Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China over 2000 years ago and is part of the wider system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes herbal medicine, massage, dietary therapy and manipulation. Our programme is fully accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board and graduates are eligible for membership of the British Acupuncture Council.

This acupuncture programme provides you with a rigorous grounding in anatomy, physiology and pathology together with an understanding and appreciation of the theory and practice of Chinese medicine. You will also have the opportunity to pursue your own research interests. The programme is staffed by an experienced international team including clinical supervisors from China and the U.S.

You will gain experience working in our Acupuncture Clinic and may also increase your experience by joining us in Nanjing, China, for a 2 week placement in a busy TCM hospital. This trip is offered in the late summer every year and can be counted towards your required clinical hours. At the end of your training you may also take part in an optional, placement in Cuba, where UEL are carrying out acupuncture research.

See what one of our Acupuncture students thought of his study in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

About the programme

The popularity of acupuncture has grown steadily in the UK and legislation for the profession is expected in the near future. This programme prepares you to practice as an acupuncturist and is accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board.

CRB Check

This programme involves working closely with children and/or vulnerable adults. Applicants are therefore subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure check.
If you have any queries regarding this procedure, please contact Lucy Watson on +44 (0) 20 8223 6271 or l.watson@uel.ac.uk

Programme structure

This is a three year full-time degree programme but can be studied part time if desired, taking a minimum of 4 modules per year.

Level one is designed to introduce you to the concepts, philosophies and history that form the basis of Chinese medicine and to consider the practice of Acupuncture in the West. There is plenty of opportunity to debate and think through the issues regarding the integration of complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare and you are provided with a strong foundation in the study of human physiology, pathology and anatomy, crucial in learning to locate acupuncture points. We also ensure you are prepared and equipped for academic study with a useful study skills module. Your clinical training begins with observation, paying particular attention to acupuncture point location and diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Level two continues the process of your development of skills as a practitioner with further clinical training where you will learn needling and the other key techniques, such as moxibustion and plum blossom needling, Tuina and remedial massage. These skills are underpinned by the study of the physiological systems of the body and applied pathology that enables you to grasp ‘what goes wrong’. Your understanding of TCM deepens and you complete the learning of Acupuncture points.

Level three completes the transformation from student to professional practitioner. Students are expected to be able to take responsibility for the full acupuncture consultation and treatment. Further understanding of TCM pathology, techniques such as Ear acupuncture and application of acupuncture for addictions are taught. You will explore the complexities of the therapeutic relationship and develop strategies for dealing with the challenges that arise in practice as an Acupuncturist. An individual research project will enable students to pursue a chosen topic and the module ‘Health in East London’, enables you to understand some of the health problems in our community and provides a chance to investigate where and how Acupuncture could make a difference. A module in Entrepreneurial skills will provide you with the business acumen to set up your own Acupuncture Clinic.

Career opportunities

Most acupuncturists in the UK are self-employed and work within group clinics with other Chinese medicine or complementary therapy practices. Some practitioners are attached to a GP practice on a freelance basis within the NHS. As statutory regulation for the profession gathers pace, opportunities are expected to grow.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
There is a system of ‘peer’ support for new students from students at level 2 and 3. A series of meetings and social functions are held throughout the year.
A system of student supervision in clinic is in place.
Programme leaders and module leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL UELPlus online links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as further post graduate opportunities and information on becoming a member of the British Acupuncture council and Continuing Professional Development.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
Careers advice and information · Counselling and Advice for practical problems
Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
Language tuition
Dyslexia support
Accommodation

Admission

For standard entry a typical offer would be one of the following:

UCAS score: the minimum requirement is 240 points in relevant subjects. Students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English Language, Mathematics and preferably 1 science subject.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant experiential learning.

Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) of Accreditation of Certified Learning (ACL) processes.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

Potential students will need to complete a confidential health questionnaire and undertake a CRB check.