Health Sciences - Herbal Medicine: University of Westminster

Introduction

Herbal medicine has developed from the traditional use of plants and plant extracts from many parts of the world, confirmed and updated by scientific understanding and research. However, it maintains a holistic approach to treatment focusing on illness in the person rather than symptoms of disease.

The course provides a practice-orientated education in herbal medicine, which includes both the theoretical and clinical development necessary for working with patients, and the preparation and dispensing of remedies. The course also includes fieldwork of growing and gathering herbs within approved organic sites, and visiting herb collections and conservation habitats.

The course is fully accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and graduates are eligible to apply for membership.

Course Content

The course is structured to support your intellectual, professional and practical skills development. Much of this is achieved through the use of themes that run through the modules and across levels. So in addition to the specific knowledge and skills required in Herbal Medicine the course integrates clinical skills development, health sciences, personal and professional development and research skills. Your development as a scholar practitioner comes together in the University’s innovative Polyclinic where, under the guidance of experienced clinic tutors, your learning from the various aspects of the course is integrated.

Year 1 (Credit Level 4)

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biochemistry and Phytochemistry
• Botany and Botanical Medicine
• Herbal Practice 1
• Perspectives in Complementary Medicine
• The Therapeutic Relationship

Year 2 (Credit Level 5)

• Developing the Therapeutic Relationship
• Dietetics and Dietary Therapy
• Herbal Medicine Practice 2
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Research Methods in Complementary Medicine

Year 3 (Credit Level 6)

• Dissertation
• Herbal Medicine Clinical Skills
• HM Materia Medica
• HM Therapeutics
• Refining the Therapeutic Relationship
• Starting Your Practice
• Systems Pathology

Year 4 (Credit Level 7) MSci

Subject to personal choice and progression requirements:

• Advanced Materia Medica and Therapeutics
• Clinical Reasoning
• Researching Contemporary Issues in Complementary Medicine.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification type Grade/points
• A Levels CCD to include Biology at Grade C
• International Baccalaureate 26 points to include a minimum of 5 in Biology at Higher Level
• BTEC National Diploma/Certificate MMP/DM in Science
• GCSE CC in double award Science
• Equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience will also be considered