Chinese Herbal

Medicine
Prospectus 2019-20
Professional Diploma
in Chinese Herbal Medicine
2
 Chinese Herbal Medicine
Prospectus 2019-20
Professional Diploma in Chinese herbal medicine

Contents
Introduction 4
The Northern College of Acupuncture 6
About Chinese herbal medicine 8
Why study Chinese herbal medicine at the NCA? 10
Accreditation and regulation 12
Find out more
We know you are busy people so we offer a range
Student stories 13 of ways to connect with us and find out more
about studying herbs at the NCA.
Professional Diploma in Chinese herbal medicine - overview 14
Year one 17 • Book a place on an introductory event
Year two 20 • Arrange an informal visit to look
Students’ stories 22 around the College
Fitting in the herbs course with your life and your practice 24 • Have your questions answered via online chat
Support for our students 26
Our teaching staff 28 Book an introductory event here:
Teaching faculty biographies 30 https://bit.ly/2FRvPYk
College facilities and useful information 32
Entry requirements 34 To arrange an informal visit or online
Applying for the course 36
chat contact Denise Magson
Costs and funding 38 Visit: http://bit.ly/28MsQfW
Introductory Events 39 Call: (0) 1904 343309
How the College is run 40
Email: denisemagson@nca.ac.uk
How to find us 42

Online reference
Wherever you see a QR code, use your scanner app on
your smartphone or mobile device to find out more.

*subject to validation
3
 Introduction
from our College Principal Richard Blackwell
I know very well from my own experience in practice (and as
a patient) just how powerful Chinese herbal medicine is. The
theory and practice of this medicine is a summation of the
experience of practitioners going back over two millennia.
They carefully observed the actions of many hundreds of
herbs and their synergistic combinations in formulae, and
matched the formulae to the patterns they diagnosed. This
enables us as Chinese medicine practitioners to carefully
select the best formula for each patient, and then to adapt
it to match the individual’s requirements as precisely as
possible. The therapeutic power of this process is, of course,
the reason why this tradition of medicine has thrived through
the centuries and spread throughout the world. Throughout
history Chinese medicine has evolved in response to new
discoveries and new challenges, and in recent times this
evolution has included new understandings from scientific
research into herbs and formulae. Practitioners are able
to draw on all the richness of this long-lived tradition of
medicine, from its roots in pre-Han history to its current
flowering in the modern age, to benefit a huge variety of
patients and conditions.

4
Many acupuncturists are keen to learn how to use Chinese We further support you by using assessments, such as open
herbal medicine, to enhance and extend their current book exams, which test your grasp of how to work with the
acupuncture practice. The challenge is how to do so in a broad body of knowledge (ancient and modern) that you’ll
way that is accessible and affordable, whilst also of the high engage with on the course. We’re interested in helping you
quality required to enable you to be both safe and clinically to develop an effective way of working with herbs in your
effective. The NCA course is designed with these challenges clinic, rather than simply testing your short term memory.
in mind. There is enough weekend-based classroom
I hope this prospectus will inspire you to join us on our
contact, supported by high quality e-learning resources
Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine. I know
and home study, to ensure you gain confidence in your
your patients will be glad you did.
knowledge. The e-learning resources make learning the
basics easier, and you can revisit them as much as you like,
Richard Blackwell
and the e-learning is supported by online discussion forums
College Principal
with fellow students and your tutors. Most crucial of all,
there is plenty of hands-on experience in our teaching clinic,
and this is not just about students observing a practitioner at
work – it is about you the student taking cases and writing
your own prescriptions, with expert guidance from our
highly experienced supervisors. By providing this engaged
clinical experience for you, and combining it with teaching
from our expert team of NCA tutors, supplemented further
by our guest tutors, we ensure that you are fully ready and
able to practise when you qualify. You will be launched into
practising as a fully-fledged Chinese medicine practitioner,
with the confidence you need, and with the knowledge that
there is additional support available from us at this stage if
required.

5
 The Northern College of Acupuncture York
York is an exciting city and a great place to study! It has a lot to offer including
plenty of accommodation, shopping, restaurants, coffee bars, cinemas and all the
amenities you would expect. Step out of our front door and you are right in the
heart of the historic centre.
The College
Established in 1988 (we celebrated our 30 years anniversary in 2018) the Northern College
of Acupuncture is an independent teaching College as well as a registered educational
charity. Since the early days the College has gone from strength to strength and we now
educate acupuncturists, practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition practitioners and
complementary therapists. Our thriving and well respected teaching clinic offers acupuncture,
Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional advice to the local community.

Pioneering
We are proud to be pioneers in our industry! We were the first teaching institution of any kind
in the UK to offer a University degree in acupuncture, the first to offer a University degree in
Chinese herbal medicine, and the first to achieve professional accreditation for our acupuncture
courses, Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional therapy courses.

Read more about the College

https://bit.ly/2HX2hLz

Research focussed
The College has a strong focus on promoting research activity. As well as our MSc programmes,
in 1990 we also established our research wing the Foundation for Research into Traditional
Chinese Medicine (FRTCM), having foreseen the need to carry out robust research into the
value of these therapies. The Foundation was originally established as a separate charity and later
incorporated into the College (in 2011). We run outcomes research in our teaching clinics and
collaborate on larger clinical research studies with regional Universities.

Read more about the FRTCM

www.frtcm.org

6
 Take a virtual tour of the College
https://bit.ly/2zqY1N8

Our building
Beloved by staff, students, graduates and patients the College and clinics are housed in an elegant Georgian town
house with sweeping staircases, high ceilings and airy rooms. It was adapted to our purpose by the York Conservation
Trust in 2000 and houses both the College and the teaching clinics.
We have three large teaching rooms, an extensively stocked library, IT
facilities, kitchen facilities, a small outside area and a car park for the clinic.
The ground floor clinic has treatment rooms, reception and a waiting area, Aberdeen

and there are staff offices and more treatment rooms on the top floors.

Easy to get to Glasgow

Edinburgh

Newcastle

York is on the main East coast train line that links London with Edinburgh
York
and there are excellent links by rail to every major city in the country. We
are about a 5 minute walk from the station.
Manchester

Peterborough

How to find us
https://bit.ly/2AHbOkc London

7
 About Chinese herbal medicine

What is Chinese herbal medicine? As in acupuncture, there is an art

Chinese herbal medicine, which goes back 3,000 years,
is one of the great herbal systems in world medicine. It
has continually developed to respond to changing clinical
conditions and more recently has been sustained and
enhanced by research into every aspect of how it is used.
For centuries Chinese herbal medicine has had a great
influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East
and it still forms a major part of healthcare in China where it
is provided in state hospitals alongside Western medicine.
More recently it has grown in popularity in the West.
to the creation of a balanced (and
elegant) herbal formula which matches
the patient’s disharmonies, and this is
one of the pleasures of practice.
is a great deal of evidence available for Chinese herbal
medicine, including case histories and clinical outcome
studies undertaken in China and elsewhere in the Far East.
Examples of recent research in the West include studies
of the treatment of endometriosis, eczema, irritable bowel
syndrome and infertility.

