University profile

Health Sciences University (formerly AECC University College)

Edition
2024/25 edition

About Health Sciences University (formerly AECC University College)

We are Health Sciences University, or HSU for short.

Combining the expertise of AECC University College (AECC UC), with a history of nearly 60 years, and the University College of Osteopathy (UCO), established over 100 years ago, we’re building on these legacies to shape the future of health sciences education across our two vibrant campuses in Bournemouth and London.

Our mission is clear: to equip the next generation of health professionals with cutting-edge knowledge, clinical skills, and the compassion needed for effective care. We’re here to create a healthier society through impactful education, research, and clinical services.

HSU is uniquely positioned as the only UK university with “health sciences” in its name, drawing on the strengths of AECC UC and UCO to advance healthcare education, clinical practice, and research.

Creating a Healthier Society

Now more than ever, a specialist university like ours is essential to train future health and care professionals. Through our community clinics and partnerships, we support public health, alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, and address evolving healthcare needs.

Leading Specialist Health Sciences University

Our name reflects our ambition: to be the leading specialist health sciences university in the UK. We deliver a wide range of health-focused disciplines—from allied health to social sciences—each contributing to a healthier society.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, we aim to prepare future health professionals, enhance the current workforce, and advance research to improve public health.

We offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeships, and short courses across our three Academic Schools:

AECC School of Chiropractic
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
UCO School of Osteopathy
and The Centre for Workforce and Systems Innovation

Undergraduate Courses

Kick start your career in helping people with a health science focused undergraduate degree at Health Sciences University (formerly AECC University College).

Undergraduate courses with a Foundation Year

Our range of undergraduate courses with a Foundation Year offer you a direct route into our undergraduate health sciences degrees. This can be helpful if you don’t have quite the right entry requirements for immediate entry, or if you’re making a career change.

Postgraduate Courses

Go further with postgraduate courses at the Health Sciences University (formerly AECC University College).

Short Courses and CPD

We offer a range of continuing professional development (CPD) courses and short courses across the year for all those who wish to continue their professional development and increase their skills. Our seminars and masterclasses, offered online and in person, will bring you together with expert speakers, academic teams, and healthcare professionals to enhance your professional development and increase your skills.

Study and Student Life

Student Services

Our Student Services Team will support you whether it’s academic or personal. You’ll receive guidance and information to help you make the most of your time with us, whether that’s with study skills, managing your finances, or career advice. All the services that we offer are part of your journey through your life at our university.

Learning Services

Both online and in the library, you’ll find a wealth of resources including databases, e-journals and e-books, as well as access to Anatomy TV. Our friendly Learning Services Teams will support your digital literacy and research skills, delivering teaching and training courses in a range of IT and research skills. We have tailored and developed our specialist libraries to enhance your learning and research experience.

Accommodation Services

Our Student Services team are here to help you find the right accommodation during your studies. We have a range of residences to suit individual preferences and budgets. Whether you are looking for dedicated student halls (such as Lulworth House in Bournemouth), private rentals or a house share with other HSU students, we can help you with your search. We will support you during your time with us regardless of which accommodation option you choose.

Study Skills

As well as contact time with academics across our courses, we have Study Skills tutors who can help you develop your academic skills for studying at a higher level. Our tutors offer advice and guidance with planning and structuring your written work, preparing for presentations, and organising your time. We also have a Disability Advisor who can support you with plans during your studies to work out what is needed to make the most out of your time at university.

International Students

We welcome students from all over the world in a safe and supportive environment. Our Student Services team is dedicated to advising and supporting non-UK students, as well as providing language support, guidance on preparing to study abroad, and support with settling in at university. If English is not your first language, we have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) tutor who can help you to improve your English.

Counselling and Wellbeing

In line with the University Mental Health Charter Programme, we adopt a whole-university approach, which means that everyone is working together to support each other. Our Wellbeing Advisers offer confidential support and practical guidance to help you improve your wellbeing, resulting in a more productive and enjoyable time at university. Our professional counselling service is dedicated to helping you find new perspectives to build emotional resilience, giving you the chance to talk to someone who will not judge or criticise you, in a supportive and confidential setting.

Located in Bournemouth and London

Our Bournemouth Campus is located in Dorset, in between the neighbouring towns of Boscombe, Pokesdown and Southbourne, only a 10-minute walk to Bournemouth’s award-winning Blue Flag beach, with spectacular vistas of the Jurassic coast.

Our London Campus is situated in the vibrant Borough High Street area of Southwark, which offers an inspiring setting for learning. London’s reputation as a hub for health science and sport ensures unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Join us for an Open Day or Campus Tour

Our open events are a great way to find out more about studying at Health Sciences University.

Visit an event between either our Bournemouth or London campus and you'll have the opportunity to meet with academics, find out more about the courses we have to offer and ask any questions you may have.

At our Open Days, as well as course staff and student ambassadors, you’ll also hear from our support staff, who can talk you through key aspects of applying to study with us – such as the admissions process, student finance and Student Services support.

Book an Open Day or Campus Tour

Contact details

Health Sciences University
Bournemouth Campus
Parkwood Road
Bournemouth BH5 2DF
Tel : +44 (0) 1202 436 200

Health Sciences University
London Campus
275 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JE
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7407 0222

Connect with us

Contact details