Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) Extended

How the Course is Taught

The Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) blends focussed academic studies (both in the classroom and online) with practical training. Sessions are intensive and involve lectures and practical training. With a high level of contact hours and high staff-student ratio, practising chiropractors teach all the practical elements, and all scientific and medical knowledge is taught by the relevant qualified specialists who may also be chiropractors.

Clinical training is provided at our Community Clinics just outside Oxford and in the heart of Manchester. The training starts in year one and is fully developed in the final year, where you will manage your own patient list under supervision as an intern in the Community Clinic.

Term time schedule:

• The academic year runs from January to December.
• Taught sessions are delivered over one long weekend a month from Friday through to Sunday from 9am – 5pm.
• One spring and one summer school takes place where lectures are delivered Friday through to Monday from 9am – 5pm.
• Lectures are normally face-to-face, but some teaching is delivered online.
• Students are expected to complete significant directed studies over the course of the year to complete their academic requirements.

Years 1 to 3 – The early years:

• Students are introduced to a wide range of practical and academic learning.
• Students acquire academic knowledge that enables them to understand the systems and functioning of the human body.
• Students develop clinical skills in the assessment and diagnosis of patient presentations.

Year 4 – Pre-clinic year:

• Students extend their knowledge and abilities in academic, practical, and professional terms.
• Modules in clinical medicine, diagnosis and research methods are included during this period.
• Extensive practical and clinical hours are provided to prepare students for their clinical assessments.
• Students are taught about the business and professional commitments associated with being a registered professional.

Year 5 – Clinic year:

• Clinical training is delivered through clinics currently operating in Abingdon and in the heart of Manchester.
• Student involvement in the College’s training clinics starts in Year 1 and is fully developed in the final year as a clinic intern.
• In the final year of your studies, you will complete a placement in one of Community Clinics where weekly attendance is necessary. Adequate schedule preparations are made to ensure that you are able to maintain your professional requirements and complete your Clinic year.
• Under supervision, students manage their own list of patients to fulfil specific patient contact requirements.
• Clinical year runs from January to December.

Throughout each year, students follow a programme of personal and professional development that introduces concepts of professionalism and which enables them to reflect on their own personal growth initiated by the programme.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A commitment to the profession is seen as of equal value as the ability to work at an academic level, though all students will be required to submit work at degree level.
• Be 18 years or over when the course starts.
• Passes in five GCSE subjects, including English and a maths subject.
• Three ‘A’ level passes at Grade C or above, two of which should normally be in science subjects, particularly biological science.
• Relevant higher qualifications may qualify.
• Knowledge of basic science is necessary.
• Experience of chiropractic treatment is required.

Candidates may be accepted under special provision if they fail to meet the specified entry requirements provided that they have suitable alternative science based qualifications. Other qualifications will also be taken into consideration under the APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) system.

Students who do not meet the academic requirement through formal education are urged to contact our admissions team to discuss options for consideration; advice will always be given to enable students to gain the necessary qualification they may lack. An Access Diploma in Health course is available that may be appropriate for some candidates.

All students are expected to have the facility and the ability to study in their own home and will be required to purchase certain equipment and textbooks throughout the duration of the course. While tablets may seem convenient, many students encounter limitations that prompt them to favour the versatility and functionality of laptops. We strongly recommend that students use a laptop throughout their studies. Additionally, access to the internet is compulsory, as it becomes progressively an essential tool to facilitate learning.

If English is not your first language

If English is not your first language and you do not hold an honours degree that was delivered in English, you will be required to provide certified proof of ability in written and spoken English to, at least, IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component).

Entry Test

We reserve the right to ask you to sit an entrance exam.

Interviews

No offers are made without interview.  Candidates will be selected to progress to interview based on the qualifications, work experience, personal statement and reference provided in their application. Interviews take place throughout the year.

Applicants called for interview are assessed by a panel for their sense of vocation, motivation and qualities of determination and aspiration.

Disclosure and Barring Services

All students will have to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in order to be fully registered on the course for which a charge will apply.

All offers made will therefore include a condition relating to a satisfactory criminal record check. We also consider it important that an applicant’s values and attitudes are aligned to those reasonably expected of the Chiropractic profession. Please discuss any potential issues with us confidentially.

Health and Wellbeing

As this qualification leads to registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), if you have a disability, you are advised to read the information on the General Chiropractic Council website.

Application Process

All applications for the Master of Chiropractic course must follow the application process below to be considered for enrolment.

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Intake Dates

Course Progression

Course Modules

Please note that courses may be subject to change. These changes could occur if the General Chiropractic Council recommends or directs any modifications. However, we understand the importance of keeping such changes to a minimum and keeping you well-informed. If there are any significant changes, we will provide you with written notice so that you are aware. We also make sure to consult with students who may be affected by the change before making any final decisions.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the module and stage development. You will also be encouraged to reflect and feedback on your own experiences, learning and development.

