Students at this College come from a very wide variety of backgrounds, age groups and walks of life. The minimum age for applicants is normally 21, although the College may accept younger applicants in exceptional cases. The average age of students at the College is 36, most being between the ages of 25 and 55.

Our students bring many different skills and life experiences with them to their studies. Some are already qualified in another form of medicine - for instance they are doctors, vets, physiotherapists, nurses, or radiographers. Others are qualified practitioners of other complementary therapies such as shiatsu, chiropractic, massage or aromatherapy. Many applicants have no prior training in any form of medicine, but come with other skills and experience that can be extremely useful to them as students and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Read what our students say about studying here

Video 2: What our students say
Video 3: What our graduates say

What are their motives for studying?

In order to be accepted as a student at the College applicants must show that they have a genuine desire to help and care for people. As well as having this desire, we have discovered that people choose to become acupuncturists or Chinese herbalists for other reasons, some of which we list below. People tend to come to us with several key motivations.

The experience of treatment Many people become acupuncturists or Chinese herbalists having experienced the benefits of treatment. This inspires them to use this system of medicine to help others. Over 90% of our applicants have had acupuncture treatment themselves before embarking on the course.

Seeing others helped by treatment Some people have seen how effective acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are for treating a wide variety of conditions in others. Often they have seen members of their family or friends grow and develop personally and gain better health from being treated with acupuncture or Chinese herbs. This inspires them to begin training.

Career change Another common reason for applying to become a practitioner is a desire to change career. People who train at the College are usually mature students who feel drawn to become part of a new profession where they are genuinely able to support and nourish others.

Background in other therapies Many applicants have a background in some other medical therapy, either in orthodox or complementary medicine. In this case becoming an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist can either provide them with another string to their bow or a completely new career.

Chinese philosophy Some people are drawn to Chinese medicine because of its underlying philosophy. The theories of yin/yang and the Five Elements lie at its heart and offer a completely different paradigm from that of Western medicine. It is holistic in both its viewpoint and application and addresses the body, mind and spirit.

Interest in activities involving qi development Others find their interest is triggered via tai chi or qi gong or other practices that involve the experience of qi such as yoga, meditation, or soft martial arts such as aikido.

Growth and development Many who become acupuncturists or Chinese herbalists enjoy the stimulation and growth that arises from learning about themselves and others. Our courses inevitably develop people's self awareness, and during the transition to becoming professional practitioners, their experience and vision of all aspects of health and disease broadens and matures.