Practising Chinese herbal medicine More information on the RCHM website

Like acupuncture, herbal medicine treats disease conditions www.rchm.co.uk
by focussing on the individual. The art of the herbalist is to
produce an individual formula, often derived from classical
What about the use of endangered
formulae and tailored to the patient’s individual needs. As
species?
in acupuncture there is an art to the creation of a balanced
(and elegant) formulae which matches the patient’s The RCHM co-operates closely with the public and
disharmonies, and this is one of the pleasures of practice. regulatory agencies and provides its members with detailed
information on endangered species to prevent any use of
What can herbs do? endangered species in the UK. The vast array of substances
in the Chinese ‘materia medica’ means that substitutes are
Herbal formulae can clear pathogenic factors, nourish
always available.
deficiencies, move stagnation, harmonise the qi and calm
the shen. They are extremely valuable in the treatment of
acute conditions, and equally valuable for the chronic and
complex conditions we see so much of in the West. For
acupuncturists, the addition of herbal treatment to nourish
Blood and Yin, to clear Phlegm and Damp, to move Blood
Stasis or stop bleeding can be enormously helpful. There

8
Haven’t there been adverse effects from
Chinese herbal medicines?
Most Chinese herbal medicines are extremely safe and
have a balanced effect. However, a small number of herbs
are powerful and have to be used carefully by fully trained
practitioners. Potential problems can be avoided by using
RCHM approved suppliers and keeping up to date with current
advice from the RCHM. Educating practitioners in safe practice
is a key feature of our course.

Will my patients take the herbs?

Most patients soon adapt to taking herbs as part of their
treatment. Many of them say that the more their condition
improves, the better the herbs taste! For patients unable to
prepare or take loose herbs, you can prescribe powders or
capsules instead.

Is it true that changes to EU legislation

have made it difficult for herbalists to
practise?
EU legislation, introduced a few years ago, makes it impossible
to prescribe pre-prepared (i.e. manufactured) herbal medicines
unless these are licensed for use within the EU (there are
exceptions for some herbal remedies – mostly in the western
herbal medicine tradition – that have been in long-established
use over many years). It is likely that the UK government
will retain this regulation after exit from the EU. Most pre-
prepared (‘patent’) formulas can no longer be prescribed for
this reason. However, qualified herbalists would, in any case,
naturally prefer to prescribe individually tailored prescriptions
and there is no impediment to herbalists formulating their own
prescriptions from single herbs, or powders.

9
 Why study Chinese herbal
medicine at the NCA?
Now I am qualified I feel I have
more in my repertoire and greater
confidence as a practitioner.
Hanya Chlala (herbs graduate): “I decided
to study herbs as I realised that it would further
and refine my diagnostic abilities,
as well as being able to treat areas
where perhaps acupuncture is
less effective, e.g. nourishing
Blood. Now I am qualified I feel
I have more in my repertoire
and greater confidence as a
practitioner. Adding herbs to
my practice has enabled me to
address more complex cases,
and offers the option of a daily treatment.
The teachers at the NCA were brilliant and
inspirational and very generous in imparting
information. They had many years of experience
and so I didn’t feel as though they were just
reading from Materia Medica. Studying Chinese
herbal medicine has made me review my cases in
greater depth and read research papers around
my areas of interest.”
10
Why is Chinese herbal medicine great
for your practice?
• You will be able to help patients more effectively by
combining more than one Chinese medicine discipline.
In turn this generates another income stream from your
practice.
• Herbs make treatments more effective by providing daily
support for your patients, and they are the treatment of
choice for many long-term, deep-seated conditions such
as phlegm, blood stagnation and yin deficiency.
• A combination of acupuncture and herbs increases
efficacy for patients with a wide range of difficult
conditions.
Why now?
• There is increasing interest, from both the public and
other healthcare professionals, in the potential of herbal
medicine for treating the complex chronic conditions
which are so common in the modern world.
• You will also be even more effective, with your deeper
understanding and ability to modify treatment to suit each
individual case.
Why study at the Northern College
of Acupuncture?
• The Northern College of Acupuncture has been
educating acupuncturists in Chinese herbal medicine
for over 20 years and we are proud of our reputation
 • Extensive e-learning supports your classroom and clinical
teaching, making learning the basics easier - and you can
revisit this as much as you like.
• The e-learning is backed up by online discussion forums
where you can discuss issues with fellow students and
tutors.
• The assessments are carefully designed to help you
develop as a practitioner – rather than just a student.
• You will gain essential hands-on experience in our
teaching clinic, under the supervision of Cheng Hao Zhou
and Eileen Gibbon.
• Exams are either ‘seen’, so you can work on your
for excellent teaching in a friendly and supportive responses in advance, or ‘open book’ in style. This
environment. approach closely replicates practice, so develops a
way of working that will be useful to you in the future.
• Our long-established teaching team includes many
Students have told us that this is a good way to learn, as
experienced practitioners who are all passionate about
well as being less stressful than traditional exams. We
their subject.
are interested in helping you to develop an effective way
• You will also be taught by eminent guest tutors who are
of working (rather than purely testing your short term
experts in their fields.
memory).
• The College is situated in the historic city of York which
• On successful completion of two years of study you will
has excellent rail and road links.
be awarded a Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal
Medicine and be eligible to apply to join the Register for
Why is this such a great course?
Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) and start practising.
• This is a full and thorough course which will prepare you
• You also have the opportunity to spend additional days
to practise Chinese herbal medicine confidently and
in the teaching clinic following completion of the course.
effectively.
We know new practitioners sometimes feel the need of
• Our course is designed to give you the foundations of
this and we are committed to supporting you as you go
knowledge and skills you need to become an excellent
into practice.
practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and to make the
study of herbs truly interesting and engaging.
• Weekend teaching (only 10 weekends each year),
enables you to maintain your acupuncture practice and
other commitments.
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 Accreditation and Regulation
Accreditation
The taught part of the course (the Postgraduate Diploma
element) is fully accredited by the EHTPA.
The RCHM is one of the practitioner associations that
together comprise the EHTPA, which sets requirements
for accreditation of herbal education.

European Herbal & Traditional

Medicine Practitioners
Association (EHTPA)
The EHTPA is the umbrella organisation that has
united practitioners of Western, Chinese, Ayurvedic
and Tibetan herbal medicine. The Association is
responsible for ensuring high educational standards,
and it also accredits courses in herbal medicine,
against a set of requirements and a common core
curriculum for all herbalists.
Find out more about the EHTPA:
http://bit.ly/28O7K2y
Regulation
As is the case with acupuncture, there is voluntarily
regulation of herbal medicine in the UK. The lead
professional body for practitioners of Chinese herbal
medicine is the RCHM - Register of Chinese Herbal
Medicine. As well as fulfilling this role, the RCHM has
established an approved suppliers scheme to give
assurance to both members and the public that we have
sound arrangements for supply of safe, authentic herbs.
The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine
(RCHM)
The RCHM is the lead professional body in the UK for
practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine and has about 450
members. One of its key roles is to regulate the practice
of Chinese herbal medicine. The RCHM also promotes
the value of herbal medicine to the public and provides
excellent CPD opportunities for its members. Students are
required to join the RCHM at the beginning of their training
in Chinese herbal medicine, with no charge, and will receive
a free copy of the excellent RCHM journal and access to the
members’ section of the RCHM website. Once you have
successfully completed the first two years of the course you
will be eligible to apply for entry to the register.
Find out more about the RCHM:
www.rchm.co.uk

