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24 Nov 2005 14:05:26
The first group of graduands from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) were awarded their degrees from the University of Luton last week, by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.
This was the first graduation since the exclusive partnership was formed between the University of Luton and the BSO.
The partnership means that BSO students fall under the remit of the University of Luton and pay standard fees rather than private costs - a saving of several thousands of pounds every year.
This encourages more students from less-well-off backgrounds to study osteopathy at the country’s leading educational institution for the subject.
HRH The Princess Royal, patron of the BSO, said in her awards speech: "I'm very pleased about our partnership with the University of Luton, which has an international reputation for quality. The reputation and understanding of osteopathy will come via those who pass through the school. Osteopathy is a very important part of healthcare in this country.
"This has been an extraordinary period for the school. All staff have made its success possible and I would also like to congratulate all the graduands here today."
She added that she would be interested in seeing how public funding would widen participation and encourage even more students from a range of backgrounds to enter the profession.
She also hoped the BSO would have a role to play in the new Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Postgraduate Medical School, launched in partnership between the Universities of Luton, Hertfordshire and Cranfield, as well as the NHS in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
The University of Luton’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, said the University was already talking to the BSO about the role it may be able to play in the Postgraduate Medical School. When the School was opened by the Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson, he showed particular interest in the plans to provide a multi-professional learning environment and welcomed the emphasis on health and well being.
The BSO graduation ceremony was held at the Mermaid Conference and Events Centre in London. The day provided a chance for friends and family to see more than 100 graduates receive their Bachelor of Osteopathy degrees (BOst) from HRH The Princess Royal.
Professor Les Ebdon told the assembled guests: “You can be proud of your achievements on one of the most demanding programmes in higher education.
“These are exciting days for osteopathy, with an increasing appreciation of the contribution it can make to the relief of pain and of wellbeing in our society. There is much talk in the NHS these days about being patient-led. This clearly provides opportunities for the graduands here today as they embark on their professional careers.
“The British School of Osteopathy is internationally recognised as the leading provider of education and training in osteopathy. That is why we were so excited when the BSO approached us to validate its degree programme.”
The formal ceremony was followed by a reception for The Princess Royal.
To find out more about studying osteopathy via the University of Luton, call 0207 407 0222 or visit www.bso.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2005» Nov» Princess Royal Presents Degrees to First Osteopathy Graduates
