FAQ

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a manual form of healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of health issues. It uses hands-on techniques to improve movement, reduce pain, and support the body’s ability to heal.

Both osteopathy and chiropractic care use manual techniques, but osteopaths take a more holistic approach – considering the whole body and its natural functions. Chiropractors tend to focus more on spinal adjustments.

Osteopaths can help with a wide range of complaints such as back and neck pain, joint issues, headaches, sports injuries, digestive problems, and tension-related discomforts.

An osteopath uses various techniques including stretching, gentle pressure, and joint mobilisations. The treatment is tailored to your individual condition and comfort level. The goal is always to reduce pain and restore healthy function.

Yes. Osteopathy is a safe and non-invasive treatment method. All our osteopaths are professionally trained to ensure your comfort and safety during every session.

All of our teachers hold a Master of Science in Osteopathy.

Admissions & Registration

The IAO® welcomes physiotherapists and medical doctors who are looking to deepen their expertise. You do not need a university degree. We’re happy to advise — contact us via info@osteopathy.eu.

You must be a qualified physiotherapist or medical doctor. A university degree is not required. The program is designed to be accessible to all professionals with a background in physical therapy or medicine.

You can currently register for our English-language program in Copenhagen.

Click here to fill out the online application form

Once submitted, your registration will be automatically processed and confirmed via email.

Study Structure & Exams

The Master of Science in Osteopathy takes 4 years to complete. Students follow 9 modules in years 1 and 2, and 11 modules in years 3 and 4. Each module starts on Friday afternoon and ends on Sunday evening.

The program is designed for working professionals. You’ll attend 3-day in-person modules and have access to all study materials via our online platform. There’s no need to prepare in advance via e-learning, but many students review the materials beforehand.

You will take written and practical exams twice a year — in January and June. Exams test both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Tuition & Fees

You pay per module, 30 days before it starts. Tuition is clearly defined and transparent. Fees may be indexed depending on economic factors. A one-time administrative registration fee of €200 is due upon enrolment.

You’ll receive an invoice for each module. Payment is due 30 days before the start of each module.

No. All required materials and online access are included in the tuition fees.

Yes! Starting in year 3, students are also registered at Buckinghamshire New University in addition to IAO®. This is when you formally begin the path toward your Master of Science in Osteopathy. This dual enrollment also means the price per module is slightly higher in years 3 and 4.

Accreditation & Recognition

Yes, osteopathy is a legally recognized healthcare profession in Denmark. Osteopaths who meet the necessary qualifications can register and work professionally, under specific national health regulations.

Graduates of the IAO® receive a UK-accredited degree: the Master of Science in Osteopathy from Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). This internationally recognized academic degree is highly regarded by osteopathic associations and healthcare bodies across Europe and beyond.

Always check the specific legal requirements in your country if you plan to move or work abroad.

Yes. Upon graduation, you’ll hold a recognized Master of Science in Osteopathy from a UK university. In many countries — including Denmark — this qualifies you to register as an osteopath, provided you meet any national health authority requirements.

Degree & Career Opportunities

Graduates of the IAO® receive two qualifications: the Master of Science in Osteopathy awarded by Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), and the DO diploma issued by the IAO. This dual recognition is unique in Europe and opens doors to professional osteopathic practice in many countries.

Most of our students already run a physiotherapy or healthcare practice and integrate osteopathy into their services. If you’re just starting your career, you’ll be well equipped to launch your own osteopathy practice after graduation.

Yes, absolutely. The IAO offers advanced Postacademic Modules (PAMs) for graduates who wish to deepen their expertise in specific areas of osteopathy.

Location & Flexibility

The Master of Science in Osteopathy is currently offered in Copenhagen (Denmark). All in-person modules take place at our campus there.

At this time, the English-taught Master of Science in Osteopathy is only available in Copenhagen. That said, if you miss a module for any reason, we will work with you to reschedule your attendance in a future group. Flexibility is a core value at the IAO®.

Yes! As soon as you’re officially registered, you’ll receive full access to our online student platform. There, you can find all your course materials, schedules, exam results, and more in one convenient place.

Degree & Career Opportunities

After graduating, you’ll receive two diplomas: the Master of Science in Osteopathy awarded by Buckinghamshire New University, and the Diploma in Osteopathy (DO) awarded by the IAO®. This combination is unique in Europe. As an osteopath, you’ll be able to treat patients independently and integrate your osteopathic expertise into your daily clinical practice.

Many of our students already have a physiotherapy or healthcare practice. For those just starting out, the Master of Science in Osteopathy degree provides a strong foundation to open an osteopathic practice or expand an existing one. You’ll graduate with the confidence and competence to treat patients autonomously.

In most European countries, osteopathy is reimbursed under certain conditions. Our diploma meets the requirements of leading professional associations, which is often essential for insurance recognition. We recommend checking with the professional association in your country for specific details.

Yes! We offer Postacademic Modules (PAMs) for graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of osteopathy such as paediatrics, sports, visceral osteopathy and more. These modules are open to IAO® alumni and other qualified osteopaths.

Organisational Information

The curriculum spans 4 years. In years 1 and 2, students complete 9 modules per year. In years 3 and 4, they complete 11 modules per year. Each module runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, making it ideal for professionals who work during the week. Students also benefit from flexibility — if they miss a module in Copenhagen, they can catch up in another city or at a later time.

A typical weekend module starts on Friday afternoon and ends on Sunday evening. Each day includes theoretical and practical instruction, focusing on a specific body region. The setup allows you to apply new knowledge and techniques immediately in your practice after the weekend.

Only officially enrolled students receive access to our secure online student platform. There, they can find all course materials, schedules, results, and important communication.

Contact & Start

Our program starts once a year in the autumn. We recommend registering early, as spots are limited and demand is high.

Absolutely. We’re happy to speak with you in person or over the phone. You can reach us every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 12:30 at +32 9 233 04 03.

Registration is simple. Just fill out the registration form via this link. Once submitted, we’ll process your registration and confirm your enrollment.