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Student stories
If you’re a qualified acupuncturist and feel like you’re treading water, that you want to offer your patients something different, or
simply want to learn more and stand out from the crowd – then studying ‘Herbs’ at the Northern College of Acupuncture is the
perfect way to progress your career.
Matthew Symmonds (student):
“At Middlesex, I
was on the TCM
Course which
combined herbs and
acupuncture as one
degree, but I found
learning both was
proving very hard
to manage. When I moved to the
NCA to complete my studies, I
knew I’d carry on and study herbs
as it was always my plan to be
able to offer both acupuncture
and herbal medicine together. I’m
loving the course. The use of both
online e-learning, and then one
weekend a month at the College is
really helping me keep the balance
between work, study, and life.
Being back is like going back to your
roots, everyone is really friendly
and supportive. I would say it’s like
being in a family at the NCA!”
Ruth Reffell (student): “ “I graduated from the London
College of Traditional Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine in 2010, and have been
practising in various settings since. I decided
to study herbs as I believe it will be very useful
for my fertility patients, and it’s also a good
opportunity to deepen my understanding
and practice of Chinese medicine. I chose the
NCA as it offers the most comprehensive and
thorough training currently available in the country. I travel
from London for course weekends and then stay over for
clinic day on Mondays. College has organised this for me to
minimise my number of journeys, which is much appreciated.
The teaching at the NCA is first class; the staff are inspiring
and very supportive. The small group size also enables tutors
to be closely aware of individual circumstances, which adds
immeasurably to the experience. The variety of assignments
enrich the learning experience, and the shared learning with
peers is fun, stimulating, and helps to reinforce knowledge and
understanding. I believe that Chinese herbal medicine will be
a wonderful addition to my acupuncture practice. As herbs
provides a ‘continuous’ treatment, I feel I’ll be able to treat
patients more effectively and achieve results more quickly than
with acupuncture alone.”
13
 Professional Diploma
in Chinese Herbal Medicine - overview
An absolutely fascinating, well taught and well
supported course. The teaching has been at a
very high standard and I feel very privileged to
have been taught by such knowledgeable and
experienced practitioners/lecturers/researchers.
Summary
First Year Second Year
10 weekends 10 weekends
Our Professional Diploma
in Chinese Herbal Medicine
Our Chinese herbal medicine course is designed to make
the study of Chinese herbal medicine truly interesting and
engaging. It is an integrated course where from day one
you will learn key herbs, simple formulae containing them,
and some of the diseases they treat. By studying the herbs,
formulae and diseases together you learn to “speak the
language” and make clinical sense right from the start. The
course also integrates study of plant science and herbal
research into your study of herbs and formulae, giving these
subjects a clear clinical relevance. Classroom lectures are
interleaved with group exercises, work on real case studies,
and discussions on various aspects of herbal medicine. This
infuses the theory with real life clinical application, illustrating
the practical use of herbs and the integration of herbal
treatment into acupuncture practice.

Herbs and Formulae

Managing Diseases
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Conditions
in Context

Clinic 1
Clinic 2
(9 weekdays in clinic)
(20 weekdays in clinic)

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Our teaching clinic
Close integration between classroom and clinic is built into the
curriculum. From Year 1 you will be experiencing the realities
of herbal practice, hands-on in our teaching clinic, which
serves the local community. A wide spectrum of patients and
conditions are treated. You will treat about four patients per
day, providing a range of clinical experience, and keeping time
for case discussion. You will work under the supervision of
herbs clinic supervisor Cheng Hao Zhou and Eileen Gibbon
our Course Director, who both have well-deserved reputations
as excellent practitioners and teachers. During your two
years our aim is for you to build a thorough understanding of
the practicalities of Chinese herbal medicine diagnosis and
dispensing enabling you to go into practice with confidence
and finesse.
The course structure and progression
This is a part-time course with weekend classes, held between
September and June over two years for the taught part of the
course and consists of 20 weekends of teaching plus 29 days
of clinical practice. A new course begins every other year
with the next course starting in September 2019. Non clinical
teaching takes place on weekends from late September to
early July, with a short break over Christmas and Easter and
a long break over the summer; e-learning is integrated into
the curriculum and can largely be fitted in to suit your own
schedule. There are also a few online sessions where students
join “real time” discussions with a tutor. All clinical teaching
takes place on weekdays in the College clinic (Mondays and
occasionally Tuesdays in the first year and Mondays and
Tuesdays thereafter). Clinic days are scheduled well in advance
and student preferences are taken into account.
Izzy Cherry (Herbs Graduate): “I
decided to add Chinese herbal
medicine to my practice as I felt
there were certain conditions I was
not satisfied with the results given
by acupuncture alone - dermatology
was the main area. I chose NCA as it
had a good reputation for giving a thorough baseline
training without skipping too much by making it a 1
year course. Two years is really the minimum time
needed. The best part for me was reviewing and
expanding my TCM knowledge, diagnostics and then
having a whole new toolkit of herbs to work from,
using this in the supervised clinic was very exciting!
Since graduation herbs has become a large part of
my practice and I have now joined a wonderful CHM
centre (Avicenna) full time, seeing a much wider
range of conditions that I would have previously
referred. I have gone on to have intensive mentoring
with Mazin Al-Khafaji including undertaking his
PgDip in Dermatology and Chinese Medicine. My
practice has now become fully integrated with herbal
medicine, my skill set has grown, and my turnover of
patients has quickened as I am able to treat them with
more efficiency and discharge them! I am delighted
to have fallen in love with herbs and am excited about
gaining more experience with them over the years,
and I am pleased that I chose NCA.”
Access the 2019/20 course dates here:
https://bit.ly/2T4dL12
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 Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine - overview continued...
E-learning
Part of your course is delivered by e-learning - a series of
lectures that you access at home via your computer. These
sessions are engaging and are integrated into the course,
preparing you for your subsequent teaching weekends.
Don’t worry if you have not accessed this kind of learning
before, you will receive all the support and help you need
to use our online resources confidently. Some sessions
have a specific ‘live’ period of one to two weeks, during
which you can complete the session at home, at a time that
suits you. The tutor will be online periodically during ‘live’
periods to provide feedback and answer questions. All the
e-learning sessions remain available to watch, for revision
purposes, throughout the duration of the course. Students
are required to have access to a computer which needs to
be compatible with our e-learning environment. See online
link below.
Take a look at a herbs e-learning
taster session:
https://bit.ly/2R5puuu
16
Check your computer is compatible
with our e-learning environment:
http://bit.ly/1JOOyOq
Home study
Home study supports the formal teaching given at weekends
and in the teaching clinic. There is a requirement for a
substantial amount of home study to consolidate your
assimiation of material covered in class and in online
e-learning sessions, as well as to benefit a course studied
at Masters level and leading to a professional qualification.
The exact amount necessary will vary between individuals,
but we recommend three hours of home study to each hour
spent in College or engaged in e-learning and one hour to
every hour spent in clinic.
Assessment
Assessment on our course encourages and supports your
learning, and is designed to ensure that you reach the
academic and professional standards required. Assessments
include written assignments, clinic worksheets, reflective
work, and exams. Exams are either ‘seen’, so you can work
on your responses in advance, or ‘open book’ in style. This
approach closely replicates practice, so develops a way of
working that will be useful to you in the future. Students
have told us that this is a good way to learn, as well as being
less stressful than traditional exams. The assessment of
clinical work includes an assessment of your ability to devise
a suitable treatment strategy and prescribe appropriately;
your competence in dispensing techniques; and your overall
management of your patients’ care.
Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine Year One

What our students have to say

The Chinese developed a fantastic about their first year
system over many thousands of
years and to aspire to approach
mastery of this wonderful medicine “A real gift
you need to study all of it. and joyous
experience.” “Clinic has been
excellent, and the clinic
Year One is an exciting time during which you will supervisor is an excellent
be introduced to the key herbs & formulae which tutor and incredibly
knowledgeable.”
will form the backbone of your practice. The herbs
are introduced via short e-learning segments which
“The most rewarding
have proved very popular with students as you can aspect of the first year
revisit these as often as you like and the engaging is that the knowledge
audio-visual style helps the information sink in. The of herbs and formulae
has really increased my
formulae are introduced in class where the constituent confidence in clinic.”
herbs are revisited alongside case examples which
make the material memorable. All of this comes alive
in clinic where you will experience the application to
real patients. We believe in the value of ‘learning by “A challenging and stimulating
doing’, so you will be ‘hands on’ in clinic – sharing the year and I am really looking
lead on patient consultations with other students and forward to year two. Really
taking part in discussion of the diagnosis and treatment enjoying my cohort and
strategy. Rest assured, though, that in Year One you spending time with like-
will have strong support and direction from the clinic minded practitioners.”
supervisor in deciding on the herbal prescription
actually given.

