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 a number of weekends per year, plus attendance at the Complementary Medicine Clinic for clinical training.
Typical Modules Include
Year 1
Anatomy & Physiology for Herbal Medicine
Herbal Therapeutics 1
Year 2
Clinical Practice 1
Pharmacy & Community Practice
History, Philosophy & Evidence
Yer 3
Clinical Practice 2
Pathophysiology for Medical Herbalists
Nutrition as Therapy
Year 4
Clinical Practice - Intermediate
Herbal Therapeutics 2
Research Skills for Herbalists
Year 5
Clinical Practice 3
Research Project
Herbal Therapeutics 3
Clinical Skills for Herbalists
Business Skills for Herbalists
*5 year period assumes that students will study full-time in their final year. This can be discussed with the tutor if the student wishes to remain part-time.
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.
Part-time, five years. Part-time attendance depends on level of study, which can vary from year to year, depending on how the timetable is set. In the academic year (2021-22) the attendance was as follows for part-time students:
Level 4 - Year 1 - Attendance at four out of the eight teaching weekends (Friday-Sunday), PLUS induction weekend, which is the weekend before the first teaching weekend (two consecutive weekends at the end of September).
Level 4 - Year 2 - Attendance at four out of the eight teaching weekends (Friday-Sunday), plus 10 days in the on-site clinic from October-May (clinic runs Monday to Friday only).
Level 5 - Year 1 - Attendance at four to five teaching weekends, plus approximately 15 days in the clinic on-site, September to July (clinic runs Monday to Friday only).
Level 5 - Year 2 - Attendance at four to five teaching weekends, plus approximately 15 days in clinic on site, September to July (clinic runs Monday to Friday only).
Level 6 - Most students complete this full-time. All eight teaching weekends, plus 30 days on site clinic.
It is expected that students complete between 10 and 15 hrs 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 - £5,500
International Students - £5,500
Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment.
Additional Course Costs
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.
Learn More
-
Open Day
View all open days -
Campus
Lincoln College University Centre