BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

The course provides a comprehensive education and training in the principles and practice of herbal medicine, the ‘energetic’ understanding of the cause of illness, the therapeutic actions of medicinal plants as well as the orthodox disciplines of anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition and psychology. It is integrative in approach, linking traditional herbal medicine with modern science and holism. Our teaching methods cover a rich mixture of theoretical study, reflection, the use of intuition and practical experience including professional practice in our on site Complementary Medicine Clinic. Our aim is to ensure that you become a competent and confident practitioner of herbal medicine. 

Level 1 - Introductory modules

Introduction to Herbal Medicine
The History and Philosophy of Herbal Medicine
Anatomy and Physiology.
Health Psychology
Biochemistry for Herbal Medicine
Clinical Practice – Introductory

Level 2 - Practitioner knowledge & skills

Pharmacy & Phytochemistry
Materia Medica
Nutrition as Therapy
Pathophysiology
Research Methods
Clinical Practice – Intermediate

Level 3 - Development of practice

Therapeutic Principles of Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine Clinical Studies
Differential Diagnosis
Independent Study
Clinical Practice – Advanced

Is this the right course for me?

The course attracts students from a wide variety of backgrounds, careers and qualifications and of a diverse age range, from 18 to 60. Our students tend to share a common interest in the values of ‘holism’ in healthcare, a respect for the environment and nature and a motivation to help others. Some students are looking to make a major change in their life and some are those who have witnessed the healing power of herbs personally.

The degree adopts an innovative teaching method: students attend for nine intensive three day weekend sessions per year. Between these sessions, students must participate in ongoing learning and attend seminars every week during semesters which can be attend on campus or via e-learning facilities.

What will I gain from the course?

The course leads to professional qualification as a medical herbalist practitioner. In addition herbal medicine is a fascinating and demanding subject and many of our students find the course life changing in terms of personal growth. The degree can also be used as a higher education qualification in general.

 Accreditation

The course is accredited by the EHTPA (the European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association) and graduates are eligible to become members of NIMH or other professional bodies of medical herbalists.

All applications are given full consideration on a case by case basis, however to maximise your progression on the course we recommend that applicants will have either:

• 180 UCAS points from A Level or BTEC qualifications in a related discipline
• Access to HE qualifications
• Significant work related or industrial experience.

Although this is a science based course, we do not require a science background but you do need to have an ability to understand complex concepts.

You must be enthusiastic, motivated and committed to the subject. You need to have honesty and integrity and an ability to communicate effectively and relate empathetically with others is essential. All applicants are interviewed.

Assessment
A range of assessment methods are used to give students a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and becomes increasingly demanding in its content and complexity as the programme progress. These will include coursework assignments, case studies, presentations (prepared both individually and in groups) examinations and assessed clinical practice .

Career opportunities
Most graduates set up in professional practice as medical herbalists but there are also opportunities in the health and fi tness and manufacturing industries..

Home and EU students - £6,500 per academic year
International Students - £9,000 per academic year

Eligible students studying their first higher education funded course do not have to pay any tuition fees upfront.  Instead, Tuition Fee Loans are available to UK and EU students and are paid directly to the College to cover the cost of fees.  These are repayable after you graduate or leave your course and earn over £21,000 a year.  For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance

For further information on the support available to you, please see Fees and Financial Support

How to Apply

Applications for full time courses need to be made via UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk

Institution code:  L42
Course code: B342