17
 Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine Year One
Herbs and Formulae - Year One
This module covers a core set of classical formulae and
the properties of their constituent herbs, along with the
principles on which treatment is based (including the
root and manifestation of disease; normal and contrary
treatment; treating disease according to the season,
environment and individual) and the methods or strategies
(Sweating, Draining Downward, Harmonising, Warming,
Clearing, Reducing, Tonifying - focussing on those which are
most applicable clinically). You will cover:
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• Basic principles of Chinese herbal medicine
• Classical and modern sources
• Key treatment strategies and formulae including :
- Tonify Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang
- Regulate Qi, invigorate Blood, harmonise
- Clear Damp (drain, dry and transform)
- Clear Heat (clear Damp Heat, clear Fire Toxins, cool
Blood, drain Fire)
- Resolve Phlegm
- Stop cough and wheezing
- Calm the Shen
- Stabilise and bind
- Extinguish Wind and stop tremors
- Release the Exterior
- Clear Wind (and Wind-Cold-Damp)
- Warm the Interior and expel Cold
- Food stagnation
- Exterior treatments (creams, washes, liniments and
medicated plasters)
At the end of the module you will be able
to design safe, effective and appropriate
individualised treatment plans suitable for
complex cases, based upon classical formulae and
the above principles and methods.
 Clinic - Year One
This module comprises your first experience of the clinical
practice of Chinese herbal medicine and includes 9 days
in the herbs teaching clinic. You will have the opportunity
to extend your clinical skills under close supervision –
including:
• Developing herbal treatment strategies

Chinese Herbal Medicine in Context - • Prescribing major classical formulae with modifications
Year One • Dispensing herbal medicines
This module gives you the opportunity to integrate your • Undertaking dispensary management
developing thinking on Chinese herbal medicine with the
You will also have the opportunity to reflect on incorporating
modern context within which it is practised, including the
developmental elements related to your learning on the
perspectives of biological and medical sciences. The content
herbs course within your personal development plan.
comprises:
At the end of the module you will be able
• Key aspects of plant science (with a focus on clinically
to formulate safe, appropriate prescriptions
relevant aspects such as potential herb/drug/food
based on classical formulae, modifying these
interactions)
as appropriate as treatment progresses, and
• The basics of modern nutrition demonstrate competency in dispensary
• Dispensing, quality assurance, and the legal framework skills and management.
for practice
• The opportunity to refresh your research skills in relation
to key safety aspects such as evaluating adverse events
reports
At the end of the module you will be able to bring
your knowledge base to bear on formulating
proposals for safe practice and quality assurance.
This knowledge base will also underpin your
ability to critically evaluate emerging research
and risk-benefit issues in relation to
Chinese herbal medicines.

19
 Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine Year Two

Banni Koviely (Graduate):

“ I realised in my day to day work that there are
areas where acupuncture is not enough. Having
been treated with herbs myself I knew that
they could be very beneficial and so
I decided that it made a lot of sense
for me to do the MSc so that I could
include herbs in the treatment that I
offered. I decided to go to the NCA
because of its great reputation. The
way the course is run with sessions
once a month also fitted in well with my busy
life as a practitioner. This meant I could continue
working while I was studying. I was attracted by
the e-learning dimension of the course and my
expectations have been more than satisfied. I
During Year Two you will encounter some additional
find it great as it allows me to work at my own
herbs & formulae and also revisit the herbs and
pace. It has refined my diagnostic abilities
formulae from Year One through the lens of a range
and in the future I will be able to treat cases
of diseases and conditions, thereby deepening,
where acupuncture alone is not adequate to
get the best results. I would recommend the extending and embedding your knowledge and
NCA course enthusiastically because it is very understanding of the application of Chinese herbal
well taught, the pace is good, the tutors very medicine. Once again, this comes alive in clinic where
effective and the on-line dimension allows there is supervisor support throughout. You will
me to learn at my own pace. In addition, the have the opportunity to increasingly take the lead in
clinical sessions are extremely valuable. All in managing treatment, so you can develop confidence
all, the course has helped me to become a much to practise independently.
better practitioner and I’m looking forward to
qualifying so that I can put my new skills to use.”

20
Managing Disease and Conditions -
Year Two
This module offers you the opportunity to refine and
deepen your understanding of herbs and formulae. You will
consider individualised treatments using Chinese herbal
medicine for specific diseases and conditions and have the
opportunity to integrate a theoretical approach with the
complex and uncertain idiosyncrasies of clinical practice.
You will also have the opportunity to critique relevant clinical
and pharmacological research and to critically examine the
appropriate and creative application of classical and modern
theories of Chinese herbal medicine to conditions and
diseases that are prevalent in the West including:
Major disease categories and conditions including:
• Gynaecological problems
• Infertility
• Respiratory problems
• Digestive disorders
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Mental / emotional disorders
• Endocrine disorders (diabetes & thyroid)
• Fluid and blood disorders
• Fatigue
• Headache & migraine
• Skin diseases
• Auto immune disease
Principles of management of less commonly seen
disease categories and conditions:
• Urinary conditions, including disorders of the prostate
• Neurological disorders
• Eye diseases
Supportive treatment for:
• Auto-immune conditions
• Cancer
• Metabolic disorders
At the end of the module you will be able to draw on
ancient and modern approaches to Chinese herbal
medicine to devise appropriate herbal treatment
strategies. You will also be able to underpin this by
using your research skills to source and appraise
information relevant to whichever disease you are
considering.
Clinic 2 - Year Two
This module includes 20 days in the herbs teaching clinic and offers
you the opportunity to expand your range of clinical skills under
supervision, including applying diagnostic and clinical reasoning to
formulate appropriate treatment strategies for complex cases and
to prescribe individualised herbal formulae tailored to the condition
of the patient. You will have the opportunity to deepen your
understanding and flexibility in applying Chinese herbal medicine
in practice.

• Paediatrics At the end of the module you will be able to establish

safe and sustainable practice in the prescribing and
dispensing of a comprehensive range of individualised
formulae, including appraising and minimising the
potential for herb-drug interactions.

