BSc Herbal Medicine Degree

Overview & facilities

The Herbal Medicine degree at Middlesex in London will introduce you to the fascinating world of medical herbalists, who view the human body as an integrated whole, every part affecting every other part. Western herbal medicine has effectively existed since antiquity with thousands of years of experience gained in the applications of medicinal plants.

Based at our Archway Campus in London, you will benefit from our specialist Archway Health Library and dedicated facilities for laboratory work and clinical skills, including our Medicinal Herb Garden. The course includes substantial clinical experience at a working clinic; the Archway Herbal Clinic, situated at the Archway Campus

A holistic approach to patientcare and management is used throughout the course, including diet and lifestyle, in addition to herbal therapeutics. Unlike orthodox medicine, in which many preparations are based on a single molecule, herbal medicine is based on the use of whole plant extracts containing the full spectrum of plant constituents.

Your study will include

Herbal Materia Medica, Pharmacognosyand Pharmacy the chemical constituents of medicinal plants, their effects on the human body and their interactions with orthodox drugs and how to produce and dispense herbal medicine safely and hygienically.

Clinical Sciences and Diagnostic Skills in order to assess illness accurately you will be trained on how to make clinical assessments and the underlying processes affecting the body in health and disease.

Successful completion of the Herbal Medicine degree will lead to recognition as a medical herbalist, as well as a range of other opportunities in herbal medicine. You will graduate with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective and professional herbal care. This course is accredited by the professional body, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

Special features

• The Archway Herbal Clinic provides professionally-led clinical training
• Successful completion of this well-established course, professionally accredited by the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association, means that you will be a safe and effective herbal practitioner with comprehensive knowledge of the medicinal use of herbs
• Students encounter herbs in the University medicinal herb garden, on field trips, in the laboratory and clinic dispensary, as well as learning from practising medical herbalists.
  

We can offer students the best range of facilities for complementary health study in the UK:

• an extensive medicinal herb garden on campus
• dedicated complementary health laboratories
• training at the Archway Herbal Clinic 

Medical Herb Garden
An idyllic green corner of the campus that provides a unique teaching and learning resource, featuring a wide range of medicinal plants.

Content & modules

Western Herbal Medicine has existed since antiquity with thousands of years of experience gained in the applications of medicinal plants. Alongside historical tradition, the scientific study of these herbs shows how they can be used to alleviate and benefit many complaints.

A holistic approach to patientcare and management is used throughout the programme, including diet and lifestyle, in addition to herbal therapeutics. Unlike orthodox medicine, in which many preparations are based on a single molecule, Herbal Medicine is based on the use of whole plant extracts containing the full spectrum of plant constituents.

You will graduate with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective and professional herbal care.

This programme is based at our Archway campus.

The course is assessed through a combination of course work assignments and reports, groupwork and laboratory projects, seen and unseen examinations, and practical clinical skill examinations. Clinical training is assessed by reports of clinic tutors, a portfolio of coursework and a final clinical examination.

Modules

• Year 1

  Herbal Practice 1 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides the opportunity to observe professional practice in herbal medicine and patient care in a range of healthcare environments. Students will gain familiarity with the clinical setting through their clinical observation at the archway clinic, and in placements in various health contexts. During the first year students will be developing skills in dispensing, communication, observation and patient care that are fundamental to herbal practice.

  Herbal Sciences (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an introduction to the study of herbal medicine through consideration of a number of aspects of herbs as medicines. Students will encounter plants in theory and in practice from the microscopic to the whole plant level. Overall this module aims to deliver the basic knowledge needed for the understanding of plant biology and chemistry and includes elements of phytochemistry, botany, horticulture, biodiversity as well as, regulation of plant medicines and introductory Materia Medica. These aspects of herbal sciences will be the foundation of training as a professional in herbal medicine.

  Human Sciences (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin their future learning in the fields of complementary medicine. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.

  Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of Complementary and Alternative medicines in the UK. It considers a number of therapies in terms of the treatment they provide, their internal coherence and claims to safety and efficacy. Ethical, legal and professional issues will be discussed. In addition, this module aims to provide a coherent introduction to the study and practice of Western Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly within the context of the UK. Students will also undertake literature searching to review the ways that CAM effectiveness can be evaluated.

  Professional Skills Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to give students the skills required to become an autonomous lifelong learner and to provide them with an introduction to communication skills and case history taking. It also provides a foundation from which the identified skills can be developed throughout the course of their complementary health science programme. Developing a successful therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner depends on the ability to communicate both verbally and non-verbally. These skills are also essential in order to take an accurate case history. Non-verbal communication skills and the principle of physical examination will be supported by introducing students to the skills of therapeutic massage, which will be taught by an appropriately qualified professional teacher.

