BSc Traditional Chinese Medicine Degree

Overview & facilities

Middlesex University is a pioneer and education provider for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the UK and Europe. The BSc (Hons) Traditional Chinese Medicine programme at Middlesex Universitywas the first course of its kind to be offered outside China when introduced in 1996. This programme is unique in its approach to teaching the subject with integration of the two main components of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, as a whole.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine degree at Middlesex University London aims to provide an education and training to produce graduates who will be competent, safe and caring practitioners in both Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture with moxibustion. This programme also aims to foster a professional curiosity to develop knowledge, understanding and skills and to conduct research that will underpin evidence-based practice.

Students will be provided with a thorough preparation in the principles and applications of traditional Chinese medicine underpinned by knowledge and understanding of modern orthodox medical anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology.

Based at our Archway campus in London, you will benefit from our specialist Archway Health Library and dedicated facilities for laboratory works and clinical skills, including our Medicinal Herb Garden. You will also undertake clinical placements in our Chinese medicine training clinic (the Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine) and the acupuncture clinics at various NHS hospitals including Whittington, Royal Free and North Middlesex hospitals.

The four year course covers

• Fundamental theories and diagnostic skills of Chinese Medicine including differentiation principles used in clinical practice.
• Chinese herbal medicine including the activities of individual herbs; composition of herbal formulas; and clinical applications of herbal medicine. The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of the herbs will also be discussed.
• Traditional Chinese acupuncture and moxbustion including the meridian-collateral theories and acupoint locations; needling and moxibustion techniques; and clinical applications of acupuncture and moxibustion.
• Basic theories of modern orthodox medicine including essential knowledge in biomedical sciences covering anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. Students will be trainedin theclinical assessment of patients and to understand the underlying processes affecting the body in health and disease.
• Basic knowledge in Mandarin language and Chinese cultures. It facilities students to learn the terms of Chinese medicine and is useful when students decide to visit China on work experience.

Special Features

• Fully accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board and the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association Accreditation Board. Our graduates are automatically eligible for full membership of the UK leading professional bodies in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
• Unique Traditional Chinese Medicine course that combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine as a whole
• Strong teaching team with all Chinese medicine modules and clinical training being delivered and supervised by highly qualified and experienced Chinese medicine practitioners
• Clinical placement takes place from the beginning of year 1 and throughout the whole programme. Extensive clinical training is provided at our dedicated teaching clinic on campus (Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine) and in the NHS settings including Royal Free, Whittington and North Middlesex hospitals
• Partnership with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM): graduates from this programme will be awarded a certificate from Beijing University in addition to their BSc (Hons) TCM degree certificate awarded by Middlesex. This co-operation also provides further provision for graduates to be able to progress to a postgraduate degree and have the opportunity to undertake an internship in Beijing and gain a Bachelor of Medicine degree from BUCM.

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

• a medicinal herb garden on campus
• dedicated complementary health laboratories
• training at our affiliate Chinese medicine clinic

Content & modules

The course is a four year programme that covers biomedical sciences, traditional Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture as well as their clinical applications to relieve illness and promote health.

This programme is based at our Archway campus.

Modules

• Year 1

  Chinese Medicine Foundations and Diagnostics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide the fundamental knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. Students are encouraged to discuss the detailed theories of Yin Yang, five elements, internal organs, Qi, Blood Body Fluid, Channels and Collateral. Basic knowledge of Pathogenic Factors and Pathogenesis will be given. The concept of the organism as a whole, diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of signs and syndromes will be emphasised. In addition, the module provides an introduction to clinical training with the opportunity to observe clinical practice in a supportive environment. Based on the physiology of Chinese Medicine, the second aim is to help students learn the skills of inspection, olfaction and auscultation, inquiry and palpation; tongue and pulse diagnosis skills, as well as the way of thinking to study and identify the illness according to different systems of syndrome differentiation.

  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.

  Materia Medica (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to equip the students with profound knowledge of Chinese materia medica. This will enable students to identify common Chinese medicinal herbs and to understand their properties, functions and clinical applications. This module will also provide students with basic knowledge and techniques of modern pharmacognosy and help them to understand the active components of some key herbs. Students will also learn basic knowledge on herb dispensary, quality control and quality assurance processes. This module also provides the updated information in the legislation and regulation of medicinal herbs and herbal products.

  Meridians, Acupoints and Techniques (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to equip the students with the fundamental skills of practising acupuncture and moxibustion and to provide students with a body of fundamental knowledge of the meridian system and acupoints, so as to lay a foundation for their future clinical studies and practice of acupuncture moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina

• Year 3

  Classical Texts (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide students with an overview and in depth discussions of key classical texts of Chinese medicine to enhance students foundational knowledge in TCM philosophy and to facilitate their further learning in TCM. It will explore the essence of classical TCM knowledge in making diagnosis and prescriptions to give an advanced appreciation of the core principles of TCM and their applications in clinical practice.

  Clinical Acupuncture (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to equip student with theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Chinese acupuncture to treat various clinical conditions. This module will examine in depth the clinical aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM acupuncture and moxibustion and provide students with typical clinical cases and examine in detail the approaches and applications of TCM clinical acupuncture.

  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 Formulary (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of the Chinese herbal formulary and enable them to prescribe proper herbal formula to meet the needs of patients with different clinical conditions. This module will provide students the principles and methods to prescribe a herbal formula according to clinical syndrome differentiation in TCM. The main themes of this module include the composition, structure, functions and clinical indications of common classical herbal formularies and their modifications and administration.

  Tuina Massage Therapy (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  Tuina is one of the main branches of traditional Chinese Medicine and, in China, is taught and practised alongside acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This module of study is designed to provide students and existing practitioners of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine with a sound understanding of the principles and theories of Tuina massage therapy and a comprehensive training in commonly used Tuina massage techniques. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate diagnosis and application of Tuina therapeutic approaches to clinical cases, on developing practical skills and on sound evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of treatments.

• Year 4

  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.

  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.

  TCM Clinical Medicine (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge of the TCM approaches and the application of Chinese herbal medicine to common clinical conditions. It will provide students with typical clinical cases, examine them in detail and where possible, the TCM conditions are compared with clinically comparable conditions in Western medicine.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on 240 UCAS tariff points including one in Biology or Human Biology and three GCSEs grades A to C including passes in English and Mathematics , or An overall pass with distinction at BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in science subjects including passes in English and Mathematics , or A science-based Access course that includes biology and chemistry including evidence of equivalent studies in GCSE English and Mathematics Applicants are also assessed on the basis of their social skills, their ability to communicate clearing and sympathetically

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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 paper based 550 (no less than 4 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 80 (with no less than 17 in each component). 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. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements. 

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

This accredited degree course leads you being qualified as a consultant Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and acupuncturist. You may work in a private clinic as an employee or establish your own clinical practice of Chinese medicine. There are also chances to work in a hospital as an acupuncturist in the National Health Service. In addition, some graduates have gone on to further academic research or careers in education of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.