21
 Student stories
Our students tell you what they love
about studying herbs at the NCA
Eca Brady: “I decided to study herbs as I
have a mentor who highly recommended
the College. The tutors who teach on this
course are extremely knowledgeable and
very willing to share that knowledge, and
that is fantastic! It is well organised and fits
in well with my life. The fact that I have two
children and a family to look after and the
fact that I can come in once a month, works
very well for me.”
Hear more from Eca
http://bit.ly/291rxzF
22
Banni Koviely: “I find this herbs course
very convenient because I can attend at the
weekend which means I can carry on with my
clinic. The great thing about e-learning is that
you can go over things time and time again –
this is useful for people like me who don’t have
much of a memory. I am enjoying learning the
formulae and herbs most, the Chinese part of
it, and I find it amazing about what they do and
how they work together.”
Hear more from Banni
http://bit.ly/290wqpS
Jude Blair: “I did my acupuncture training at
the NCA and had a wonderful time! I live fairly
close so it was a conveniently located course for
me. However, even if it was 120 miles away I
would still come to the NCA as it has really high
standards of teaching and the clinic is marvellous
for getting to know how to treat patients first
hand. I was worried about e-learning as I am a
bit of a “technophobe”- however the technical
support from the NCA is brilliant. I find all the
tutors here inspiring – Andrew Flower’s teaching
on urinary tract infections was absolutely
phenomenal. Since this session I have gone
off and studied this condition in more depth. I
even went along to a local group of sufferers of
interstitial cystitis infections and talked to them
about coming for acupuncture and Chinese herbal
medicine and have built up some new patients in
my own clinic on the back of this.”
Hear more from Jude
http://bit.ly/290w9Dv
Phil Trubshaw: “I am really enjoying
the course and I am particular enjoying
the teaching clinic. I have already had
some successes with patients in clinic with
dermatological skin conditions. When I finish,
in the short term I plan to practise using a
dispensing service, but in the long term I
would like my own dispensary. If you are
considering studying herbs I would say go
for it! This course has really enhanced my
practice already- just from deepening my
understanding of diagnostics and Chinese
medicine, and it has brought a different
dimension to my practice. If you are
interested in studying herbs - dive in and get
involved!”
Hear more from Phil as a
qualified herbal practitioner
https://bit.ly/2R43Uq8
23
 Fitting in the herbs course with
your life and your practice
It’s a great course. I am having
a great learning experience at a pace
that is feasible for someone who has
a busy life with work and family.
Students studying on our Professional Diploma
in Chinese Herbal Medicine have busy lives, and
fitting the course in around work, family and other
commitments is an important consideration. Our
course is long established, but it’s not static – our
experienced teaching team is continually developing
the course to ensure that it’s manageable for our
students.
24
How we help you to maintain a balance
• Our e-learning programme is structured to help you to
study herbs in a highly flexible way, whenever it suits you.
All you need is an internet connection and you can study at
home, in clinic between patients, on the move – wherever
you choose.
• Clinic days are on Mondays and Tuesdays and students
who are travelling the furthest are given priority for clinic
days after weekend classroom attendance, reducing costs
and time spent travelling.
How will I be able to juggle studying alongside
classroom and other commitments?
You can study flexibly and much of the learning about herbs
and formulae works well in small chunks of time, so you can
fit it into your home and clinic routine. You will also find that
some of your time with your patients benefits your studies
– you will naturally start to think about herbal approaches
appropriate to the patients you see for acupuncture, and this
will benefit your patients by informing your diagnosis and
choice of treatment principles and acupuncture points, while
also benefitting your herbs studies by allowing you to think
about applying your learning to real cases.
What our students have to say about fitting in the course with their lives
Jude Blair (graduate): “The e-learning makes
for a flexible, 24-hour
accessible ‘springboard’ into
further herb learning and is
also very useful for revision
purposes. Also the on-line
discussion facility is useful to
keep contact with peers whilst
not in College.”
Valentina Profeta (graduate):
“I found the course easier to
manage because the lectures
were generally spaced out
leaving more time during the
week to study and work on the
assignments. I usually took one
day a week to study the herbs
and work on the assignments.
I occasionally needed to work
on a weekend but the number
of assignments set is significantly less than that
required from other courses, therefore this course
is a lot more feasible than others and left more
time to study the herbs.”
Freya Sherlock (graduate): “I have found the
addition of herbal prescriptions
to my clinic to be invaluable.
Aside from the obvious benefit
of herbal medicine to my
patients, in addition I have found
that my training in CHM has
sharpened my overall clinical skill
significantly. I now ‘think’ herbally
first and foremost, even if I do not
always prescribe herbs. There is a
diagnostic rigour required to practise CHM with an
attention to symptom detail and nuance in pathology
than can easily be overlooked when practising
acupuncture alone. CHM is now the strength in my
bow as a practitioner and in many instances I would feel
quite compromised in my ability to successfully treat
patients without it. Travelling from Ireland to attend
the course as I did, the structure of the training at NCA
made it possible for me to embark on the training.
Being monthly (not weekly as other courses were) was
a huge factor and off-setting the contact time for more
home study and e-learning was, for me, ideal.”
25
 Support for our students
Support during your training
We are committed to supporting you to
successfully complete the course. You will write
and maintain a personal development plan which
helps you to identify any support you may need
during your time with us and we will then set up
additional one-to-one input should you need it.
This might include time with one of our learning
support tutors. There is also taught input on
the skills you need to enjoy your studies and to
succeed in your assessments and, of course,
you will find your fellow students an important
source of mutual support. Studying Chinese
herbal medicine can be demanding but we will
provide you with high levels of support and
encouragement.
26
The teaching and support
from the tutors is excellent.
Lin Guo (herbs graduate): “I originally
trained at the NCA for my MSc in
Acupuncture and I decided to add the herbs
as it is a mainstream medical treatment in
China. In my personal opinion the NCA is
the best College in the UK to learn Chinese
medicine and I jumped at the chance of
studying herbs here as I knew that it would be a quality
course. During my training I really enjoyed learning from
Cheng Hao Zhou who is an experienced herbs practitioner
who graduated from Shanghai TCM Medical School.
Tutors Eileen Gibbon and Sarah Price are also fantastic. I
am currently working for a big chain Chinese company and
practise acupuncture and some Chinese herbal medicine.”

Assistance and support
for students with dyslexia
If you need to have a dyslexia assessment we will pay up
to £200, which is most of the cost of the assessment if you
book this with our provider. You will not receive this as a
separate payment, but it will be deducted from your course
fees. Once you have had your assessment you may receive
financial help that enables you to purchase learning aids
such as voice-recognition software. Some people also
receive funding for extra study help from a specialised
dyslexia support tutor. We will support you during your
studies, particularly with access to one to one sessions with
our learning support tutors. You may also have extra time
in examinations, and markers will make allowance for your
dyslexia when marking your written assignments.
You can find out more about dyslexia
assessments:
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Assistance and support
for students with disability
We work hard to support and accommodate students with
disabilities. In recent years students have trained with us
who have had problems with fatigue, visual impairment and
chronic back problems.
More information about DSA:
http://bit.ly/1zlRWtT
Support when you have qualified
Once you have successfully completed the first two years
you will be eligible to go on the register of Chinese Herbal
Medicine (RCHM), which has a structured continuous
professional development process including a mentoring
process for the early years in practice. Also, we offer our herbs
graduates the opportunity of returning to spend some extra
supervised days in our herbs clinic, which some find helpful
when first setting up in practice.
Talk to us
Please talk to us if you have any questions about disability,
dyslexia or needing particular support during your training -
we are here to help.
Speak to Denise on +44 (0) 1904 343309
or e-mail: denisemagson@nca.ac.uk
27
 Our teaching staff
The teachers were brilliant and inspirational. Let’s hear from our Tutors
They had many years of experience and so I
didn’t feel as though they were just reading
from Materia Medica.
One of our greatest assets here at the NCA is, undoubtedly,
our dedicated teaching faculty. Our herbs teaching team
is made up of experienced practitioners and teachers
who have a range of backgrounds and a huge wealth of
knowledge. They bring to their classes a range of different
Sarah Price (Course Tutor)
perspectives on ancient and modern approaches to the
“Studying Chinese herbal medicine means also
practice of Chinese herbal medicine, as well as enthusiasm
studying science and history and reflecting
and passion for their subject. As well as teaching at the
on practice. This offers opportunity for a life-
College and working in their busy practices, our staff devote
long engagement in a rich mine of knowledge
time to learning more about education, to ensure the highest
and endless possibilities to improve our skills
of teaching standards, and somehow they also find time to
as practitioners. In turn, the tools that ensue
conduct research or develop areas of expertise. The College
from study mean many more conditions can be
is very much a community of learners and our dedicated
addressed with our patients with greater success.
staff are at the heart of that community.
Becoming a Chinese herbalist is a richly satisfying
Here is what our students have to say and endlessly stimulating experience. Being part
about the teaching staff: of the teaching team at NCA is a real privilege,
because of the quality of the teaching offered by
All the tutors are others and the values of caring about the student
really dedicated, experience within the College. I have worked
The research tutor’s
helpful and willing to
teaching is brilliant. for many years with the same people here and
share their expertise
and knowledge. really appreciate their expertise and how willing
they are to share their knowledge to help in the
development of students and their education.”
Clinic is excellent – Cheng
is an excellent tutor and
incredibly knowledgeable.

