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Advanced Standing

Applications for advanced standing will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.

Admission

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.

Admission to the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Master of Acupuncture requires:

Either an undergraduate qualification in Traditional Chinese Medicine (both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for those applying for the Master of TCM) or acupuncture - a minimum of a three-year diploma that meets the requirements set out under the Australian Qualification Guidelines, or

For applicants not holding an undergraduate qualification in Traditional Chinese Medicine or acupuncture, current membership of a professional association representing TCM or acupuncture practitioners, and an interview is required. These applications will be reviewed on an indivdual basis. In all cases consideration will also be given to prior learning and professional experience.

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

1H

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

2H

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

1H

Specialist Unit 3

Specialist Unit 4

2H

Specialist Unit 5

Specialist Unit 6

Full-Time (available from 2007 onwards subject to demand)

Year 1

1H

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

2H

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.

Pharmacology of Chinese Medicines

This unit will introduce the student to the pharmacology and toxicology of Chinese herbal medicine. The unit will cover the pharmacological principles of Chinese herbal medicines and identify basic active constituents that contribute to the actions of Chinese herbal medicines. This unit will also introduce safety and toxicology of herbal medicines including mechanisms and measurement of toxicity, known potential adverse reactions of commonly used Chinese herbs, known potential interactions with Western pharmaceuticals and management of adverse events.

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.

Women''s Health in Chinese Medicine 2

This unit enables practitioners to extend their understanding of a range of gynaecological and obstetric disorders and to diagnose and treat these primarily using Chinese herbal medicine. The clinical focus of this unit is on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of complex disorders of the menstrual cycle, infertility, obstetric disorders, menopause, pelvic 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.

Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 2

This unit extends students’ knowledge and understanding developed in Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 1. The focus of this unit includes the orthodox medical diagnosis and management of common and systemic skin disorders and the integration of 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 TCM.

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.

Chinese Medicine Classics

This unit will explore in detail the applications of one of the classic texts of Chinese medicine literature, the Shang Han Lun (Treatise of Cold Induced Disorders), in the treatment of a range of illnesses. The unit will cover the essential features of diseases of the ‘six channels’ (stages of pathogenesis) and modifications and combinations of key medicinal formulae.

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 Traditional Chinese Medicine upon the successful completion of the following core units plus four specialist 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.

Plus four Specialist Units (40 credit points)

Graduate Certificate Exit Point

Students may exit with a Graduate Certificate in Traditional Chinese Medicine upon the successful completion of any four units (40 credit points) from the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Award.

Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a dynamic, postgraduate course designed for TCM practitioners wishing to strengthen their clinical knowledge and better integrate in the health care system. Students will have an opportunity to develop an evidence based approach to practice and may choose to specialise in a nominated clinical field. The integration of TCM with orthodox medical management and/or diagnostics is incorporated into many units.

The course will be delivered via structured, intensive workshops with self-directed web-based learning between workshops to allow maximum flexibility for busy practitioners living locally, interstate and overseas.

Capitalising on its close affiliation with the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research at the University, the Master of TCM offers opportunities to integrate coursework study with research through the Master of Science (Honours) and PhD programs.

Health Sciences and Nursing at UWS

UWS gives students the opportunity to concentrate their study in clinical specialty areas, and this course represents an important global development in Chinese medicine education. Academics and researchers of international repute will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in the integration of Chinese medicine practice and research.

As a student in this course you may be involved in research at the UWS Centre for Complementary Research, internationally recognised as a world leader in complementary medicine research.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is used by over a quarter of the world’s population and is the largest form of complementary medicine in Australia. This growing industry is increasing career opportunities locally and overseas for progressive UWS graduates.

The mode of study for the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine is via intensive workshops and use of webbased resources. Each unit will consist of two intensive two-day workshops, one at the beginning of each semester and one at the end, supported with online material.

It’s all about Career Opportunities

Graduates can practise as a Chinese medicine practitioner, or as a researcher in the relevant areas.

Entry to some specialist units will be limited to practitioners with appropriate qualifications in Chinese herbal medicine.

Duration

The Master of TCM will require two years part-time study (80 credit points). An early exit route of a one and a half year Graduate Diploma of TCM (60 credit points) and a one year part-time Graduate Certificate of TCM (40 credit points) will also be available.

Location

Bankstown

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points.

The mode of study for the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine is via intensive workshops and use of web-based resources. Each unit will consist of two intensive two-day workshops, one at the beginning of semester and one at the end. These workshops are supported with on-line material.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Master of Acupuncture requires:

  • Either an undergraduate qualification in Traditional Chinese Medicine (both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for those applying for the Master of TCM) or acupuncture - a minimum of a three-year diploma that meets the requirements set out under the Australian Qualification Guidelines, or
  • For applicants not holding an undergraduate qualification in Traditional Chinese Medicine or acupuncture, current membership of a professional association representing TCM or acupuncture practitioners, and an interview is required. These applications will be reviewed on an indivdual basis. In all cases consideration will also be given to prior learning and professional experience.

This course has Special Requirements that must be met.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

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