Applications for advanced standing will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.
Applications for the course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.
The Master of Acupuncture will be open to qualified acupuncturists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) and other health practitioners holding a recognised undergraduate qualification (a minimum of a three year diploma that meets the requirements set out under the Australian Qualification Guidelines). Those applicants not holding an undergraduate qualification in acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine (including overseas-trained or apprenticeship) will need to have gained recognition by an Australian professional association representing acupuncturists. In some cases additional relevant preliminary studies may be required.
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.
Recommended Sequence
Part-time
Year 1
H1
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to search, understand and critically appraise scientific literature related to Chinese medicine. Basic research methods will be introduced sufficient to support the student through this unit. This unit will introduce and develop concepts and principles of evidence-based practice applied to Chinese medicine and explore specific research developments in Chinese medicine.
Specialist Unit 1
H2
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 2
This unit will focus on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in the diagnosis and management of disease. A significant focus of this unit will be on the interpretation and integration of medical diagnostic tests with TCM diagnosis, and will include an examination of the research that attempts to validate TCM theory and diagnostic techniques. Students will learn how to integrate and prioritise clinical information and undertake the development of a research proposal.
Specialist Unit 2
Year 2
H1
Specialist Unit 3
Specialist Unit 4
H2
Specialist Unit 5
Specialist Unit 6
Full-time (available from 2007 onwards subject to demand)
Year 1
H1
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to search, understand and critically appraise scientific literature related to Chinese medicine. Basic research methods will be introduced sufficient to support the student through this unit. This unit will introduce and develop concepts and principles of evidence-based practice applied to Chinese medicine and explore specific research developments in Chinese medicine.
Specialist Unit 1
Specialist Unit 2
Specialist Unit 3
H2
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 2
This unit will focus on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in the diagnosis and management of disease. A significant focus of this unit will be on the interpretation and integration of medical diagnostic tests with TCM diagnosis, and will include an examination of the research that attempts to validate TCM theory and diagnostic techniques. Students will learn how to integrate and prioritise clinical information and undertake the development of a research proposal.
Specialist Unit 4
Specialist Unit 5
Specialist Unit 6
Specialist Units
Students will be required to complete six specialist units from the following pool. Please note: Not all units will be offered each year - refer to the published timetable to confirm availability.
Women''s Health in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit enables practitioners to extend their understanding of a range of gynaecological and obstetric disorders and to diagnose and treat these using acupuncture and patent herbal medicines. The clinical focus of this unit is on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of disorders of the menstrual cycle, obstetric disorders, menopause and breast disease.
Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit along with Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 2 will enable practitioners to develop an in-depth understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and management of a wide range of skin diseases using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This unit includes orthodox medical diagnosis and management of common skin disorders and the integration of this with TCM theory, diagnosis and management. Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 1 and 2 together provide a strong specialist clinical focus on the management of skin disorders with Chinese medicine.
Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit along with Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 2 will enable practitioners to develop an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This unit presents a systematic approach to the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and specific medical tests and includes a focus on common musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries and rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 1 and 2 together, provide a strong specialist clinical focus on the management of musculoskeletal health disorders with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 2
This unit extends students’ knowledge and understanding developed in Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 1. This unit includes a systematic approach to the assessment and treatment of fractures, systemic and inflammatory disorders. Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine 1 and 2 together provide a strong specialist clinical focus on the management of musculoskeletal health disorders with TCM.
Advanced Acupuncture
This is a practical unit that helps strengthen graduate acupuncture skills in the management of a range of illnesses. This unit will deepen the practitioner’s understanding of the ancient acupuncture theories and techniques and their application in contemporary practice. Practitioners will extend their understanding of different theoretical approaches in the design of acupuncture point prescriptions and examine the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Evidence in support of acupuncture practice will be explored.
Chinese Medicine Specialities 1
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and management of a range of gastrointestinal and paediatric disorders. A feature of this unit is the integration of TCM and western medical approaches. Treatment will focus on acupuncture with common patent Chinese herbal medicine treatments included.
Mental Health in Chinese Medicine
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and management of a range of mental health conditions that are common in the community. A feature of this unit is the integration of TCM and western approaches. Treatment will focus on acupuncture with common patent Chinese herbal medicine treatments included.
Neurological Disorders in Chinese Medicine
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and management of a range of neurological disorders. A feature of this unit is the integration of TCM and western medical approaches. Treatment will focus on acupuncture with common patent Chinese herbal medicine treatments included.
Graduate Diploma Exit Point
Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture upon the successful completion of the following six units (60 credit points);
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 1
This unit will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to search, understand and critically appraise scientific literature related to Chinese medicine. Basic research methods will be introduced sufficient to support the student through this unit. This unit will introduce and develop concepts and principles of evidence-based practice applied to Chinese medicine and explore specific research developments in Chinese medicine.
Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 2
This unit will focus on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in the diagnosis and management of disease. A significant focus of this unit will be on the interpretation and integration of medical diagnostic tests with TCM diagnosis, and will include an examination of the research that attempts to validate TCM theory and diagnostic techniques. Students will learn how to integrate and prioritise clinical information and undertake the development of a research proposal.
And four Specialist units (40 credit points)
Graduate Certificate Exit Point
Students may exit with a Graduate Certificate in Acupuncture upon the successful completion of any four units (40 credit points) from the Master of Acupuncture Award.