28
Rebecca O’Cleirigh (Course Tutor)
“The best lessons are the ones where you get
your hands dirty, and in the absence of a College
greenhouse we did the next best thing and got
“pharmacy creative” indoors. We had a round robin
of getting hands on with many of the aspects of the
practical life of a herbalist. The students all had to
first create their own prescriptions and then to make
them up. There was a corner with fire where herbs
were being processed (pao zhi), the alcohol was in
the opposite corner for tincture making. There was a
skin cream creation station which yielded interesting
results that the brave tried upon themselves and willing
volunteers! I valued getting the opportunity to combine
theory with practical exploration of a subject, it creates
a much stronger engagement with the material for the
students and far better retention of the information as
well as making the lessons a lot of fun.”
Lara McClure (Course Tutor)
“Teaching research on the herbs course
is really enjoyable because the students
are already committed practitioners with
well-established research personalities who
are able and eager to engage in in-depth
critical debate about the evidence base for
Chinese herbal medicine. Strong cognisance
of the challenges faced within the discipline
and creative thinking about how to resolve
some of these means that the research work
undertaken by these students can be really
relevant and useful, which is very exciting for
us on the course and also for the discipline as
a whole!”

Cheng Hao Zhou (Clinic Supervisor)

“What I really enjoy about my role as Clinic Supervisor is the interaction with our students.
I also like working as part of an excellent and dedicated teaching team. All the tutors who
teach on the course are long term herbal practitioners with a wide range of experience of
research, teaching and clinical activity. The longevity and stability of our team means that
we have great depth of understanding of education and the preparation of our students
for successful practice and research.”

29
 Teaching faculty biographies
Eileen Gibbon
BA DipAc Dip CHM MBAcC
MRCHM
Course Director, Tutor and
Clinic Supervisor
Eileen has been practising acupuncture
since 1994 and Chinese herbal medicine
since 2001, graduating from the NCA.
She finds working with herbs hugely
fulfilling and interesting because of the
positive effects of herbal medicine and
because of the limitless potential for
extending and deepening approaches
to herbal treatment, combining the
ancient and the modern. She has been
lecturing in Chinese medicine for twenty
years and is a member of both the
Accreditation Board of the EHTPA and
the RCHM Council.
30
Sarah Price
PhD MSc LicAc DipCHM MBAc MRCHM
Module Leader and Tutor
Sarah has been practising Chinese medicine
since 1986, having trained with a variety of
teachers both here and in China. She has
been lecturing in Chinese herbal medicine
since 1994, and has been on the accreditation
board of the EHTPA and the BAAB. Although
much of Sarah’s research has been concerned
with traditional acupuncture she has recently
undertaken a research project exploring
Chinese herbal medicine as an intervention for
asthma. Sarah is a past Chair of the Research
Committee for the RCHM; she recently held
the position of Research Co-ordinator for
the EHTPA; and has co-written the scoping
document for all herbs research for the EHTPA;
a paper from the EHTPA for the House of
Commons Select Committee on Science and
Technology’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
inquiry, and another EHTPA report on the
evidence for herbs in the treatment of type 2
diabetes. Her recent role as honorary research
fellow at the University of Southampton has
led to ongoing work in the research of Chinese
herbal medicine for asthma.
Cheng Hao Zhou
BM (TCM, China) MBAcC MRCHM
Module Leader, Tutor and Clinic
Supervisor
Cheng was trained at the Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and qualified
in 1992 as Doctor of TCM. She worked in
the Chinese Health Service for eight years
and qualified as “Doctor-in-Charge” in
1998. She joined the NCA team in 2001 and
soon acquired a reputation as an excellent
practitioner with a sophisticated treatment
style. Cheng has worked on various modules
of NCA acupuncture and herb programmes,
and been an External Examiner for other
institutions. She provided an acupuncture
service at the James Cook University Hospital
Holistic Cancer Care Centre for more than 7
years. She is also an Accreditation Committee
member at the BAAB. Cheng’s academic
interest is on the clinical reasoning process of
TCM which includes the focus on the impact
of oriental culture, ancient Chinese philosophy
and CM classics in modern practice. She
combines a disciplined clinical approach with
an open and supportive teaching style.
 Rebecca O’Cleirigh
PhD MSc BSc (Hons) MBAcC MRHCM
Rebecca has completed TCM training both in the
UK and in China. She has a postgraduate certificate
in higher education, teaching for ten years and
practising for fifteen. She has studied Buddhist meditation, tai chi and
yoga over the last 20 years. She worked for eight years at the London
Acupuncture Clinic in Harley Street specialising in treating infertility. Her
doctorate was obtained researching the pharmacological effects of TCM
herbs on the haematological parameters that affect endometrial receptivity
following on from the years of treating fertility successfully within the clinic
setting. She is a member of the RCHM and for 10 years also served on the
RCHM Council in a range of roles.
Lara McClure
BA(Cantab) MA(Cantab) PhD PGCE
Tutor and Module Leader
Lara obtained a PhD in Medieval Studies from the
University of York in 2003 and has a special interest
in the history of medicine, religion and popular culture. She has a strong
research background and leads the Research Stream on the acupuncture
course as well as being the Acupuncture Course Director. Lara has
completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education with Middlesex
University and is a member of the British Acupuncture Accreditation
Board. In 2013 Lara undertook extensive scoping review work for the
EHTPA on the evidence base for herbal medicine.
Guest lecturers
During year two we invite guest lecturers who are
specialists in their field. In the past these have included
Mazin Al-Khafaji, Ken Lloyd and Michael McIntyre.
A regular contributor is:
Andrew Flower
PhD LicAc DipCHM MBAc MRCHM
Andrew Flower has been practising acupuncture and
Chinese herbal medicine since 1992. In addition to his
on-going private practice in London and Hove, Andrew
has also worked at the Open Road Centre for people with
drug and alcohol problems, and London Lighthouse, a
centre for people with HIV and AIDS. In 2009 Andrew
completed his PhD at The University of Southampton
exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the
treatment of endometriosis. He has published a number
of peer-reviewed papers relating to Chinese medicine
research, including two Cochrane systematic reviews. He
co-ordinated an EU project that prepared guidelines to
improve the quality of clinical trials into Chinese medicine.
In 2011 he was awarded a 5 year NIHR Post-doctoral
Fellowship to investigate Chinese herbs for the treatment
of recurrent urinary tract infections.
31
 College facilities and useful information
The library and buying books
Our library is one of the most popular rooms in the building.
It is a substantial specialist library which holds a wide
range of key texts and journals, as well as the NCA’s MSc
dissertations. There is plenty of support and assistance
available from our librarian Cath. Essential text books/
app cost about £300 in the first year, however these are
recourses that you will use and refer to constantly, as a
student and practitioner. Other recommended texts for the
Chinese herbal medicine course are available to borrow
from the library, but you may also wish to buy some of these.
We will send you the list of essential and recommended text
books for the first year, when you have accepted a place on
the course.
32
Going back to study herbs at
the NCA was like going home
- it just felt right. Good to see
familiar faces - and new ones.
Online learning resources
You will have access to a range of online resources including
our online e-learning environment which gives you access
to all course materials, discussion forums and online journals
and research papers via Alt Healthwatch, Science Direct and
AMED, as well as access to the Journal of Chinese Medicine
Article Archive.
 IT and computer access and e-learning
We have wireless internet access throughout the building
and a number of PCs for student use. You are required
to have access to a computer and this will need to be
compatible with our e-learning facility. You will need to
have word processing, e-mail and broadband and we
expect all written work to be submitted in word-processed
form via “Turnitin”, an online tool to help you improve your
academic work. Part of your course is delivered as a series
of e-learning sessions. You will receive all the support and
help you need to use our online resources confidently. NCA
e-learning sessions are optimised for PC, Mac and iPad. It is
your responsibility to ensure you have a suitably-specified
device and internet access capable of receiving and running
the e-learning sessions. If you’re considering applying,
check the IT minimum specification document below. NCA
e-learning sessions are configured to work best using the
minimum specifications for hardware and software laid
out by the College, and you are strongly recommended to
adhere to these for the duration of your course.
Check your computer is compatible
with our e-learning environment:
http://bit.ly/1JOOyOq
33
Disabled access
There is access to the whole College for students with
disabilities. We will discuss your needs with you individually to
assess how best we can support you.
Talk to our Marketing Manager Denise on
+44 (0) 1904 343309 or e-mail
denisemagson@nca.ac.uk
Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from in
York. We are centrally located with a lot of choice close to the
College including guest houses, back-packers, budget and mid-
range hotels. Many of our students stay with local families who
offer reasonably priced bed and breakfast accommodation in
their homes. Expect to pay around £20-£30 for a home stay.
See our accommodation list:
http://bit.ly/1KYh3v2
Parking
Our College car park is for staff clinic patients and disabled
students with a blue badge or special college permission. For
students there are several long stay car parks close by, with the
nearest being Nunnery Lane, and free roadside parking within
a ten minute walk. We also recommend the York Park and Ride
facilities on all the major routes into the city.
Coming by train
York is on the main East Coast line and is easily accessible by
train from most parts of the country. We are a five minute walk
from the station.
See directions and train journey times:
http://bit.ly/1K3rurZ
33
 Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
The Chinese herbal medicine course is open to both newly
qualified and experienced acupuncturists and others with a
high level of training in TCM.
For entry to the course you should:
1. Be registered with the British Acupuncture Council or
have an equivalent level of training in acupuncture
2. AND have had a training which included TCM
3. AND either have a first degree OR have a professional
qualification with relevant and responsible work
experience equivalent to degree-level learning. This will
normally be experience of practising as an acupuncturist,
or in a healthcare or complementary medicine related
field.
We provide plenty of support for those who are returning
to academic study after some time in practice. Our aim is
for you to succeed. The application process is designed to
ensure that you will thrive on the academic and practical Entry for non-BAcC members
aspects of the course, and that you will be ready and able to Non-BAcC members such as EAA/EU graduates
take on the responsibilities of a professional herbalist when in acupuncture, physiotherapists, tuina and shiatsu
you qualify. practitioners, and doctors at an advanced level of TCM
knowledge may be eligible and will be assessed on a case
by case basis. We will require documented details of your
previous training and you may be required to sit a case-
based examination.
For more information
Contact our Marketing Manager Denise on
+44 (0)1904 343309
or e-mail: denisemagson@nca.ac.uk

