Search CONTACT US STUDY PATIENTS RESEARCH ABOUT Our history Since we opened our doors to students in 1965, we have been; providing the world with professionals who are enthusiastic, equipped and ready to make a difference. ABOUT Helping you to help others For over 50 years we have been leaders in musculoskeletal health and wellbeing and our expertise spans areas in chiropractic, physiotherapy; psychology; sports, exercise and health science; radiology and imaging sciences. As the first chiropractic college in Europe our success is built on a commitment to excellence. Becoming a University College and gaining Taught Degree Awarding Powers is a credit to our continuous drive in innovation and growth. It is our proud, pioneering spirit and a history in healthcare, education, training and delivery that allows us to continue to challenge and shape the future of health sciences today. Take a look at our history timeline below. Error loading Partial View script (file: ~/Views/MacroPartials/TiledOverlappingImage2Column.cshtml) 1988 - 1992 First of its kind In 1988 the Council for National Academic Awards agreed to validate a Bachelor of Science degree. We became the first school in the field of complementary and alternative healthcare to offer such a validated degree course. In 1990, our twenty-fifth anniversary year HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, became our Patron and in 1992 we became the first school to be accredited by the newly formed European Council on Chiropractic Education. 1992 - 1997 Masters degrees The Council for National Academic Awards was decommissioned in 1992 as part of reforms to the university sector and we were obliged to find a new validating authority for its degree. Following the Chiropractors Act of 1994, in response to perceived need for formal postgraduate education, we introduced a postgraduate MSc Clinical Chiropractic. In 1997 the undergraduate course was upgraded from Bachelors to Masters level - both were validated by the University of Portsmouth. 1998 - 2000 Statutory regulation The Chiropractors Act called for the formation of a General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to regulate chiropractic in Britain, including the education of chiropractors. That body came into existence in 1998. During 2000, the GCC examined the courses offered by six schools providing undergraduate training for chiropractors in Britain, with the aim of ensuring high standards of education. Of the six schools, we are one of just three which continue to offer courses accredited by the GCC. 2005 - 2008 Developments in education In 2005 we entered into an agreement with Bournemouth University (BU) to validate our degrees which allowed for public funding of undergraduate chiropractic education. In the twenty-first century an increasing variety of postgraduate courses to support the continuing professional development of chiropractors have professional doctorates. A broadening educational focus saw the introduction of new healthcare subjects other than chiropractic. MSc Advanced Professional Practice courses were first BU validated in 2006. Prior to this they were validated by University of Portsmouth. With the growing realisation that the next generation could be the first to live shorter lives than the one before due to inactivity; the government launched an initiative to promote a healthy population. We launched the BSc Clinical Exercise Science course, delivered in conjunction with Bournemouth University, in response to this in 2007. The course offered students the chance to gain clinical competence in the fitness industry and knowledge of contemporary research relating to exercise. MSc Medical Ultrasound was BU validated in 2008 and Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education accredited from 2009 onwards. 2009 - 2012 Advance in research Research aims to contribute new knowledge to experimental, clinical and educational fields, especially in relation to the understanding of musculoskeletal health. Our research activity has focused on areas such as diagnostic imaging, patient-reported outcome measures, the assessment of movement and function, and clinical education. In 2012, the introduction of the Access to Higher Education Diploma enabled us to offer both prospective students without the necessary grades to go straight to university and people looking to retrain the opportunity to move in to healthcare or further study. 2015 - 2016 Enhancements to clinical care We opened a new purpose-built teaching clinic in 2009, offering a range of facilities to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients with musculoskeletal conditions. As well as thirty-two treatment rooms, an exercise centre and x-ray suite, an open upright MRI scanner was added to the clinic complex. The availability of digital x-ray, video fluoroscopy, diagnostic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging provides an outstanding collection of imaging modalities. More than 50,000 treatments are currently provided at AECC University College's Chiropractic Clinic each year. 2017 We built a University College! As a result of the institution’s hard work, the former College gained Taught Degree Awarding Powers, and in turn University College status. These achievements indicate a mature institution, and one that no longer requires another higher education institution to validate the courses it offers. The rapid progress of the newly named institution provided an opportunity to be clear about what sets the AECC University College apart, particularly in a very competitive marketplace, and to also emphasise its position within the higher education sector. About Find out more about AECC University College. Discover who we are, what we do and how we work. See the dedicated staff that make our community somewhere to be proud of and check out our 'Join the Team' page for current vacancies. FIND OUT MORE Who we are Our institution is built on a proud, pioneering spirit and a history in healthcare, education, training and delivery. Find out more about our history spanning over 50 years and learn more about our expertise. FIND OUT MORE Contact us Have a question you need answering? Want to find out where we’re located? Need more information? We’re happy to help by phone, email or post. FIND OUT MORE News NOV. 03 Introducing Dr Neil Langridge READ MORE OCT. 28 Kim Honor - Staff Profile READ MORE We use cookies to track usage and preferences. 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