BA Hons Degree Traditional Acupuncture

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone looking to learn acupuncture and become a qualified acupuncturist. Students achieve the qualification and accreditation through our professional and highly regarded BA Hons Degree in Traditional Acupuncture.

Although our students come from all walks of life, they all have one thing in common - a desire to help other people.

It may be a career change, you're hoping to make a real difference in people’s lives, or simply a fascination with acupuncture itself. Whatever the reason you choose to study with us, the results will almost certainly be life changing.

 

Course summary

Entry requirements: Appropriate life experience; no previous practitioner experience or science qualifications required.
Length of study: 3 years
Course options: Weekends - March and September intakes
Weekdays - October and April intakes
Attendance: Click here for attendance details of weekend/weekday courses
Course description: Fully accredited, professional degree course in traditional acupuncture
Qualifications: B.A. (Hons) in Traditional Acupuncture, awarded by Oxford Brookes University
Licentiate Diploma in Acupuncture (LicAc)
Eligible to apply for membership of the British Acupuncture Council

 
In addition to the BA Hons Degree qualification in Traditional Acupuncture, the course is designed to provide graduates with the following capacities:

  • A deep understanding of the theory and philosophy of traditional acupuncture.
  • The ability to effectively diagnose and treat as an acupuncture practitioner.
  • Self awareness, professional awareness and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • The ability to establish and maintain a successful acupuncture practice.

Great emphasis has been placed upon the reawakening of students' innate skills as well as developing insights into life processes and human experience. Reflective learning is central to the students’ own process of development.

"I was at the turning point in my life and looking for something new to do. The idea of practicing acupuncture hit me and stuck. I listened to my heart and took the leap of faith, and have been riding the waves ever since..."

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Course material is presented in simple straightforward terms, grounded in the students' own experience. The curriculum follows a spiral whereby subject areas are revisited in wider and deeper contexts as the student progresses through the three year course.

The teaching on the Degree Programme is organised into six main areas:

Year 1

  • Five-day introductory session followed by seventeen further two or three day sessions at the College.
  • Surface anatomy and point location are taught as an integrated subject, Human Health and Disease begins halfway through the year
  • Regular practical assessments in addition to class sessions.
  • By the end of the first year you will have a thorough understanding of most of the theoretical aspects of the programme and will have developed numerous practical and diagnostic skills.

Year 2

  • Five-day introductory session followed by eighteen two or three day sessions held at varying intervals.
  • The focus of the second year is the further development of diagnostic skills and clinical reasoning, and application of these to patients in readiness for the third or clinical year.
  • Further surface anatomy and point location is taught in the second year, with a combined practical assessment towards the end of the year.
  • By the end of the second year, you will have studied most of the theoretical aspects of the programme, how these relate to patients and will have developed further practical and clinical skills.
  • A certificate in First Aid must be obtained prior to entering the third year. In addition, two days of clinical observation at the College clinic are attended as part of the preparation for the third year.

Year 3

  • Clinical work forms the foundation of the third year. The year begins with an eleven-day introduction, followed by twenty-four consecutive weekly visits of one or two days each.
  • Students treat their first patients under close supervision in the College clinic, building on the work of the previous two years, and taking increasing responsibility for their care. There is continuous assessment of practical and clinical skills. At the end of this period, if progress is satisfactory, Permission to Practise will be given. This permits the treatment of patients in the student's own practice with indirect supervision.
  • After the period of weekly visits there are five monthly visits, each of either two or three days duration, which include further clinical and classroom work. Support is available during this period to advise on practice building and dealing with issues that arise in these early days as a practitioner.
  • By the end of the third year, if students have successfully demonstrated that all of the aims and learning intentions as detailed in the student handbook have been met, the Licentiate in Acupuncture qualification and Honours degree will be awarded.

"The 3 years of training at CTA were challenging but inspirational. I soon realised that I was not only learning how to become an acupuncturist but also finding out things about myself that I would never have discovered if it were not for the course..."

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Course Options

Students can attend the college either predominantly at weekends by entering the March or September intakes, or alternately attend the college during the weekdays by entering the October intake.

More detailed information on all aspects of the course can be found in our prospectus - you can download a copy now by clicking here or ask us to send you a copy in the post using this form here.

The college holds regular Preview Days for prospective students to find out more about the college and the course. Click for more details.
 

Entry Requirements

The College’s current requirements for entry to the Traditional Acupuncture Degree Programme are:

  • A genuine motivation to study and practise acupuncture; a sincere and caring attitude and a willingness to develop and grow are essential attributes.
  • A standard of personal health sufficient to enable the individual to undertake and complete the programme.
  • Sufficient command of written and spoken English to be able to undertake the programme (at least to IELTS Band 7 standard).
  • An understanding of the commitment demanded by the programme, and the effect that this may have on lifestyle, work, relationships, etc.
  • Normally there is a minimum age limit of 21 years.
  • You will normally be asked to attend an interview. The interview is a two-way process, giving you, the prospective student, and the faculty members an opportunity to explore the applicant's needs, expectations and goals.

What does it cost?

Click here for details on fees and payments options, and also information on financing your acupuncture studies.
 

How do I apply for a place on the course?

For further details of the application process, application forms and answers to any questions you may have about becoming a qualified acupuncturist, please see the how to apply page.