34
Entry for students who have already
completed some Chinese herbal medicine
training and are looking to complete
at the NCA
If you would like to transfer to the NCA from another College
or University, or if you have previously completed part of
your training and had to stop, we will work with you to
assess what level of study you have attained and how this
fits with our Chinese herbal medicine course. This is called
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Typically we will ask you
to provide transcripts and syllabus of your previous study
programme and we may ask you to complete an assessment
or sit an exam. Students who have completed a post-graduate
qualification in Chinese herbal medicine may also be able
to enter at the dissertation stage. We will guide and support
you though this process. For more information read our RPL
policy.
Read our RPL policy:
http://bit.ly/1JQwROd
EU / EEA (European Economic Area)
and overseas students
We welcome applicants from the EU / EEA. Due to visa
restrictions we are unable to accept applications from other
countries at present.
English language requirement
Communication is such an important part both of the course,
and in interactions with patients, that our students need to be
proficient in the use of spoken and written English. If English
is not your first language we will expect you to take an English
language assessment with one of the many providers such
as IELTS and Cambridge English Advanced. We normally
require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. There
may be some flexibility for native Chinese speakers which
we assess on a case by case basis.
More information on our English
language requirements:
http://bit.ly/1Nn1fDW
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As we take the safety of our patients seriously you are
required to undergo a check with the Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS). This is something that we help you
to organise in your first term before you start in clinic. Some
students will already have their DBS check in place and will
be able to bring their certificate in to the College.
More information about DBS checks:
http://bit.ly/P75iYR
Studying herbs from scratch
If you are not already an acupuncturist but wish to study
Chinese herbal medicine you will first need to complete
your acupuncture training with us, or another institution
accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board.
This will give you the thorough grounding in traditional
Chinese medicine that you will need to progress onto a
herbs course.
Visit the NCA acupuncture course
prospectus pages:
http://bit.ly/28PtGwH
35
 Applying for the course
Interviews
If you are not an NCA graduate we will ask you to attend
an interview. Our interviews have been designed to enable
us to explore in more detail your interest in studying here
and how the skills and experience you have will support
you in successfully completing the course. This will also be
your opportunity to ask any questions, and to ensure that
the NCA is right for you. Your interview will last around 45
minutes and you will be interviewed by two senior members
of the College staff in a friendly and informal atmosphere. If
you are successful we will offer you a place within a week of
interview.

Read a summary of the process

between application and offer:
http://bit.ly/1UygIVX

Read a summary of the process

between offer and registration:
http://bit.ly/28NM3yW
To apply for our Professional Diploma in Chinese Herbal
Medicine you will need to complete and submit the
online application form. We will acknowledge receipt of
your application and, if your application is successful, we
will contact you to organise your interview, which is the
next stage in the process. If you wish, you can request
an interview on the afternoon of attending one of our
introductory events - please let us know when you apply.
If you are an NCA graduate you will need to apply but we
won’t normally need to interview you.

Access our application form:

http://bit.ly/1MenF8T
36
 Equal Opportunities
The College is committed to providing equal opportunities
Jude Blair (graduate): “Although my acupuncture for all eligible applicants.
degree at the NCA equipped me well for practice I
wanted to consolidate and extend my
Read our equal opportunities policy:
knowledge and skills in order to give http://bit.ly/1VKB2R8
the best possible treatment to each and
every one of my patients. I decided to
study herbs not only because it would RPL and exemptions
provide me with additional ways of If you have already undertaken some training or have
treating my patients, but also because experience in Chinese herbal medicine, and particularly
I enjoy testing myself academically. I if this was at postgraduate level, you may be eligible for
certainly have not been disappointed on that score! recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you have prior learning
As well as an excellent e-learning programme which in an area such as plant chemistry or research you may be
provides a foundation to the course, there are teaching eligible for exemption from some attendance in the first year.
weekends where there is face-to-face contact with
For more information about entry requirements
tutors and peers. There are many aspects of the course
Contact our Marketing Manager Denise on
which I have found rewarding – working with peers
+44 (0) 1904 343309
and learning to formulate prescriptions for patients
or e-mail: denisemagson@nca.ac.uk
in the teaching clinic and observing the progress of
the patients over the weeks and months; the sense of
achievement at successfully completing assignments at Read our RPL policy:
http://bit.ly/1JQwROd
post-graduate level and being taught by and engaging
with lecturers whose work I have studied in books and
journals. Students have access to top quality teaching Closing date
and receive outstanding support from IT and library The closing date for applications in 2019 is the 31st August.
staff, in the teaching clinic and pastorally. Students Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis,
are also privileged to receive teaching from world depending on availability.
renowned practitioners, lecturers and researchers in
CHM. The NCA has a wonderfully welcoming and
friendly atmosphere and a well-deserved reputation
as a centre of excellence in academic attainment and
research. I would recommend the course to anyone
who is wholeheartedly committed to broadening and
deepening their knowledge of Chinese medicine.”
37
 Costs and funding
Course fees
You can choose to pay your course fees in 9 installments
each year for two years by direct debit or receive a 2%
discount by paying in a lump sum.

