Turn your passion for health into an exciting career

Train as a chiropractor and join a community of 3,000+ healthcare professionals, with endless opportunities to learn, grow and make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Your pathway to becoming a chiropractor

Education and Training

If you're passionate about health, science and helping people, becoming a chiropractor could be a great fit. In the UK, chiropractors study to master’s degree level, with specialist chiropractic degrees available at several universities.

A Master of Chiropractic (MChiro (Hons)) degree typically takes four to five years of full-time study. Entry requirements vary between universities, so it's worth checking individual course pages for the latest details (see below).

What You'll Learn

Chiropractic students develop a strong understanding of how the human body works, studying subjects such as:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Biochemistry and pathology
  • Biomechanics and movement
  • Neurology and orthopaedics
  • Radiology and diagnosis

You'll also gain plenty of hands-on practical experience, learning essential examination and treatment skills from the start of your studies.

Real-World Experience

As you progress through your degree, you'll put your knowledge into practice. In the final years of training, students work with real patients under professional supervision, building the confidence and skills needed for life in practice.

Accredited and Recognised

The courses listed below are accredited by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the UK's chiropractic regulator, and the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE), ensuring that graduates meet the high standards required to practise as chiropractors.

Where to study

Health Sciences University

 

Bournemouth Campus: Parkwood Road, Bournemouth BH5 2DF; London Campus: 275 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JE
 Bournemouth Campus: +44 (0) 1202 436200;  London Campus: +44 (0)20 7407 0222

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Welsh Institute of Chiropractic

 

The University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1GY

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London South Bank University

 

103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA

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McTimoney College of Chiropractic

 

1 Kimber Road, Abingdon, OX14 1BX

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Coventry University

 

Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB

View course

Scroll down to read some common FAQs about becoming a chiropractor. 

FAQs

  • What do I need to do to start practising as a chiropractor?

    All chiropractors must be educated to Masters’ Degree level through one of the accredited programmes outlined above.

    To become a practising chiropractor you need to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and to have an indemnity insurance cover - matters that you start thinking about in your final year of study.

  • Are chiropractors trusted members of the healthcare community in the UK?

    Chiropractic is one of 32 healthcare professions regulated by law in the UK, alongside other occupations such as dentistry, physiotherapy and medicine. Regulation provides consistency of care and protection for the patient. 

    As a result, to practise in the UK, chiropractors are required to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) (the UK regulator) and adhere to strict Codes of Practice. As primary healthcare professionals, chiropractors can see patients without a referral from another healthcare professional which means that they must also be able to assess patients for their overall health, including physical, emotional and social wellbeing, and make referrals to other health professionals when necessary. 
     

  • Where can I practise chiropractic?

    Most chiropractors work in small private practices in a wide variety of settings. High street or other town centre locations are popular but you can also rent rooms in a GP surgery or other clinic premises.

    You can even practise from home if you have space. Chiropractors either work alone with a receptionist or often with other chiropractors. Some work in larger multi-disciplinary practices with physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists or other health practitioners.

  • What can I expect to earn as a chiropractor?

    The salary of a new graduate is 50% higher than the average. Starting salaries are about £30,000 although this can vary. After a few years of experience this will rise as you get busier. A business-minded chiropractor with a large practice employing others can expect to earn up to £80–100,000 after several years.