The BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism course provides a comprehensive education and training in the principles and practice of clinical herbalism.
This incorporates the ‘energetic’ understanding of the cause of illness and the therapeutic actions of medicinal plants as well as the orthodox disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Nutrition. It is integrative in approach, linking traditional herbal medicine with modern science and holism.
Our teaching methods include a rich mixture of theoretical study, reflection, the use of intuition and practical experience including professional practice in our on-site Complementary Medicine Clinic. Our aim is to ensure that our graduates become competent and confident practitioners of clinical herbalism.
The course is delivered by block learning, which means that the attendance requirements for the academic modules are met through eight full three day weekends per year, plus attendance at the Complementary Medicine Clinic for clinical training. It is expected that students complete between 20 and 30 hours of additional independent study per week.
Year One of the course requires 90 hours of clinical training, (achieved during term time, either one day per fortnight or in blocks).
Year Two requires 190 hours and Year Three requires 210 hours (roughly one day per week or the equivalent) of clinical training. There are a variety of ways in which this attendance can be achieved.
The course is accredited by the EHTPA (the European Herbal and Traditional Practitioners Association) and NIMH (the National Institute of Medical Herbalists). Graduates are eligible to become members of NIMH and CPP (College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy) or URHP (Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners).
Full-time students should apply directly through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
*Optional modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered
Clinical Practice 1
Anatomy & Physiology for Herbal Medicine
Herbal Therapeutics 1
Pharmacy & Community Practice
History, Philosophy & Evidence
Clinical Practice 2
Pathophysiology for Medical Herbalists
Herbal Therapeutics 2
Nutrition as Therapy
Research Skills for Herbalists
Clinical Practice 3
Research Project
Herbal Therapeutics 3
Clinical Skills for Herbalists
Business Skills for Herbalists
A minimum of 72 UCAS Tariff points from the following: GCE A levels and AS Levels. BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject. Access to HE Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher.
Plus: GCSE English - Grade C/4 or above GCSE Maths - Grade C/4 or above and GCSE Science – Grade C/4 or above
EU and International applicants: NARIC confirmed equivalent of 72 UCAS points IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component (if applicable) Equivalent English language qualifications may be acceptable for applicants requiring a visa.
*If you are an applicant requiring a visa, you can only apply for a full-time course.
For mature applicants and those aged over 25 who may not meet the entry requirements, an Access to HE course can be a good idea to prepare for study at degree level. We also consider life and work experience where applicants can demonstrate that they have acquired academic skills by other means.
Other Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to undertake a DBS criminal record check to study on this programme. This can be paid for using the Career Degree Bursary. Learn more about the DBS Check
Successful interview
Students study on the Lincoln College Campus for the full duration of the course, completing professional practice in our on-site Complementary Medicine Clinic.
There may be options to complete some, but not all, of the clinical practice hours at external training clinics located elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.
Full-time, three years. Nine three day weekends in Year 1 (Level 4), eight three day weekends in Years 2 (Level 5) and 3 (Level 6), plus clinical training. Year One requires 90 hours of clinical training, Year Two requires 190 hours and Year Three requires 220 hours (roughly one day per week or the equivalent) of clinical training.
Theory work is comprised of the eight to nine three-day weekends per academic year in addition to online study in preparation for the weekends.
It is expected that students complete between 20 and 30 hours of additional independent study per week in order to be successful on this programme.
To view our programme specification for this course please click here.
To view our student handbook please click here.
Assessment
There are typically one to two assessment tasks per module delivered. The assessment methods used throughout the programme include:
Practical assessments e.g. dispensing
Written examinations
Coursework portfolios e.g. portfolio of clinic reports and reflective journals
Written assessments
The programme specification details the assessment strategy for each module, including the relevant task weightings.
Progression
The successful completion of BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism provides graduates with the qualifications that may enable them to set up in professional practice as an herbal medicine practitioner.
There may also be broader employment opportunities in the health and manufacturing industries and opportunities to progress to postgraduate study.
Course Fees:
Full-Time Per Academic Year Home Students - £9,250
Full-Time Per Academic Year International Students - £9,500
Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment.
Additional Course Costs:
DBS check: £47.80
Tunics for clinic x2: approximately £20 each
Diagnostic equipment such as stethoscope and sphygmomanometer: approximately £80
Materials for making a pharmacy preparation: £10-£30
“I would encourage anyone interested in natural medicine to join the course. You get a wealth of experience with patients, and it’s a rewarding experience.”
Giuseppe Di Carlo, graduated in 2022
Lincoln College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University (OU) validated awards. BSc (Hons) Clinical Herbalism is validated by The Open University.
The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution.
For full details and information on the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the Policies section.
Lincoln College has designed this programme and has full responsibility for its delivery and assessment. Students who complete the programme successfully will receive an OU validated award certificate. The Open University assures itself of the standard and quality of its validated programmes through: the validation and re-validation process, the scrutiny of Lincoln College's own quality assurance procedures and the appointment of External Examiners to every OU validated programme.
Although students are studying for an OU-validated award, a student's primary relationship is with Lincoln College and they must follow Lincoln College guidelines and procedures at all times. Any queries, requests or complaints should be made to Lincoln College. Lincoln College are responsible for registering students and will provide students with an induction at the commencement of their programme, which will include advice and guidance on all matters relating to their student life including: academic, financial and personal.
For full details of the responsibilities of both Lincoln College and the OU please see The Student’s Guide to Studying on a Programme Validated by The Open University.
View the Lincoln College Higher Education Student Handbook.
Attend one of our Open Days to find out more about our courses. To register please click here.
School of Complementary Medicines degree programmes, part of Lincoln College University Centre.
Our tutors bring considerable skills and experience as well as their understanding of current practice and techniques, making our courses highly valued to students.