Clinical Herbalism

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 eight full three day weekends per year, plus attendance at the Complementary Medicine Clinic for clinical training. It is expected that students complete between 20 and 30 hours of additional independent study per week.

Year One of the course requires 90 hours of clinical training, (achieved during term time, either one day per fortnight or in blocks).

Year Two requires 190 hours and Year Three requires 210 hours (roughly one day per week or the equivalent) of clinical training. There are a variety of ways in which this attendance can be achieved.

The course is accredited by the EHTPA (the European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association) and NIMH (the National Institute of Medical Herbalists). Graduates are eligible to become members of NIMH and CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy) or URHP (Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners).

Typical Modules Include:

Year 1
Clinical Practice 1
Anatomy & Physiology for Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine 1
Pharmacy & Community Practice
History, Philosophy & Evidence

Year 2
Clinical Practice 2
Pathophysiology for Medical Herbalists
Herbal Therapeutics 2
Nutrition as Therapy
Research Skills for Herbalists

Year 3
Clinical Practice 3
Research Project
Herbal Therapeutics 3
Clinical Skills for Herbalists
Business Skills for Herbalists

*Optional modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.

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.