Overview

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

This course will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours which will enable you to deliver high levels of patient care in a safe and competent manor.

Successful completion of this foundation year (year 0) will allow you to move forward into Year One of the MSci (Hons) Chiropractic Course.

Professional accreditation

This course has General Chiropractic Council approval. Once you have graduated you will be eligible for registration with the GCC.

Course structure

Year 0 (foundation year) core modules

This module is delivered over two semesters, as part of the School of Health & Social Care's Foundation Year. You have the opportunity to develop the study and language skills essential for studying at undergraduate level.

We use a number of learning and teaching methods to help your learning including lectures, seminars, guided reading, writing and speaking tasks, tutor-led explication and discussion, and individual tutorials. Our learning and teaching strategy uses a combination of face-to-face teaching and online delivery. Your language development is supported by using the Learning Hub and English language café. We also use tutorials to direct your independent study to further develop your language skills.

An Introduction to Anatomy Pathophysiology

This core module gives you the opportunity to develop a basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as part of your foundation year. It focuses on the concept of homeostasis – how all systems work in harmony. The content is delivered using a systems approach across a range of body systems.

Getting Started With Maths

This module concentrates on the basic skills necessary to demonstrate a competence in basic numeracy or mathematics to enter, or progress in, your chosen profession. It covers basic arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion) both with and without the use of a calculator. Charts are introduced to display statistical data and assist with basic statistical calculations. The module also introduces the notation and techniques of elementary algebra.

Introduction To Contemporary Issues In Health and Social Care

This module introduces you to contemporary health and social care issues, and you consider how developments in technology impact on the service user. It helps you develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the relevant issues that impact on health and healthcare delivery. You examine the economic, political and cultural themes that affect the provision of health and social care, which have led to specific models of health and social care delivery.

Introduction to Professional Practise 

This module enables you to develop your knowledge of professional, legal, ethical and political issues that influence or impact on health professionals. It creates a foundation for you to continue your exploration of these areas. You critically reflect on both current and contemporary issues, and explore the implications for personal and professional practice.

Personal Development Planning

Year 1 core modules

You gain a foundation of functional anatomical knowledge and biomechanical principles, which underpin normal movement and the neuromusculoskeletal components of clinical chiropractic practice.

Structural anatomy of the musculoskeletal system will be introduced and related to common movement tasks and movement patterns. Clinical biomechanical principles including tissue biomechanics of ligaments tendon and fascia; arthrokinematics (joint motion) and muscle function will be presented and their impact on normal movement and function explored.

Interactive practical workshops rooted in problem-solving will introduce key themes and develop relevant practical skills. Specific theoretical underpinning will be developed through small group work; peer formative assessment tasks and self-directed study. Theoretical content will be complemented by guided by self-study resource material and use of e-learning resources e.g. Anatomy TV.

Peer and tutor feedback will be given on practical skills application during the taught sessions. Self-directed quizzes, tutor-marked short answer questions and practical skills station tasks will be utilised to help you consolidate your theoretical knowledge.

Clinical Imaging For Chiropractic Practise

You are introduced to the scientific theory underpinning the practice of radiography, including radiation physics, radiation protection and the theoretical aspects of producing and reviewing radiographic images of normal anatomy and the joints and spine. You explore the theoretical aspects of imaging strategies with consideration of ionising and non-ionising radiation modalities, equipment and the physical and radiation safety of all individuals in the environment, introducing the risk-benefit philosophy and principles involved in the practice of radiography.

Clinical Neuroanatomy for Chiropractic Practise

You gain a foundation of clinical neuroanatomy knowledge which underpins normal movement and the neuromusculoskeletal components of clinical chiropractic practice. Structural anatomy of the central peripheral and autonomic nervous systems will be introduced and related to normal neuromusculoskeletal function. Interactive practical workshops will be used to introduce key themes and to develop relevant practical skills. Specific theoretical underpinning will be developed through clinical problem-solving, small group work, peer formative processes and self-directed study. Theoretical content will be complemented by guided self-study resource material and use of e-learning resources.

Clinical Physiology For Chiropractic Practise

The basic processes, principles and concepts of human physiology and pathophysiology, organisation of the body and body systems relevant to clinical practice introduced and the principles underpinning maintenance of homeostasis explored. Infection, inflammation and repair processes will also be introduced with reference to clinical therapy practice. Learning activities and small group working will be utilised to encourage, promote and develop independent study skills and collaborative, active learning.

Foundation Skills For Chiropractic Practise 1

You are introduced to core clinical and professional skills which include; effective communication, working with and understanding the role of the chiropractor and other healthcare professionals. You explore professionalism, statutory requirements for practice and transition to higher education. Key information, theoretical concepts and practical skills will be introduced and developed through pre-recorded lecture materials supported by interactive practical workshops. Small group work and directed supplementary reading will be utilised and formative feedback on practical skills will be given. You undertake five practice placement days to enable you observe interaction with patients and healthcare professionals. To prepare to go out in placement you complete mandatory sessions (such as health and safety issues, risk assessment, safeguarding, conflict resolution and information governance).

Foundation Skills For Chiropractic Practise 2

This module builds upon knowledge and skills identified within the Foundation Skills for Chiropractic Practice 1 module and enables you to develop an understanding of your profession-specific role within health care. You further develop knowledge and skills and to the core clinical skills for clinical assessment and principles of basic chiropractic therapeutic interventions.

Clinical case scenarios will be used to contextualise your practical learning and facilitate the integration of theory with practice. Small group work will be utilised and formative feedback on practical skills will be given throughout the module by tutors and peer feedback will be encouraged. You consolidate and reflect upon your learning through a reflective journal. Five practice placement days enable you to gain further observational experience of the assessment and treatment that is offered to patients in healthcare practice.

Career opportunities

This course is designed to prepare you to become a registered chiropractor with the General Chiropractic Council.

Work placement

As well as university based teaching and learning, placements will be used to further expand your knowledge base allowing you to see how the theory is applied directly in practice. This will also serve to strengthen your skills base over the duration of the course.

Placements are an integral part of the course. You will take part in a variety of placements from Year 1. This requires travel to and from different locations within the North East.