Studying with us
Why study our BSc acupuncture course?
The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine offers a 3 year full time acupuncture degree course with the option of attending at weekends (spring intake) or weekday (autumn intake). We are validated by University College of Osteopathy and students may be eligible for student loans. The course is accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board and all our graduates are eligible to join the main professional body, the British Acupuncture Council.
We are the largest UK acupuncture college and one of the keys to the strong reputation of our college is the popularity of integration with acupuncturists whose recommendations provide us with the majority of our students.
Another reason for our success is the quality of our teaching staff and our commitment to staff development. Ever mindful of ways to improve teaching and learning processes, we have an ongoing teacher development programme and all teachers are engaged in regular clinical practice and are experienced acupuncturists.
What we offer
- Graduates are awarded a BSc (Hons) degree as well as a licentiate in acupuncture (Lic Ac). We believe that university validation is an essential requirement for all courses training healthcare professionals
- University College of Osteopathy is a university with excellent educational standards and a similar ethos to our own
- Graduates of BAAB accredited courses are eligible to join the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK's lead governing body for acupuncture
- You will learn the two main styles of acupuncture taught in this country, five element constitutional style and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), so your patients can benefit from both styles of treatment
- We offer two study options: a weekend or a weekday course, allowing you to choose the option which fits best with your other commitments
- You will be attending classes in the beautiful learning environment. Our Georgian grade 2 listed buildings are at the heart of the lively town of Reading, Berkshire
- Study skills sessions, learning support and regional groups to help you learn
At the college, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, patients and visitors. We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment. Our ethos is based on mutual respect and trust, which is equitable, diverse and inclusive.
The UCO is currently in discussion with AECC University College about a proposed merger to create a unique inter-disciplinary environment for education, clinical practice and research in osteopathy, chiropractic, and across a wide range of allied health and related disciplines. This may involve a change to the awarding body for your course. About the proposed merger...
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"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
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“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
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"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
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"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
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"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
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"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
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"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
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"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
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The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
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The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
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All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
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As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
