AECC University College is a specialist university that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in a range of health sciences disciplines including
chiropractic
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine. It has esoteric origins and is based on several pseudosci ...
, diagnostic and therapeutic
radiography
Radiography is an imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include medical radiography ("diagnostic" and "therapeut ...
,
physiotherapy
Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient ...
, sports rehabilitation, sport and exercise psychology, clinical exercise and rehabilitation, and sport and exercise science. As a specialist provider, this range of courses sits alongside highly specialist teaching and clinical facilities based onsite, including a large clinic, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, and rehabilitation gym. The University College operates a large community-based clinic that provides subsidized treatments, supports student placements, and is a base for research and development activities. Its MRI scanner is an open upright scanner that provides scanning to patients referred by the NHS and local practitioners who are unable to tolerate standard MRI scanners.
The University College, formerly known as the ''Anglo-European College of Chiropractic'', was the first chiropractic college in Europe. It was founded in 1965. The continued investment in their own campus facilities has contributed to the awarding of university college status.
AECC University College was granted taught degree-awarding powers in May 2016 and from September 2017 following a re-brand all new students entering the institution have been enrolled on courses validated by the University College.
At AECC University College, the emphasis was on the teaching of chiropractic. Alongside the
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales ( cy, Prifysgol De Cymru) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd. It was formed on 11 April 2013 from the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wal ...
and the
MC Timoney College of Chiropractic, the former Anglo-European College of Chiropractic is one of only three institutions in the United Kingdom to offer chiropractic degrees recognised by the
General Chiropractic Council
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is an independent statutory body established by Parliament to regulate the chiropractic profession in the United Kingdom. It protects the health and safety of the public by ensuring high standards of practic ...
.
History
The University College, which is located in Bournemouth on the south coast of England, was founded in 1965 and was the first chiropractic school in Europe to be recognize by the
British Chiropractic Association
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) was founded in 1925 and represents over 50% of UK chiropractors. It is the largest and longest established association for chiropractors in the United Kingdom. The BCA have implemented campaigns regardi ...
(BCA). Fourteen students enrolled in the first class at AECC in the autumn of 1965, but only one went on to graduate in 1969. However, by the mid-1970s, student numbers had grown so rapidly that the original building and teaching clinic were no longer sufficient. In the early 1980s, the chiropractic community rallied in support of AECC's purchase of the Boscombe Convent. The official opening of the AECC at its present location took place on 21 May 1982.
In 1988 the
Council for National Academic Awards
The Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) was the national degree-awarding authority in the United Kingdom from 1965 until its dissolution on 20 April 1993.
Background
The establishment followed the recommendation of the UK government Com ...
validated the AECC - now the first school in the field of complementary/alternative medicine in the UK to offer a validated degree.
In 2009 the college opened a 1500m² teaching clinic with 34 treatment rooms, a functional exercise and rehabilitation centre, diagnostic ultrasound, x-ray and fluoroscopy. The clinic is one of the largest in Europe, treating 50,000 patient contacts annually.
In 2011 110 students graduated from the Master in Chiropractic course and the college opened its first satellite clinic in Southampton.
In 2012 the AECC launched a new five year BSc-MSc Chiropractic course – the first of its kind providing three years BSc Human Sciences and two years MSc Chiropractic in a clinical setting.
In 2015 the AECC launched the Open Upright MRI scanner, one of only four in the United Kingdom. This allows patients to be scanned in different positions, such as flexion, extension, sitting or lying down, and is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
In 2016 the AECC were granted their own Taught Degree-Awarding Powers
In 2017 the AECC became AECC University College, new logo and new name
Pre-University courses
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Sciences)
AECC University College offers a Gateway to Higher Education Diploma which is for those seeking access to health related higher education courses (degrees) such as chiropractic, exercise science, community health and rehabilitation, physiotherapy, osteopathy or health sciences. This course is part-time (Friday to Sunday) and covers the range of skills required to progress to further study once completed.
