We believe our course gives students the opportunity to study Chinese Medicine, its philosophies and applications, in the greatest possible depth.

Chinese Medicine

During the first year, the Yin/Yang concept and the Five Elements are explored. The general Meridian system is taught and further explored during Point Location classes. An introduction to the Zang/Fu (the organ system) and diagnosis are also studied in the first year. The first year also sees the commencement of Observational Clinics where students will have the opportunity to participate in patient treatment by observing a practitioner.

In the second year, the Zang/Fu, which forms the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) taught in many other Acupuncture Colleges, is covered in more depth. The Meridian system is also revisited and looked at in much greater detail. Further diagnosis and 'needling' are taught in theory at this stage. Clinical Observation continues throughout this year. During the second semester, students are ready to learn the theory of Stems and Branches and and how the previous semesters’ study is brought together. Additional theory is also given in Chinese Pathology. The most exciting aspect of this year is that students begin to treat patients in a group practical clinic, with the support and supervision from a licensed practitioner. Clinical Observation also continues throughout this year.

Throughout the final year, very much a 'Clinical' year, students treat patients on their own, but always with the readily available support of a licensed practitioner. There is frequent opportunity to discuss case studies and to explore treatment possibilities. Additionally, in this year the student learns Practice Management offering very valuable information needed when they decide to set up in practice.

The support of the personal and clinical development through the final year internship also prepares the student for continuing learning throughout their career as acupuncturists.

Western Medicine: Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology .

As well as the in-depth study of traditional Chinese medicine, students also receive a thorough training in Western orthodox medicine skills.

The first year module, Anatomy, concentrates on topographical anatomy dealing in depth with the musculoskeletal system, aiding point location and the later safe practice of needling, while giving students a practical familiarity with the structure of the human body. During the second year students are provided with an integrated study of Western physiology and then pathology.

Students are encouraged to integrate Eastern and Western perspectives on human structure, function and dysfunction, so giving a broader understanding of health and disease and an ease of communication with other professional disciplines and healthcare professionals. Lectures covering work in the new physics and scientific fields relating to health and healing extend this by exploring the field of energy medicine as a whole, showing the unity behind different approaches.

Students who have already trained in Western medical sciences may be exempt from attending these lectures, but may still be required to sit the examinations in the appropriate subject.

Research

Over the first two years of the course we build the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to equip students with the necessary tools to be able to undertake their final dissertation, a small scale research study, in the final year. These skills include scientific writing skills, scrutiny and critique, statistical analysis and relevance of research activities to acupuncture and complementary therapy. These skills are developed in class using example, demonstration and practice, and throughout independent study, using project based learning. We have introduced a new short module in the first weeks of the course, called Study Skills, in order to ensure that students are able to learn or be refreshed in the basic research skills applicable across all parts of the curriculum, eg researching for projects, using online sources, analysing sources, and so on.

In their final year, undertaking the dissertation allows students to deepen their understanding of Chinese philosophy and link it clearly to their clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Professional and Personal Development

Practitioner skill training is built into and developed throughout the course. The skills, knowledge and understanding that you learn are enhanced by the training in professional and personal development given through the clinic modules of the course. You will be required to keep a reflective portfolio of your experiences, understanding and learning, enabling you to set and achieve your personal goals and develop the attributes needed to be a caring and competent practitioner.