Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)

VU course code: HCOP | CRICOS: 103517C | Level of study: Undergraduate

ATAR

Lowest selection rank: 60.70*

Duration

4.5 years full time

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

City Campus

Applications closed

Bachelor/Masters of Oseteopathy student gets work experience

Overview

Take a holistic approach to clinical care with a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University (VU).

Get qualified for a rewarding career building ongoing relationships with clients, alleviating pain, optimising mobility and function, emphasising preventative care and promoting healthy lifestyle changes.

VU’s unique degree is the only course in Victoria that allows you to become an osteopath accredited with the Australiasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC) in just 4.5 years and at a masters level.

During your degree, which covers both undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, you’ll study:

anatomy*
osteopathic principles and techniques
physiology
pathology
population health
evidence-based practice.

*Anatomy includes studying cadaver specimens at our St Albans Campus anatomy lab.

You'll also benefit from extensive work experience, with hands-on practice at our professional clinics.

Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for accreditation to practise as an osteopath, with the skills to:

assess and diagnose a range of conditions
develop safe treatment programs
perform soft-tissue techniques
perform joint mobilisation and manipulative techniques
provide exercise rehabilitation programs.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Justify their professional, ethical and legal position as an osteopath within the scope of practice of an osteopath and the broader Australian healthcare system;

Critically appraise scholarly healthcare literature to integrate the best available evidence into practice to continually improve practice;

Design a patient-centred, culturally safe and evidence-informed management plan based on sound clinical reasoning, appropriate use of medicine, scientific evidence and patient/client preferences to inform decision-making;

Exemplify relevant leadership, ethical behaviour, prioritisation of resources, and appropriate communication on all aspects of the care process within a collaborative clinical setting including peers, inter-professional colleagues, supervisors, and a diverse range of patients;

Implement inclusive, culturally safe, patient-centred care for a diverse range of patient populations across the lifespan, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

Advocate for patients and the community by promoting health through effective communication, collaborative practice, inter-professional practice, health education and evidence-based management;

Evaluate patient progress using standardised outcome measures, and document and appropriately communicate information about patient care;

Design and undertake a scholarly piece of work related to the osteopathic profession; and

Critically reflect on theoretical concepts, professional capabilities, self-care, personal and clinical experiences, and embrace lifelong learning to inform and continually improve practice.
: During your Master of Health Science (Osteopathy), you’ll get extensive hands-on experience treating real patients in VU’s Osteopathy Clinic at our state-of-the-art City Tower at our City Campus, as well as in a range of community-based clinics.
Working on a rotational basis both during and in-between semesters, you’ll gain real-world experience working with paying clients under the supervision of expert accredited osteopaths. Treatments you may assist with include:
soft tissue techniques
joint manipulation
joint mobilisation
exercise rehabilitation
general health care advice.
Your clinical work may also involve assisting with ergonomics, general health advice, rehabilitation, referral and resources.
: With this dual qualification in osteopathy, you’ll have the qualifications needed for registration as an osteopath with the Osteopathy Board of Australia and membership with Osteopathy Australia.
You’ll be able to register and practise as an osteopath in all Australian states and in New Zealand.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

Minimum ATAR: 60.70*

This course has a minimum ATAR entry requirement. This means you’ll need to achieve a certain ATAR, along with other criteria, to be considered for this course.

The following table shows the ranking results of our current student intake and is an indication of the ATAR you’ll need to successfully apply.

* Use as a guide only. This ATAR was created in January 2024 and may change for 2025 entry.

VU course code: HCOP

VTAC course code: 4300243051

Campus: City Campus

ATAR profile of people who received an offer for the Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).
	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors)	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Highest rank to receive an offer	98.00	99.50
Median rank to receive an offer	68.50	74.45
Lowest rank to receive an offer	54.30	60.70

Learn more about ATAR

What is ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) compares the results of final-year school students, with adjustments made for factors such as hardship. The ranking is expressed as a number between 0 and 99.95. ATAR minimum entry requirements are not usually essential entry criteria for applicants who have completed secondary education more than 2 years ago.

Entry criteria

Minimum entry criteria include:

English-language requirements
academic requirements.

Your work and life experience will also be considered.

To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

: This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)

an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE

an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics or Physics.
: This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute).

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent) in Health Sciences or similar.
: This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course.

Admission criteria

Completion of at least one semester of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
: This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
AND:
A study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics or Physics.
: Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students

(A) Past Higher Education Study
(includes a bridging or enabling course) 42 30.4%

(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study 7 5.1%

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
81 58.7%

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
NA NA

(C) Recent secondary education
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
<5 <5

(D) Work and Life experience <5 <5

International students <5 <5

All students 138 100%

"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
(A) Past Higher Education Study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	42	30.4%
(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study	7	5.1%
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	81	58.7%
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	<5
(D) Work and Life experience	<5	<5
International students	<5	<5
All students	138	100%

Special entry programs

Special admission programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

VU Early Entry

If you're currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Early Entry program comes with a Conditional Offer to the course of your choosing*, a personalised course plan, special events, exclusive discounts and access to one-on-one course advice.

*Conditions apply.

Learn more about VU Early Entry

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course.

You should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a:

guide for your learning during the course
way for you to identify challenges you may have in studying this course.

Learn more about inherent requirements

Additional information

A current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011) or Level 11 First Aid Certificate must be obtained prior to HBS3004 and clinical placement. Students must maintain a current certificate until graduation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OSTEOPATHY BOARD AUSTRALIA (AHPRA) ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS REGISTRATION STANDARDS

All applicants must be able to provide the information required by the AHPRA English Language Skills Registration Standard for admission to the course.

This requirement applies to both domestic and international students.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate to Victoria University that they meet the Osteopathy Board of Australia AHPRA English Language Skills Registration Standard. Applicants can obtain further information about how to demonstrate the Standard at: https://www.osteopathyboard.gov.au/registration-standards.aspx
As part of this standard, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have evidence of completing:
• At least 6 years (full time equivalent) continuous education taught and assessed solely in English, in any of the recognised countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of America, Canada, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom). Education includes tertiary qualifications in the relevant professional discipline, which you are relying on to support your eligibility for registration under the National Law.
OR
• IELTS with a minimum IELTS (academic module) overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking.

The Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) is registered with AHPRA. Students who complete this course are eligible to apply to practice in Osteopathy in Australia. Students in AHPRA registered courses must meet and maintain certain standards referred to as a student’s “Fitness to Practice”.

On commencement and throughout their studies at Victoria University, students in AHPRA registered courses are required to acknowledge and provide information about their fitness to practice as set out in this form. Part of a student’s “Fitness to Practice” is being ready to undertake compulsory clinical placements. Clinical venues require Victoria University to confirm that all students have met the compulsory immunisations and clearances. These are referred to as pre-placement requirements.

Once studies have commenced, students will be advised of the deadlines to complete both the Fitness to Practice form acknowledgement and pre-placement requirements. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in students being delayed in their progress and/or not being able to complete their course.

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the double award of Bachelor of Health Science (Osteopathy) / Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) students will be required to complete:

432 credit points of core studies

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

As a highly-skilled osteopath, you can enjoy the independence of running your own private practice, or choose to provide healthcare in settings such as: