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HE Level 6

Level 6 BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism (Full-Time)

  • Campus

    Lincoln Campus

  • Start Date

    September 2025

  • Duration

    3 Years (Full-time)

The BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism degree programme provides a comprehensive education and training in the principles and practice of clinical herbalism.

This incorporates the ‘energetic’ understanding of the cause of illness and the therapeutic actions of medicinal plants as well as the orthodox disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Nutrition. It is integrative in approach, linking traditional herbal medicine with modern science and holism.

Our teaching methods include 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 our graduates become competent and confident practitioners of clinical herbalism.

The course is delivered by block learning, which means that the attendance requirements for the academic modules are met through eight full three day weekends per year, plus attendance at the Complementary Medicine Clinic for clinical training. It is expected that students complete between 20 and 30 hours of additional independent study per week.

Year One of the course requires 90 hours of clinical training, (achieved during term time, either one day per fortnight or in blocks).

Year Two requires 190 hours and Year Three requires 210 hours (roughly one day per week or the equivalent) of clinical training. There are a variety of ways in which this attendance can be achieved.

The course is accredited by the EHTPA (the European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association) and graduates are eligible to become members of NIMH (the National Institute of Medical Herbalists), CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy) or URHP (Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners).

UCAS Details

UCAS Institution Code: L42       UCAS Course Code: B342

Applications for this course are processed through UCAS. To apply for this course please make a note of the Institution Code and UCAS Course code above and click on the Apply Online at UCAS button above

Typical Modules Include

Year 1

  • Clinical Practice 1

  • Anatomy & Physiology for Herbal Medicine

  • Herbal Medicine 1

  • Pharmacy & Community Practice

  • History, Philosophy & Evidence

Year 2

  • Clinical Practice 2

  • Pathophysiology for Medical Herbalists

  • Herbal Therapeutics 2

  • Nutrition as Therapy

  • Research Skills for Herbalists

Year 3

  • Clinical Practice 3

  • Research Project

  • Herbal Therapeutics 3

  • Clinical Skills for Herbalists

  • Business Skills for Herbalists

View the Module Specifications for this course. 

*Optional modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 72 UCAS Tariff points from:

  • GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level 

  • BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject

  • Access to HE Diploma

  • T Levels

  • Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher

Plus

  • GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above

  • GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above

  • GCSE Science – Grade C/4 or above

*For mature applicants, some experience may be taken in lieu of A Levels/BTECs

EU and International Applicants

  • ENIC confirmed equivalent of 72 UCAS points

  • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Equivalent English language qualifications are acceptable for applicants not requiring a Tier 4 student visa

Other Entry Requirements

  • Applicants will need to undertake a DBS criminal record check to study on this programme. This may be able to be paid for using the Career Degree Bursary. Learn more about the DBS Check

  • Successful interview

Study Details

Students study on the Lincoln College Campus for the full duration of the course, completing professional practice in our on-site Complementary Medicine Clinic.

There may be options to complete some, but not all, of the clinical practice hours at external training clinics located elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

Full-time, three years. Nine three day weekends in Year 1 (Level 4), eight three day weekends in Years 2 (Level 5)  and 3 (Level 6), plus clinical training. Year Two requires 190 hours and Year Three requires 220 hours (roughly one day per week or the equivalent) of clinical training.

Theory work is comprised of the nine three-day weekends per academic year in addition to online study in preparation for the weekends.

It is expected that students complete between 20 and 30 hours of additional independent study per week in order to be successful on this programme.

Assessment & Progression

The assessment methods typically used throughout the programme include:

  • Practical assessments e.g. dispensing

  • Written examinations

  • Coursework portfolios e.g. portfolio of clinic reports and reflective journals

  • Written assessments

The programme specification details the assessment strategy for each module, including the relevant task weightings.

Progression:

The successful completion of BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism provides graduates with the qualifications that may enable them to set up in professional practice as an herbal medicine practitioner. There may also be broader employment opportunities in the health and manufacturing industries. Graduates may also continue their studies at postgraduate level.

Course Fees

Per Academic Year

  • Home Students - £9,250

  • International Students - £9,500

Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment.
 

Additional Course Costs

  • DBS check: £48.20

  • Tunics for clinic x2: approximately £20 each

  • Diagnostic equipment such as stethoscope and sphygmomanometer: approximately £80

  • Materials for making a pharmacy preparation: £10-£30

Please see the full ‘HE Terms and Conditions’ for details of additional library and printing costs associated with this programme.

Terms & Conditions

Lincoln College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University (OU) validated awards. BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism is validated by The Open University. The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution. For full details and information on the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the Policies section. Lincoln College has designed this programme and has full responsibility for its delivery and assessment. Students who complete the programme successfully will receive an OU validated award certificate. The Open University assures itself of the standard and quality of its validated programmes through: the validation and re-validation process, the scrutiny of Lincoln College's own quality assurance procedures and the appointment of External Examiners to every OU validated programme. Although students are studying for an OU-validated award, a student's primary relationship is with Lincoln College and they must follow Lincoln College guidelines and procedures at all times. Any queries, requests or complaints should be made to Lincoln College. Lincoln College are responsible for registering students and will provide students with an induction at the commencement of their programme, which will include advice and guidance on all matters relating to their student life including: academic, financial and personal. For full details of the responsibilities of both Lincoln College and the OU please see The Student’s Guide to Studying on a Programme Validated by The Open University. View the Lincoln College Higher Education Student Handbook. View the OU Regulations.

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