Health Sciences University

Undergraduate entry

Applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS. For 2026 entry, applications for most undergraduate courses had to reach UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 14 January 2026, the equal-consideration date; UCAS Extra opened on 26 February 2026, applications received after 6pm on 30 June 2026 went into Clearing, and Clearing opened on 2 July 2026. Applications are normally reviewed within one week, and applicants who meet the minimum requirements are invited to an applicant day, which may include an interview. Deferred applications are accepted, and HSU operates a contextual admissions scheme.

Entry requirements vary by course. For example, the Master of Chiropractic (MChiro, UCAS code B320) normally requires 112 UCAS tariff points from A levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, including at least one science subject (which may include PE). Accepted qualifications include A levels, BTEC National Diplomas and Extended Diplomas, T Levels, Access to HE Diplomas in science or health, the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. MChiro applicants also go through a selection interview, an Enhanced DBS check (or equivalent police clearance) and occupational health screening.

All clinical students must complete a health clearance check with the Dorset Occupational Health Department before starting. Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning or relevant professional experience.

International undergraduate entry

Course-specific international entry requirements are set for the MChiro, Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology, Radiography and Health Business School courses.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: undergraduate 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component; postgraduate 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component) or 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component), depending on the course, with most MSc courses requiring 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each section for new international students. MPhil/PhD applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component, or a degree taught and assessed in English. Student visa applicants must show English at CEFR B2 or above; IELTS Academic, Pearson PTE Academic and other qualifications meeting B2 are accepted, and results must be valid at the time of CAS issue and normally no more than two years old. GCSE English or English Language at grade C/4 or above is accepted, as are listed national qualifications such as the US High School Diploma (grade C or above) and the European Baccalaureate (English 6 or above as a first language, 7 or above as a second language).

Postgraduate taught entry

Postgraduate applications are made directly through the 'Apply now' link on each course page, which leads to the HSU application portal. An application can only be submitted when every section, including the referee's reference, is complete. An initial assessment is normally made within two working weeks. Recognition of Prior Learning can be requested for similar study completed elsewhere.

Research degrees

MPhil/PhD applicants need a first or upper second class honours degree, a master's degree, or equivalent qualifications, publications or professional experience. Students register first for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD; standard durations are 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time for the PhD. There is one entry point each October. Applicants submit transcripts, passport ID, two references, a CV, a personal statement of up to 1,000 words and a research proposal of about 2,000–4,000 words, and should contact potential supervisors before applying. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed.

Visas and CAS

All non-British and non-Irish nationals need permission to study in the UK. HSU issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once the offer conditions have been met and the offer accepted; a CAS is issued at the earliest six months before the course starts. For most courses open to international applicants, a deposit must be paid no later than six weeks before the course start date: 100% of the tuition fee for courses of one year or less, and £2,000 for longer courses.

• Bournemouth Campus, Parkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 2DF: home of the AECC School of Chiropractic and the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, split into two sites across the road from each other.
  • Parkwood Campus: main building with a library with historic stained-glass windows, learning hub, Digital Learning Lab, lecture theatres, seminar and technique practice rooms; the 34-room Chiropractic Clinic; the student gym, café, student bar and lounges.
  • Garnet Campus: facilities for rehabilitation, sport and exercise, health science and psychology students, and the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre (opened October 2022) with nine consultation rooms, a multi-zoned physical rehabilitation area, Rehabilitation Hub, Clinical Skills Suite and Human Performance Laboratory.
  • Cavendish House: radiography and medical ultrasound teaching, with ultrasound suites, a mock ward and a digital X-ray clinic. Imaging facilities across the campus include an Open Upright MRI scanner, X-ray suite, CT scanner, Ultrasound Clinic and VERT radiotherapy training.
• London Campus, Avon House, 275 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JE: home of the UCO School of Osteopathy and the Health Business School; library, lecture theatres, practical training rooms, Student Services and the Students' Union bar. The UCO Clinic on nearby Southwark Bridge Road has 35 treatment rooms and is the largest osteopathy clinic in Europe.
• Reading Campus, 19 Castle Street, Reading RG1 7SB: delivery site for the BSc (Hons) Acupuncture.
• Accommodation: in Bournemouth, partner halls of residence managed by Lulworth Student Company in its Union House building in the town centre, alongside private lettings supported by Student Services; London students are supported by Student Services to find accommodation in the city.