Forms of assessment can include:

• Assignments
• Exams
• Projects
• Oral presentations
• Group presentations
• Practical assessments
• Structured clinical exams.

Location

The Master of Chiropractic (extended) course is delivered at our Oxford location near Abingdon, and our Manchester location.

Students have the opportunity to switch locations should their circumstances change. Both the Oxford and Manchester locations have equivalent facilities, state-of-the-art teaching technology and community clinics to provide an appropriate teaching and learning experience for your studies. It all comes down to your own preferences.

Oxford

Set in the traditional English countryside, just south of Oxford in one of Britain’s oldest towns, with ancient streets and riverside walks just waiting to be discovered.

It is an ideal location for those who enjoy their sport, with cycle paths, a sports and leisure centre and a host of local activities to try. There’s even the opportunity to join the local rowing club, who train along a beautiful stretch of the River Thames.

The McTimoney College of Chiropractic is well served by local buses, and for those who drive, you will find that the M4 and M40 nearby makes it easy to get to a number of major cities, including London, which is also only a 45 minute train journey away.

Learn more about Oxford

Manchester

We’re located in the historic St. James’s building on Oxford Street – one of Manchester’s most famous roads. Here you’ll find yourself not only in the city centre, but also in the middle of one of the largest student populations in Europe. McTimoney College is the first and longest established Chiropractic College in the north of England and is easily accessible by car, train, and plane.

No matter where in the world you go, mention Manchester and the first thing everyone thinks of is football. Its two teams, Manchester United and Manchester City are the pride of the city and quite rightly so – they are two of the world’s most famous clubs.

But of course, football is just one of the reasons why this city is so well-known and well-loved; it has also been an influential centre of the UK music scene for many years. Add to this Manchester’s world-class museums, theatres, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants, and it’s easy to see why it’s among the UK’s fastest growing cities.

Learn more about Manchester

Tuition Fees & Associated Costs

In addition to your course fees, there may be additional charges associated with your studies, which include:

Summer School Travel & Accommodation:

Travel & Accommodation Costs of approximately £300 will be required in each of the pre clinic and clinic years to attend the Summer School held at the Ulster University Magee Campus in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Textbooks:

Textbooks are available in the library and electronic versions may also be available in the online library resources. Students may choose to acquire their own copies of important books both for study and for their future practice.

Tuition Fee Funding & Maintenance Loans

Students intending to study at the college are eligible to apply for a part-time Tuition Fee Loan up to the maximum £6750, together with a Maintenance Loan, dependent on your personal circumstances. These can help cover tuition fees and living costs whilst you are studying.

How you apply for student finance varies depends on where you live. You will find detailed information on the application process and the amount of funding you will be entitled to on the following sites:

• Student Finance Applications – England – or for further information and guidance please visit the dedicated microsite.
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Finance Applications – EU Countries
• Student Finance Advice – International (Non-EU Countries)

You can apply for funding online and it is recommended that you submit your application early to ensure that your funding is with you by the time you commence your studies.

Please note, if at any point during your studies you change modes of study or the speed at which you complete your studies, we will be required to notify the Student Loans Company as this may have funding implications.

Bursaries

Students are also able to apply to the College Hardship Fund to support them in their studies.

Payment Plans

If you are self-funding, we offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost of your course across the duration of your studies.

For advice and further information on any of the above, please contact us.

Employability & Career Progression

Under the terms of UK legislation, individuals will not be able to practise as a Chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory body responsible for regulating chiropractic. The McTimoney College of Chiropractic has been assessed by the GCC and its qualifications have been formally “recognised” in the UK as providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for the safe and competent practice of chiropractic.

Graduates holding recognised qualifications are eligible to apply for registration as a chiropractor. Applicants should be aware that possession of a recognised qualification is not the only requirement for registration.  Evidence of good health, both mental and physical, and good character are also assessed by the Registrar.  Applicants should therefore declare any health problems and any criminal convictions at interview, so that they may be reviewed by the College staff and appropriate advice given.

In common with all chiropractic programmes in the UK, students entering the programme are encouraged to complete a post registration training (PRT) programme run on behalf of the profession by the Royal College of Chiropractors. This programme provides support and mentoring as graduates enter independent practice life and is a requirement for membership of the major professional associations.

Our five-year Master of Chiropractic course is recognised in the UK by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and by the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). This means that graduates have the ability to work in any country that recognises the ECCE and are eligible to sit entry examinations in most accredited areas worldwide. We advise all applicants to check in advance the legal status of these qualifications in any countries or states that may be of interest to them.

Postgraduate Studies

After Graduation, Chiropractors must complete annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in order to maintain their registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).  They may also choose to pursue their particular interests by completing postgraduate Masters level programmes. The College offers postgraduate courses for children and animals.