EHTPA accredited · Hybrid learning
Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine
A three-year, part-time hybrid diploma that gives qualified acupuncturists the skills and confidence to prescribe Chinese herbs, in collaboration with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
At a glance
Is this course for you?
Who should join
Qualified acupuncturists who want to add Chinese herbal medicine to their practice
Entry requirements
An acupuncture qualification [confirm any other entry routes]
Learning style
Hybrid: live online weekend lectures (all recorded) plus in-person clinical practice
Duration
3 years, part-time
Award
Diploma from Phoenix Academy with SHUTCM, accredited by the EHTPA. Opens membership of the RCHM or ATCM.
What you need to do
- Register your interestGet course details and fees sent to you.
- Apply onlineA short application form takes a few minutes.
- Chat with our teamAn informal conversation to answer your questions.
- Secure your placeComplete enrolment and payment, then receive your welcome pack.
Course structure
Three years, step by step
125
herbs, with study samples from our dispensary
80+
essential herbal formulas
250
hours of supervised clinical practice
150
clinical case studies on placement
Year 1 · Online
Herbs and essential formulas
- 125 commonly used herbs
- 80+ essential formulas and the meaning of formulation
- Contraindications, pharmacognosy and pharmacology
- Herbal dispensing programme and case study discussions
Year 2 · Online
Treating disease-based conditions
- Syndrome differentiation applied to modern diseases
- Gynaecology, dermatology, pain management and emotional disorders
- Clinical case study discussions
Year 3 · In person
Advanced clinical practice
- Clinic practice within the Phoenix Academy network
- 250 hours under qualified supervisors
- 150 clinical case studies
What our students say
“The course was very well organised with highly experienced TCM Doctors. This course gave me the skills and confidence to modify and prescribe herbs to my clients.”
Maria Amparo MichavilaPhoenix Academy student
“Great lecturers, classes and assessment. Love all the different teaching styles and willingness to share knowledge!”
Dr Clare ChoakPhoenix Academy student
“Staff are excellent! The teachers and admin staff were very supportive.”
Esther DiamondPhoenix Academy student
Good to know
Fees & FAQs
How much does the course cost?
[Add the annual fee and payment options.] Full details are in our Fee & Refund Policy.
How does hybrid learning work?
Years 1 and 2 are taught through live online lectures, clinical case studies and tutorials at weekends. Every lecture is recorded on Moodle, our learning platform, with assessments, feedback and other resources. Year 3 is in-person clinical practice within the Phoenix Academy network.
How does clinical practice work?
In Years 1 and 2 you observe and take part in clinical case study discussions. In Year 3 you complete 250 direct contact hours of clinical practice under qualified supervisors and 150 clinical case studies on placement.
Who teaches the course?
Experienced practitioners and lecturers in the UK and China, led by course leaders Professor Fan Yi Meng, Professor Zan Yu Chen and Professor Kai Cun Zhao. Meet all our teachers.
Can I get exemptions for previous study?
Phoenix Academy alumni may be eligible for exemptions. See our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) guidance or contact us to check.
What do I get as a Phoenix Academy student?
Access to SHUTCM resources and library, study trips to Shanghai, study samples of all 125 herbs from our in-house dispensary, and the same high-quality herbs to source for your own clinic after you graduate.
Course documents
Ready to take the next step?
Register your interest for course details and fees, or apply now and our team will be in touch.
Prefer to talk?
Call 01245 350822 or email office@phoenixtcm.org.uk, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm.