Discover Flexible Study Options at LSO, offering full-time and part-time pathways to balance your education, work, and personal commitments.
Engaging in further study takes a huge amount of consideration when you have other commitments. Whether you’re caring for others, or you’re currently in work, flexible study options allow you to prioritise your non-negotiables, while also investing in yourself and your future at the same time.
Why Osteopathy?
If you’re looking into the healthcare profession, or looking to advance your career in the field – have you considered osteopathy? Osteopathy involves a gentle and effective hands-on approach to healthcare, based on the principle that the way your body moves influences how it functions.
Osteopaths can make a real difference to people’s lives, while also enjoying a lucrative career.
Study Flexibly with LSO
The London School of Osteopathy (LSO) is proud to offer a range of flexible study options designed to fit around your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to dive straight into full-time study or need the freedom of a part-time schedule, we have a pathway that works for you.
For the academic year 2024-25, LSO offers two core programmes. Everyone is enrolled on the Integrated Master’s Degree in Osteopathy (MOst[1] ) when they become senior students (year 3 full-time or year 4 part-time). You can then decide if you want to pursue the MOst or change to the Bachelor’s Degree in Osteopathy (BOst)[2] .
: the Bachelor’s degree in Osteopathy (BOst) and the Integrated Master’s degree in Osteopathy (MOst)[3] . These programmes are available through both full-time and part-time study options, including the new part-time weekday attendance pathway.
Full-Time Study: Fast-Track Your Career
If you’re eager to qualify as an osteopath as quickly as possible, the full-time study option could be ideal for you. Full-time study involves attending lectures and practical classes during the week, generally over three days, allowing for an intense but manageable workload. The full-time BOst programme takes 3.5 years to complete, finishing in February of your fourth year, while the full-time MOst programme spans four full academic years.
The full-time pathway is suitable for those who can dedicate 40 hours per week to study, including self-directed learning and clinic attendance. This option might be a great fit if you work part-time on the weekends or have a part-time, flexible job. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy regular interaction with tutors and fellow students.
Why Choose Full-Time Study?
- Fastest route to becoming a qualified osteopath
- Regular interaction with peers and instructors
- Ideal for those who can commit to three full days of timetabled study per week
Our New Part-Time Study Option (Weekdays): Flexibility [4] Around Your Midweek Commitments
This year, we’re excited to be able to offer a brand new part-time weekday study pathway. This new learning option offers another fantastic flexible study option for students who need a balance between full-time and part-time study. This pathway allows you to study fewer modules per year, typically 90 credits instead of the 120 credits in the full-time programme, making it more manageable if you have other commitments.
Part-time weekday students attend classes alongside full-time students but have the added flexibility of a reduced course load. You’ll still have the chance to schedule clinic hours around your availability, ensuring you can gain practical experience while managing your study time effectively.
This option is perfect for those who prefer more regular contact with tutors and classmates but still need the flexibility to work part-time, or manage family commitments.
Part-Time Study (Weekends): Balance Work and Study
One of the most popular flexible study options at LSO is part-time weekend study. This pathway is perfect for students who work full-time during the week or have other commitments that require a more flexible approach to their education. Classes are held over 18 alternate weekends throughout the academic year, leaving your weekday schedule largely free.
This weekend study option allows you to balance work, family, and study by offering flexibility in scheduling clinic attendance at LSO’s dedicated osteopathy training clinic. You’ll need to commit to around 12-15 hours of self-directed study per week in addition to the timetabled classes. This pathway is ideal for anyone looking to manage their studies while maintaining their current work-life balance.
Why Choose Part-Time Weekend Study?
- Perfect for those working full-time during the week
- Flexibility to balance study with personal or professional commitments
- Ability to structure your clinic hours around your life
Part-Time Study (Weekdays): Flexibility with Regular Interaction[5]
The new part-time weekday study pathway offers another flexible study option for students who need a balance between full-time and part-time study. This option allows you to study fewer modules per year, typically 90 credits instead of the 120 credits in the full-time programme, making it more manageable if you have other commitments.
Part-time weekday students attend classes alongside full-time students but have the added flexibility of a reduced course load. You’ll still have the chance to schedule clinic hours around your availability, ensuring you can gain practical experience while managing your study time effectively. This option is perfect for those who prefer more regular contact with tutors and classmates but still need the flexibility to work part-time, mainly on the weekends.
Why Choose Part-Time Weekday Study?
- Ideal for students who work part-time or on a flexible schedule
- More interaction with classmates and tutors compared to weekend study
- Ideal for parents managing childcare responsibilities
- Allows for reduced study load, making it easier to manage alongside work or other commitments
Key Differences Between Full-Time and Part-Time Study
No matter which pathway you choose, both the full-time and part-time courses follow the same syllabus, ensuring that all students receive the same comprehensive osteopathic education.
The main difference lies in the number of academic credits completed each year. Full-time students complete 120 credits per year, while part-time students work through 90 credits annually, extending the overall duration of their programme. For instance, the full-time BOst programme takes 3.5 years to complete, whereas the part-time version takes five years.
Clinic Hours: Gaining Practical Experience
One of the key components of osteopathic training at LSO is clinical experience. Both full-time and part-time students are required to complete a set number of clinic hours each academic year, which you can schedule around your study and personal commitments. LSO offers flexibility in clinic attendance, allowing you to meet your requirements in a way that works best for them.
A minimum of 20% of your annual clinic attendance must take place over the summer, which helps minimise any loss of skills and knowledge during the long break. However, students are welcome to complete more clinic hours if they choose, providing even more flexibility to meet individual needs.
Financial Flexibility
LSO also offers financial flexibility, with course fees structured according to the number of academic credits studied each year. Students can choose to fund their studies through Student Finance England or through self-payment. For those who prefer to self-fund, there’s an option to pay in full at the start of the year or in three or six instalments. This ensures that finances don’t stand in the way of your dream to become a qualified osteopath.
Choose the Right Pathway for You
Whether you’re looking for a more fast-paced full-time programme or need the flexibility of part-time study, LSO has options that can suit you and your priorities. With flexible clinic hours, a choice between weekday and weekend study, and pathways that fit around work and family commitments, you can achieve your goal of becoming a qualified osteopath without putting your life on hold.
Apply now or contact us today and explore the flexible learning options that LSO can offer you.
