Here are the most frequently asked questions about our Chiropractic course. Don't see your question? Feel free to Tweet us.  

How do I become a chiropractor?
Chiropractic is a registered primary health care profession within the UK and the title of 'chiropractor' is protected by law, marking it is a criminal offence for anyone to describe themselves as any sort of chiropractor without being registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). To be eligible for GCC registration, UK graduates must have successfully completed a GCC recognised university degree programme.

Why should I do my chiropractic training at USW?

• We have a very good employability rate.
• The University of South Wales was the first university in the UK to offer a fully integrated undergraduate degree programme that is accredited by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). This means that you are qualified to apply to register with the GCC, have the ability to work in European states and are eligible to sit entry examinations in most accredited areas worldwide. We advise all applicants to check in advance the legal status of any countries or states that may be of interest to them.
• We have an internationally recognised academic team with an extensive range of modern facilities. You will enjoy state-of-the-art equipment in our purpose-built clinic at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIoC) on the Pontypridd, Treforest campus. We have excellent working relationships with the chiropractic profession and enjoy close links with the British Chiropractic Association and the Royal College of Chiropractors, as well as many other international chiropractic organisations, including the European Chiropractors Union and the World Federation of Chiropractic. We also conduct Chiropractic clinical research.
• What's more, our chiropractic degree is the only programme in the UK that is fully integrated into the University infrastructure, offering students a wide educational experience. You benefit as your clinic and all your facilities are on the main university campus in Pontypridd.

Why is it a four-year course?
Our four year full-time integrated Master of Chiropractic degree is designed to equip you with advanced knowledge of the human structure and its relationship to general health. There is continuous development in clinical expertise throughout the programme based upon the biopsychosocial model and evidence-based medicine, which culminates in student clinicians providing chiropractic care, under supervision in the university on-campus outpatient clinic during their final year.

Why should I become a chiropractor?
Our chiropractic course boasts a very high employment uptake in the profession. Chiropractic is a growing profession in the UK and Europe that offers substantial opportunities. There are also career opportunities in education, or you could specialise in academia, sports medicine, rehabilitation, neurology or research.

Why isn’t there a BSc?
Chiropractic is a regulated primary health care profession within the UK and as such has high academic and clinical standards needed for pre-registration education and training which are set by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The integrated undergraduate Master's programme offered by the University of South Wales meets these requirements for graduates to apply for UK registration after graduation as well as the standards set by European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). 

This means that students graduating with this award also have the ability to work in European states and are eligible to sit entry examinations in most accredited areas worldwide. We advise all applicants to check in advance the legal status of any countries or states that may be of interest to them.

What facilities do you have for chiropractic students?
The University’s very own clinic The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIoC) provides clinical training for final year student clinicians to meet the degree requirements. The WIoC contains 20 treatment rooms, a digital X-ray suite, mobile MRI facilities and a functional rehabilitation suite to provide a stimulating learning environment for our students. At the University we have a number of first-class learning facilities on-site, including clinical simulation, diagnostic ultrasound suite and DEXA scanner. The clinic is fully computerised and uses the latest equipment to provide chiropractic treatment. The student seminar and bespoke workroom has been developed to support fourth-year clinical training and professional development.

How much does the chiropractic course cost?
Course fee information is available on the course page. In addition, students should budget for approximately £300 a year additional costs including books and in the final year your clinic jackets (£30).