 12,000-word dissertation (research-based project or audit); a 12,000-word dissertation on a mini systematic review; or an academic paper for a peer-reviewed Journal (5,000 words) plus literature review (5,000 words).

Because this is the only London-Based Chiropractor course, qualified students will be able to readily access the significant chiropractor market in and across London. An increasing number of chiropractors are being contracted through Any Qualified Provider schemes to deliver services to NHS patients. And once you've successfully completed the course you're eligible for registration with the General Chiropractic Council as a Chiropractor. At this point you'll be equipped to set up as an independent practitioner. In addition to private practice, chiropractors can work in a hospital setting, multidisciplinary clinics, as well as research or education.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The teaching methods for this programme includes a blend of interactive classroom teaching, practical simulation in clinical laboratories, tutorials and exercises in small groups. There'll be extensive online resources to develop your knowledge and skills, and support your learning. You'll also have a dedicated personal tutor and access to the University’s wide range of student support services. We also try to organise the timetable so that you can take part in university sports without interrupting classes.

• A Level BBC including at least 1 science subjects and excluding General Studies or:
• BTEC National Diploma DMM in Science or:
• Access to HE Diploma in Science with 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes or:
• Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 112 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C Maths, Science and English, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

The following additional requirements apply to this course:

• Evidence of commitment to the profession
• Evidence of having shadowed a chiropractor for a minimum of 1 day
• Passing of occupational health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
• Ability to meet travel requirements to attend placements
• Students from outside the UK will be required to provide a police check from their home country.
• English Language: Those whom English is not their first language must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in the written element and a minimum score of 6.5 in speaking, reading and listening) for the International English Language Test Score (IELTS)

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 136 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

Funding for pre-registration postgraduate programmes 2018/19

From August 2018 new postgraduate pre-registration nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students will access loans from the Student Loans Company.

Accessing loans will provide students with at least 25% more up-front living cost support whilst you study. You will also have access to the Learning Support Fund, which is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority, for support while attending clinical placements.

Background to these changes can be found on Gov.uk.

Council of Deans have prepared a briefing paper and Student Finance have outlined who qualifies. The Funding Clinic provides further information on what support is available.

NHS Bursary will produce guidelines and information once the information has received parliamentary approval.