Undergraduate Programme
One of the foundations of our success has been the excellence of our undergraduate education programme, and this remains at the heart of what we do at AECC. We continue to draw experienced and expert faculty staff from across the world. Their skills and professionalism enable us to continue this proud tradition.
The programme leads to the award of Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) which is an internationally recognised qualification that allows our graduates to work in many countries around the world. (A further one year's supervised clinical practice under the auspices of your home country's chiropractic association may also be required.)
Undergraduate Programme Structure and Content
The core aim of the chiropractic degree course is to produce safe and competent chiropractors. This involves having a sound knowledge and understanding of human structure and function in both health and disease. It also involves students applying high levels of diagnostic and therapeutic skills together with the development of attitudes necessary for critical, reflective practice and life-long learning. The structure of the programme ensures that skills are built upon and applied in increasingly more complex and realistic situations. Equal emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinning of these skills, drawing on knowledge and understanding from anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics and other informing disciplines.
In the early years, learning activities are highly structured but, as the programme progresses, reliance on formal teaching diminishes. During years 2 and 3, students are required to undertake an in-depth research project. This project is required to be completed at honours level, demonstrating a self-directed approach to data collection and the critical evaluation of concepts and arguments.
In the final year, students treat and manage patients in an outpatient clinic setting under the guidance and supervision of experienced chiropractors and other health care professionals. This extended clinical "classroom" provides the ideal environment in which to foster a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical clinical competencies.
To view a more in-depth outline of the MChiro syllabuses for each academic year, please click here.
Please note that the college is currently reviewing and updating the chiropractic programme. The new programme is expected to be in place for 2011/12 academic year.
Course Delivery
Delivery of the programme is undertaken through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, science laboratories and clinical practical laboratories. The curriculum is designed so that, in the early years, there is more emphasis on whole class teaching and structured learning for students. The emphasis shifts to more interactive delivery modes in the later years.
The course is delivered over 36 weeks each year, and divided into three 12-week terms. To see our term dates, please click here.
Course Assessment
Assessment is considered an integral part of the learning process and, as a result, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills are assessed on a continual basis throughout the programme by a mix of termly assessments and end-of-year integrated examinations. Wide ranges of assessment methods are employed to encourage students to adopt deep learning approaches. Assessment is used to ascertain levels of learning achieved by students so as to allow progression, monitor progress, provide feedback and assist each student to meet the standard required.
Graduation
Once students have successfully completed their degree programme, they graduate from the AECC with the Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) qualification. A formal graduation ceremony is held in November each year. At the ceremony graduates will receive their parchment, the AECC Associateship Certificate and the Radiography Certificate.
For more information on this year’s Graduation Ceremony, please visit our Graduation page.
Accreditation
Degrees earned at AECC are validated by Bournemouth University. The MChiro is also accredited by two Professional regulatory bodies, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE).
To find out more about how the course is validated and working abroad after graduation, please click here.
Reputation & Employability
The AECC has worked hard to develop a strong reputation across the world. 100% of our graduates find employment within 6 months of completing our course* and we believe this proves we educate well-rounded and informed chiropractors.
Please click here for more information on the reputation the AECC has worked so hard to develop.
*Source Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2008
Admissions and Applying
If you’re interested in studying to qualify as a chiropractor at the AECC, please click here for more information on the admissions procedures, including details of academic entry requirements, fees and financial assistance, UCAS and student accommodation.
For further information on the course please complete and submit the Request a Prospectus Form.
MChiro Syllabus Term Dates Graduation Accreditation
Reputation & Employability Admissions