Education
Chinese medicine has been practised for thousands of years and is based on a holistic approach to health that views the body, mind and spirit as an inter-connected whole. It is a complex system that requires a deep understanding of the principles and practices that govern it. This makes it essential that education programmes in Chinese medicine are of high quality to ensure that practitioners are well-trained and equipped to provide the best possible care to their clients. This includes knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, as well as other techniques used to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. With this knowledge, students can develop the skills and expertise needed to provide effective treatment and care to patients.
Good quality education programmes in Chinese medicine can help to promote the integration of traditional and modern approaches to healthcare. This is especially important in today’s world, where there is growing recognition of the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine. By providing students with a solid grounding in both traditional and modern medical practices, education programmes can help to bridge the gap between different healthcare systems and promote greater collaboration and understanding between practitioners.
We hereby list some programmes below for your information. Please get in touch with the programme provider directly for detailed information.
Degree Programmes
Here you will find a regularly-updated list of recommended degree programmes from abroad and within the UK. We will highlight programmes that provide the following qualifications upon completion: BSc, MSc, PhD and other forms of undergraduate and postgraduate honours. Programmes within the UK will require QAA accreditation to be considered, and courses from abroad must be conducted by recognised universities.
BSc (Hons) Acupuncture
– College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, accredited by BAAB (the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board).
BSc (Hons) Acupuncture
MSc Acupuncture
– Northern College of Acupuncture, accredited by BAAB (the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board).
Degree programmes and courses provided by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM)
5-year English-taught Undergraduate Degree Course in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture)
75 English-taught Postgraduate Courses in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Diploma Programmes
CCMUK is in the process of assessing and gathering a selection of high-quality diploma courses. The following programmes must be validated by independent professional boards, partnered with relevant professional bodies. We are open to submissions from providers within the UK and abroad, and will continue to update this list of recommendations.
3-Year Chinese Herbal Medicine Diploma
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, accredited by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and have entered the EHTPA accreditation process
Diploma Acupuncture
– College of Naturopathy Medicine, accredited by TCMAB (Traditional Chinese Medicine Accreditation Board)
Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine
– Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, accredited by TCMAB (Traditional Chinese Medicine Accreditation Board)
Postgraduate Diploma in Traditional Acupuncture
– Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, accredited by TCMAB (Traditional Chinese Medicine Accreditation Board)
Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine
– Northern College of Acupuncture, accredited by EHTPA (European Herbal & Medicine Practitioners Association)
Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine
– The White Crane Academy of Chinese Herbal Medicine, accredited by EHTPA (European Herbal & Medicine Practitioners Association).
Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)
– The Acupuncture Academy, accredited by BAAB (the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board).
Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)
– The City College of Acupuncture, accredited by BAAB (the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board).
Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)
– International College of Oriental Medicine UK, accredited by BAAB (the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board).
CPD Programmes
CPD programmes are an integral part of Chinese medicine academia. Short for ‘Continued Professional Development’, we will aim to highlight a selection of high-calibre options to advance your clinical skillset. We are open to submissions from institutions and providers in the UK and abroad.
Clinical Observations
Observing clinical practice is an essential aspect of learning Chinese medicine, particularly for novice practitioners. It offers a valuable opportunity for students to supplement their theoretical knowledge with practical experience across various treatments in Chinese medicine. It is highly recommended that practitioners establish a regular arrangement for clinical observation with seasoned professionals in the field. This ensures that they can provide patients with safe, effective and high-quality treatments.
Senior experts in the United Kingdom have proposed the following recommendations for clinical observation. Prospective observers should have graduated with a relevant degree and have at least ten years of experience in their profession.
They should also be members of major professional Chinese medicine bodies in the UK and own clinics (including Chinese medicine practitioners, Chinese herbalists and acupuncture needles, among others). Those interested are advised to contact these experts directly for more detailed information.
Lectures
We are continually arranging new lectures to promote and advance the understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
While there are currently no upcoming lectures scheduled, we will update this space as soon as new dates are confirmed. Some of our previous lectures include:
A series of lectures based on Jin Kui Yao Lue: Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet
Zang-Fu Centred Diagnosis and Treatment System (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM Diagnosis and Treatment for Diseases caused by Water, Fluid and Phlegm (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM Diagnosis and Treatment for Diseases caused by Water, Fluid and Phlegm (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM diagnosis and treatment for diseases caused by Xue Bi, Xu Lao (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM diagnosis and treatment for diseases caused by various stagnations (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM diagnosis and treatment for gynaecological disease (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
TCM diagnosis and treatment for cold, flu and other seasonal diseases (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Virtual Herbal Chinese Medicine Programme (2023)
– Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Study Trips
CCMUK has assisted partners, including Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) and Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine to organise multiple 2-week study trips, which offer an abundance of theoretical knowledge, and also give students the chance to apply that theory practically.
Excitingly, these exchange programmes allow students the chance to experience clinical observations, which are rare opportunities to witness and take part in actual Chinese medicine treatments in some of the biggest, most technologically advanced hospitals in the world.
OUR 2025 STUDY TRIP IS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICANTS
Study Trip to Shanghai – November 16–29, 2025
Immerse yourself in the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM)—a truly immersive academic and cultural experience. This 13‑night programme (10 days of tuition, plus two days to explore Shanghai) offers:
• Lectures delivered by expert TCM faculty
• Hands-on clinical observation in both inpatient and outpatient settings
• A chance to soak in the full TCM lifestyle—from theory to therapeutic application in real-world environments.
Everything from tuition and shared B&B accommodation to a farewell dinner is included. (Single occupancy is available at an additional cost.) Travel, visa, food, and additional therapies are optional extras
Early Bird Offer: £ 1,950 if reserved before 31 August 2025
Full Price: £ 2,225 per person
Book by 30 September 2025. If you’re attending with a companion, you both receive a £100 discount each!
Spaces are limited, so we recommend reserving your place early. For more information and to book your spot, please visit Phoenix Academy
Webinars
Webinars are a fantastic opportunity to further knowledge through a digestible, easily accessible format. In a streamed live video, the webinar host will explore their chosen topic within the field of Chinese medicine. An audio recording of each webinar will be available to all attendees.
CCMUK is currently awaiting further details on when the next webinar will take place.
We will email all newsletter subscribers to inform them of upcoming webinars as soon as they have been confirmed.
Workshops
Workshop programmes are a valuable educational tool for those looking to expand their skills in Chinese medicine.
They offer the opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice, with herbs and supplies provided by the workshop host.
We are currently planning our next series of workshops with leading industry experts. Details will be announced here and via our newsletter, so please check back regularly and subscribe to stay informed.