Current undergraduate courses
Master of Chiropractic - MChiro (Hons)
AECC University College offers a 4 - 5 year chiropractic course in a clinical setting.
To qualify as a chiropractor, new students are required to complete successfully the full-time Masters of Chiropractic (Hons) degree.
BSc (Hons) Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
The AECC University College offer (subject to validation) the BSc (Hons) Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Science degree course. New students are required to successfully complete the 3 year full-time degree.
Current postgraduate courses
MSc Medical Ultrasound
The AECC University College offer a part-time 4 year MSc in Medical Ultrasound in a clinical setting.
MSc advanced professional practice (MSc APP)
The AECC University College offer a part-time MSc Advanced Professional Practice, with four separate pathways: Clinical Sciences, Paediatric Musculoskeletal Health, Functional Musculoskeletal Health, Musculoskeletal Neuroscience.
PgCert Professional Development Chiropractic
The AECC University College offer a 1-year Pg Cert for those starting out in their chiropractic career.
Continuing professional development courses
The AECC University College offers a range of continuing professional development courses (CPD Seminars) including short courses and MSc programmes. The courses are offered to many different healthcare professionals including chiropractors, nurses, medical practitioners, osteopaths, physiotherapists, radiographers and exercise scientists.
Short courses in ultrasound
The AECC University College offers a range of short ultrasound courses for healthcare professionals, including: nurses, midwives, chiropractors, physiotherapists, sonographers, radiographers, rheumatologists, sport physicians, GPs, osteopaths, podiatrists, podiatric surgeons, urologists.
Facilities
AECC Clinic
![AECC_Clinic_Building](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/AECC_Clinic_Building.jpg)
Housed within AECC University College campus, the AECC University College Chiropractic clinic is one of the largest in Europe and houses 32 treatment rooms and fully equipped Exercise and Sport Performance Centres. The clinic is run by AECC faculty alongside final year students known as 'interns'. The clinic treats over 50,000 patient contacts a year.
Exercise and Sport Performance Centre
![AECC Exercise Centre](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/AECC_Exercise_Centre.jpg)
The Exercise Centre houses a range of strengthening and assessment tools. The room houses the following functional assessment equipment:
* Primus – isometric, isotonic and isokinetic assessment and training tool. It can target individual muscle groups or complete functional and sporting movements.
* MCU (multi-cervical unit) – used for neck isometric strength and range of motion testing, as well as for strengthening.
* Quintic – Biomechanical video analysis software. This has a high speed camera that can be slowed down and watched through a laptop and analysed using Quintic. This machine also has EMG (electromyography), which detects electrical activity in muscles so can be used to analyse muscle recruits and activation levels.
AECC University College hosted the Icelandic Olympic track and field team prior to their participation in the London 2012 Games.
The sport performance centre works with various sporting teams including Southampton FC, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth Rugby Football Club and The Seagulls.
School of Medical Ultrasound - Assessment and Research Centre for Ultrasound Studies
Student Union Facilities - Toggler's Arms and the Spine & Dine Refectory
Gymnasium
AECC University College gym has cardio facilities housing spinning bikes, rowing machines and a cross trainer. It also has a well-equipped weights area and climbing wall. The gym is housed within a sports hall which is used for various activities including: netball, hockey, basketball, badminton, handball and football. It also holds various exercise classes through the week.
Library
The AECC University College library houses a collection of printed books and journals. The library also provides online access to a large number of electronic resources, including databases, e-journals and e-books. Wi-Fi is available on campus, as well as space to work independently or in groups. Laptops are also available for loan from the library. All students use learning portal Model, where teaching and learning resources are uploaded by faculty members. Students undertaking distance learning can submit work using this method.
Bournemouth Open Upright MRI
The AECC University College is home to an open upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, which is housed in an extension to the current chiropractic clinic building. The scanner is one of only four open and upright scanners in the UK, and the only in existence in the South West.
References
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Chiropractic schools in the United Kingdom
Education in Bournemouth
Buildings and structures in Bournemouth
Educational institutions established in 1965
1965 establishments in England