View our 2019/20 fees:

https://bit.ly/2BuhGNW

Students fund their studies by:

• Using savings
• Combining study with work
• Taking out a bank loan

Financial help from your employer

If you are employed by an organisation such as the NHS
and the herbs course is related to your job, it is possible,
though unusual, that you may be able to get your employer
to sponsor you. It may help to present the idea as a business
case, emphasising the benefits to them. In large companies,
the human resources or training department may have
information about any funding schemes. If your employer
cannot provide funding, they may be willing to offer paid or
unpaid study leave.
Talk to us
Funding the course can be of the main
considerations for our students. We would
encourage you to talk to us if you have any
questions or concerns about how you will be able to
fund your studies.

Other ideas Call our Marketing Manager Denise on:

Our students have been creative about finding ways to +44 (0) 1904 343309
help finance their studies. Some have approached family
or send an e-mail to:
members for interest-free loans or released equity from their
denisemagson@nca.ac.uk
properties. Others take out a bank loan to help to fund the
course.

38
Introductory events
If someone is considering herbs I would say - go ahead - it will give you a
deeper understanding of TCM, broaden your scope to practise and in turn
you will have a busier practice.
Looking at our website and reading our prospectus will Informal visits
give you a flavour of what it is like to study with us, but If you are unable to attend a full day event we warmly invite
nothing beats seeing for yourself. We offer a range you to arrange an informal visit at a mutually convenient time
of ways to connect with us and find out more: (Friday is the best day for us). During the visit, which lasts a
couple of hours, you will look round the College and have
Full day events your questions answered. You will also visit the herbs clinic
These events are the best way to find out if room and meet Herbs Clinic Supervisor Cheng Hao Zhou,
studying Chinese herbal medicine at the NCA is and talk to Course Director Eileen Gibbon or Principal Richard
right for you. During the day you will meet our Blackwell. Please ensure that you book your date at least
Course Director Eileen Gibbon and Clinic Supervisor one month in advance to enable us to make the necessary
Cheng Hao Zhou and hear all about the course. You arrangements. If you have applied in advance we may be able
will also get to talk to current herbs students and to arrange your interview on the same day.
find out from them what it’s like as an NCA herbs
Online chat with Course Director
student. A delicious lunch is provided. Eileen Gibbon
If you are enquiring with us from further afield in the UK
or from Europe we can also arrange for you to have your
questions answered via an online “Skype for Business” call
with our Course Director Eileen Gibbon.

Book an introductory event :

https://bit.ly/2HrDUFI

Contact our Marketing Manager Denise

Magson to arrange an informal visit or online
call on +44 (0) 1904 343309
or e-mail: denisemagson@nca.ac.uk

39
 How the College is run
Our staff work hard to look after our students
and make sure everyone is supported.

College Principal - Richard Blackwell

“I have been in post as the head of the College since 1998 and head
up a really dedicated team. I am in charge of the day-to-day running
of the College backed up by members of the management team
and all the staff. The College is overseen by a Board of Trustees,
a voluntary group of people from a variety of backgrounds and
expertise who provide knowledge and experience to help steer the
College. As a student on our Nutrition Science and Practice course
you will mostly see your tutors, the College administration staff and
the clinic staff. Students also have their say and each cohort chooses
a student representative whose job is to feed back their group’s
thoughts and ideas to the teaching team, with whom they meet on
a regular basis. As we are a registered charity any profit made goes
straight back into the College.”

The Board of Directors/Trustees

The College is managed by a Board of Directors which ensures
that everything we do is in line with our philosophy and charitable
objectives, and is the final decision making body for all strategic
and major financial decisions.

Members of the Board

Prof. Hugh McPherson (Chair) PhD FBAcC
David Lipman MA MBE
Nicolas Haines – MSc
Graham Webb - FCIM, FCMI, FISM, FSSSM, Life F.IPFM, FRSA, Assoc CIPD.
Jenni Flanders – MSc
David Jay FCA
Helen Thomas - BA MA RSA Dip TEFLA FRSA
Eamonn Anderson - BSc(Econ) FCA
40
 College administration

Marketing and Facilities Manager, IT Administrator, College Administrator,

Denise Magson RGN Finance Manager,
David Laverick Marie Clarkson
Daphne Smith
“I am responsible for marketing and “I look after the College’s IT “I provide the administration
student recruitment, and look after the “I manage the accounts, financial
needs and development.” for the College.”
building and equipment.” planning, payroll and course fees.”

Abby Forman Courses Administrator, Librarian and Receptionist,

Admin Support Linda Johnson Cath Mortimer PhD E-learning Editor,
“I provide support “I am the College librarian and a Tom Laverick
“I provide the administration
to the administration for the courses and organise learning support tutor. I manage “I produce the e-learning
team.” student clinic days.” the personal tutor system and offer sessions.”
students learning support.”

Reception Team Leader, Receptionist, Receptionist, Receptionist,

Michelle Bowie Adele Dyson Viv Chamberlain-Kidd Jade Richards

“I run the teaching clinic “I am a clinic receptionist.” “I am a clinic receptionist.” “I am a clinic receptionist.”
reception.”

41
 How to find us
York is easily accessible from all over the UK Aberdeen

By Rail
York is on the main East coast train line that links London with
Edinburgh and there are excellent links by rail to every major city Edinburgh
Glasgow
in the country. The College is a 5 minute walk from the station.
Rail journey times:
Newcastle
London 2 hours
Edinburgh 2 hours 30 minutes York
Glasgow 3 hours 32 minutes
Peterborough 1 hour 15 minutes
Manchester 1 hour 15 minutes Manchester

Newcastle 1 hour

Peterborough
By Bus
Buses to York either terminate at York Station, a 10 minute
walk, or Rougier Street which is just round the corner. London

By Car
Approaching York from the A19 (North)
From the A19 turn right at the traffic lights at Clifton Green.
Cross over Clifton Bridge and keep straight on till the 3rd set of
lights where you turn left into Poppleton Road. Follow this road
into the town centre. At the lights at the end of Holgate Road
turn left and follow ‘all routes’.
Approaching York from the A59 (North and West)
Go straight on at the roundabout just after Wyvale Garden
Centre and follow Poppleton Road into the town Centre. At the
lights at the end of Holgate road turn left and follow ‘all routes’.
Approaching York from the A64 (South and West)
From the A64 take the exit signed York West (A1036), then turn
left at the 2nd and 3rd set of traffic lights and follow the city
centre signs. You will pass the racecourse on your right keep
going straight ahead and follow ‘all routes’.
All routes
As you approach the city walls turn right for the Nunnery Lane
car park or turn left for a cheaper one close to the railway station
on Queen Street, next to Fleetways taxi office. Walk back
to the traffic lights and through the medieval archway called
Micklegate Bar. The College is 300 yards along Micklegate in
a Georgian terrace (between two medieval churches) on the
right hand side of the road.
Please allow yourself enough time to find a parking space.
York can be very busy especially in school holidays and
on race fixture days.

42
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Park and Ride Scheme By Air

If you are driving we recommend using one of the park and ride The College is within easy reach of Leeds Bradford Airport and
facilities situated on all the major routes into the city. This is a from here you can take a bus to Leeds and then a train to York –
cheap and quick service that will drop you at the railway station or a 45 minute journey by Taxi.
which is a 10 minute walk to the College.
Useful websites to help you plan your journey:
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Find out the best park and ride
for your route: www.york.gov.uk/parking
https://bit.ly/2CEAiZE www.theaa.com/routeplanner
www.nationalexpress.com

43
 The Northern College of Acupuncture
Telephone: +44 (0) 1904 343309
Email: info@nca.ac.uk
61 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LJ
www.nca.ac.uk

NCAYORK @YorkNCA nca_york