Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine

About the Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine double degree

UWS offers a route to a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine that is highly regarded for its emphasis on seeking and applying evidence and, now, for its Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine degree.

The strong research base in traditional Chinese medicine and complementary medicine has given UWS an international reputation, enabling the University to attract high-quality, experienced staff from around Australia and overseas, and to arrange an intensive clinical placement in China. The emphasis on evidence that is a feature of the UWS Health Science courses also increases both the quality of graduates' work and their professional standing.

At UWS, students can utilise complementary medicine analysis laboratories and medical school facilities, as well as library resources that span traditional Chinese, complementary and Western medicine.

UWS has developed an innovative integrated suite of health science courses. The integration between the courses allows some options at the end of the first year for you to transfer between the various streams if you meet the criteria, with advanced standing for the subjects (units) that you have completed.

Note that transfer places to some streams may be very limited and competitive, and transferring may extend the duration of the degree.

Also, if you enrol for the combined Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine but decide to leave at the end of the third year, assuming you have successfully completed all of the first three years, you can be awarded a Bachelor of Health Science (but be aware that you would have to re-apply to re-enter the Masters program). 

Practical Experience

Students have 900 hours of clinical experience. In third and fourth years they undertake at least 250 hours at the UniClinic, the onsite clinical training facility at UWS, and 250 hours of placements at external clinics, for insight into the operation of a clinic as well as clinical experience.

A highlight of fourth year is the opportunity for 400 hours of experience at a leading hospital in China to build clinical skills and competence. UWS staff make arrangements and accompany students to the hospital site, and the hospital provides experienced clinical supervisors and interpreters. Students contribute financially to this placement. Alternative local arrangements are available if required in special cases. 

Duration

Four years full-time. You may choose to study with a reduced load, but classes are not offered in the evening. The professional practice placements require full-time attendance.

A Career in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners are usually either self employed in private practice or work as a member of a team in a clinic that offers a range of therapies. They practise as acupuncturists and treat clients using Chinese herbal medications.

The knowledge you can gain at UWS opens up other opportunities in product development, management and sales roles in pharmaceutical and herbal companies, and conducting medical research. Consultancy roles are now taking advantage of the Internet, to provide healthcare advice online in such increasingly important areas as chronic diseases and ageing.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.