Osteopathy is a health profession according to Law 71/2013 of 2 September, which regulates Law 45/2003 of 22 August (Basic Framework Law for Non-Conventional Therapies). It is a complementary healthcare system that uses manual contact for diagnosis and therapy. It respects the relationship between body, mind and spirit in health and illness, based on the structural and functional integrity of the organism and its tendency towards self-healing (WHO - World Health Organisation, 2010). Osteopathy is a science, a philosophy and an art: - It is based on profound biomedical knowledge; - It is based on the concepts of the unity of the body and self-regulation in the maintenance of health; - It intervenes through manual procedures capable of restoring balance to the organic whole. Although Osteopathy is fundamentally concerned with problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, it emphasises the human being as a whole, restoring the disturbed balance through manual techniques aimed at the affected tissues. Osteopathic intervention carries out a functional diagnosis based on which manual therapy is used to relieve, correct and recover musculoskeletal and organic dysfunctions in general, ensuring the recovery and preservation of health and the prevention of disease.

Students who apply through the institutional entrance exam and pass the following set of entrance exams can apply to the degree programme in Osteopathy: 02 Biology and Geology 07 Physics and Chemistry Candidates for the Osteopathy degree can also enter through the change of institution/course pairing schemes, or through a Special Competition, in accordance with the legal rules in force (higher education course holders, CET holders, CTeSP holders, Over 23s). Candidates who fulfil the conditions laid down in the International Student Statute may also enter.

- Demonstrate critical knowledge of the theory, practice and principles of osteopathy, as well as the biomedical and basic sciences for the selection and application of the techniques defined in the leges artis of osteopathy; - Identify the indications and contraindications of osteopathic treatment; - Evaluating clinical cases, adapting and applying treatments that are useful and necessary for maintaining or recovering the patient's health; - Providing osteopathic care under ethical and deontological conduct; - Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in health promotion and disease prevention, by counselling on correct postures, physical exercise and eating habits; - Refer the patient, whenever necessary, to the health professional best qualified to treat the situation; - Establishing a relationship of trust with the patient and communicating in order to maintain a therapeutic relationship; - Developing research activities in the field of osteopathy and presenting them.

The aim of the Osteopathy degree course is to train professionals with the competences defined in Article 4 of Ministerial Order 207B/2014. The aim is for graduates of the Osteopathy programme to be able to: - Establish the differential diagnosis, treat and prevent neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders and other alterations; - Properly interpret complementary neuro-musculoskeletal diagnostic tests and apply the appropriate osteopathic manual techniques to each clinical case; - Promote osteopathic principles and concepts from biomedical and basic sciences, including scientific evidence in clinical practice in an informed and justified way in osteopathic treatment; - Communicate and interact effectively when managing relationships with patients and other healthcare professionals Analyse the indications and contraindications for osteopathic treatment.

- Masters; - Doctorate.