• Year 2

  Approaches to Health and Social Care Research (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To introduce students of health and social care related subjects to the process of health and social care research. It is a professional requirement for those working in health and social care related disciplines to underpin their knowledge with research and evidence-based practice. Professionals need to be able to access research findings, and through an understanding of the research process and methodology, be able to critique research and apply this knowledge to practice. The aim of this module is to develop the students awareness the research process and to equip them with the skills required in the subject area appropriate to their target award and to offer some preparation for the final year project/dissertation.

  Clinical Sciences (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  A thorough knowledge and understanding of the normal and abnormal structure and functions of the tissues, organs and systems of body and the general principles of orthodox medical treatment are essential for safe and effective complementary medicine practice. This module offers students an opportunity to study the causes, mechanisms and general pathological changes underpinning disease and to integrate this knowledge with that of normal form and function learnt in the study of human sciences. Also included is an overview of the general mechanisms of drug action, drug categories and principles of infection control that need to be taken into account by the CAM practitioner. This module emphasises causes and mechanisms of systemic diseases and the pharmacological basis of management, rather than the details of clinical presentation and diagnosis, both of which are comprehensively covered in the Diagnostic Skills module.

  Diagnostic Skills (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module builds on the students knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of disease and will relate to the knowledge and skills that students have acquired of the therapeutic relationship. It will provide a thorough understanding of the practical assessment of the cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, musculoskeletal and neurological systems and will also include the interpretation of important physical signs and theoretical material on the clinical presentations of diseases related to these body systems. Students will be able to provide a differential diagnosis for common presentations and identify conditions requiring further investigation and referral.

  Herbal Materia Medica and Pharmacy (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of the module is to give students a firm basis for the development of the herbal practitioner. It includes a thorough overview of medicinal plants incorporating knowledge and understanding of their constituents, mode of action and key actions. The range of preparations of herbal medicines will be extended as well as practical skills in herbal pharmacy and a familiarity with techniques of quality control and legal requirements in the manufacture of herbal products. Students will learn in detail about the range of plant constituents with understanding of herbal pharmacology. On completion of this module students will have the ability to use herbs appropriately in conditions affecting a number of the main body systems and skills in formulating a herbal prescription.

  Herbal Practice 2 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides for the development of the students competence in case history taking and patient management in the context of herbal medicine consultations. During the year the students will be developing the ability to take a thorough, systematic and confident case history, and they will be consolidating clinical examination skills to the point where they are able to evaluate the patient s state of health. The students will also develop further herbal medicine dispensary skills.

• Year 3

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest they wish to study further and will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  Herbal Practice 3 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module develops the students ability to independently assess a clinical presentation, evaluate findings and produce an appropriate and detailed herbal treatment plan. The students will fully develop a management plan and herbal prescription and tailor it to the individual patient s need. The students will learn to discuss treatment recommendations with the patient, so that the patient is clearly and properly informed of all aspects of treatment and is fully involved in drawing up a viable and effective action plant. Students will be introduced to the use of audit procedures for monitoring treatment progress and continue to reflect on their personal and professional development.

  Herbal Therapeutics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module extends students knowledge of materia medica and herbal therapeutics to the point where they are able to develop an appropriate individual treatment plan. It covers the therapeutic limitations of herbal treatment, potential for herbal medicines to produce adverse events and to interact with conventional medicines. A professional and systematic approach to herbal therapeutics will underpin all aspects of this module. An integrated style of treatment using knowledge of the interaction of body systems will be explored in detail.

  Nutrition and Lifestyle Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to nutrients, individual nutrient needs, dietary assessment and the use of food to promote health from a nutritional therapy point of view. Students will gain an understanding of how a functional approach to nutritional assessment and dietary advice can be integrated into different CAM therapy approaches, and how nutritional advice fits within the broader context of lifestyle management. This integrated approach also considers the effect of emotional status and physical activity upon physiology and health.

  Professional Practice Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides opportunities for gaining relevant knowledge and skills for contributing to the establishment of a professional practice in complementary medicine. It aims to broaden and deepen the students understanding of, and encourage critical and reflective thought, on business development and management, ethical, regulatory and legal aspects of professional conduct, and psychological aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The module also includes first aid training, now a requirement of a number of professional bodies and workplaces.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

240 UCAS tariff points including one in Biology or Human Biology and three GCSEs grades A to C including passes in English and Maths , Advanced Progession Diplomas at Equivalent to the above or an overall pass with distinction at BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in science subjects including passess in English and Maths , or a science-based Access course that includes biology and chemistry including evidence of equivalent studies in GCSE English and Maths. Applicants are also assessed on the basis of their social skills, their ability to communicate clearly and sympathetically.

Full-time applications are via UCAS.

Contact our Programme Leader, Colin Nicholls, [email c.nicholls@mdx.ac.uk] withyour enquiries about the course.

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Successful graduates will be able to commence practice as a medical herbalist. As a herbal practitioner you may set up your own business as a sole trader or link up with other therapists in a complementary health clinic.

Further opportunities may be available in other health contexts and the NHS. Other developing opportunities for graduates in herbal medicine include research, journalism, teaching, retail, horticultural and manufacturing processes.