Admission Policy

Phoenix Academy invites qualified candidates to apply for the 3-Year Chinese Herbal Medicine Diploma, in line with the criteria below.

We are committed to handling all applications in a fair, professional and timely manner. Decisions are made impartially, based on the evidence provided. If supporting documents are needed, such as proof of prior learning or qualifications, we will ask for them to be submitted and verified before the application goes further.

We want the enrolment process to be transparent, with all course fees clearly explained. Every enrolled student has a two-week cooling-off period: during this time you can withdraw from the course and receive a full refund, minus any actual costs incurred.

1. Entry requirements

The Diploma is open to candidates who have completed a degree-level course in acupuncture and have direct access to patients. Graduates with medical degrees need to complete our Foundation Diploma before starting the Diploma programme.

Overseas students who will not practise in the UK need proof of qualifications equivalent to UK Level 6 education.

A successful applicant should meet these requirements, with supporting documents:

• A completed degree-level course in acupuncture
• English at IELTS 6.0 if English is not your first language, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
• A reference from a professional, academic or line manager
• A declaration of no criminal record
• A declaration of fitness to practise
• A declaration of any special learning needs, for further assessment
• Enough IT and writing skills for online lectures, seminars and our Moodle system, and a good internet connection at home
• The capacity to pay the cost of the course

2. Application process

1. Submit your application to the administration office by completing and signing the registration form online.
2. The administrator checks your supporting documents and, if needed, asks for more information or evidence. Personal ID, proof of address and documents evidencing your qualifications and any prior learning are also required.
3. Your application is registered, and the course tutor arranges an interview, online or in person, to make the final decision.
4. A decision is made within one week: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or a rejection.

3. Enrolment procedure

• You can enrol online, completing the registration form as part of your application.
• A signed declaration of no criminal record, fitness to practise and any medically confirmed special educational needs must be submitted.
• There is a fee agreement to sign. You can pay the annual fee in a single payment or in instalments.

4. Our commitment to our students

• We are committed to delivering the highest standards of education in TCM herbal medicine.
• All teaching and learning, assessments, clinical training, guidance and resources will meet the high standards needed to help you become a fully informed, effective and competent practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine.
• We maintain high-quality teaching materials and keep developing our curriculum and policies, updating them where appropriate for the benefit of our students.
• We are always open to your feedback and will respond to it.
• You will have appropriate access to clinics for your clinical practice, with the supervision and guidance you need.
• You will have access to the administration team and your professors for academic, administrative and pastoral support.

5. What we expect of our students

• Commitment to your study and full engagement with the programme.
• Attending the arranged teaching, with at least 80% attendance, and all arranged clinical sessions, meeting the required total hours.
• Submitting all assessments and online quizzes by the set deadlines, unless otherwise agreed.
• Spending enough time on home study beyond your teaching hours.
• Access to, and the ability to use, suitable technology such as a PC or laptop with reliable Wi-Fi to use our online programme and resources.

6. Contact

Chunyan Glover or Joe Quieros, Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Email: office@phoenixtcm.org.uk · Telephone: +44 1245 350822