Research is a key activity at this College, amongst both students of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and staff. The research and reflective practice programme studied by acupuncture degree students encourages them to develop research skills and a problem-solving and holistic approach to their practice. They carry out clinical observations on patients for 30 hours a year and also study different research paradigms and techniques, including orthodox research and reflective practice. This culminates in the submission of a final-year research dissertation which is a significant part of the degree.

Integrating research and reflective practice at all levels within our courses helps make it become part of the mindset of our graduates. It allows them to become articulate practitioners who can engage with others within and outside the profession, and know how to keep up to date with research as it is published.

During the third year clinical programme acupuncture students carry out an audit of patients' responses to treatment, administered by the Oriental Medicine Research Trust (OMRT). Participating in this descriptive clinical audit and outcome study helps students to develop a reflective attitude towards their practice. They are also helping establish a body of evidence that will shed light on the effectiveness of acupuncture.