Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
UndergraduateTUA-BCM-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Heal with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture
Explore the relationship between mind, body and spirit. This course offers practical experience and guidance from specialist academics. You’ll learn, hands-on, to safely apply Chinese medicine techniques in world class clinics.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 32
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
About this degree
As one of Australia’s fastest growing universities, we take a progressive approach to learning. Our courses are co-designed, developed and delivered with industry, giving you confidence that you’ll graduate job-ready. During this course you will:
- Learn how to safely apply acupuncture, and prescribe and dispense Chinese herbs to treat a variety of diseases.
- Explore the relationship between the mind, body and spirit.
- Discover the practical application of ancillary techniques for the clinical practice of acupuncture.
- Learn to apply techniques such as cupping and moxa therapy.
Throughout this four-year degree, you’ll develop your knowledge and practical skills in treating acute and chronic illnesses through Chinese medicine techniques and herbal remedies.
The course is designed to meet all three divisions of Chinese medicine practitioner registration, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese herbal dispensing, and is approved by the National Australian accreditation body TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Tailor your study to your lifestyle thanks to our innovative digital learning system, accessible from anywhere with 24/7 personalised support. With all your course materials online, and the option to study full or part time, on-campus, online or a blend of both it's all about flexibility.
Course duration: 4 years full time, part-time options available.
Recommended study pattern
The course structure is based on a standard duration of three trimesters per year, each of 12-weeks duration. A full-time study load consists of 8 subjects per year, for a yearly total of 80 credit points (10 credit points per subject). The four-year course consists of 32 subjects for a total of 320 credit points.Award requirements
To graduate from this course, a student must satisfactorily complete the 32 specified core subjects for a total of 320 credit points.Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$22,500
Indicative total fee $90,000
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.
Learn more about Torrens.
Explore Torrens courses.
How to apply
Torrens University Australia manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Torrens University Australia who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change. Entry requirements for this course includes:
- Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.
Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent with ATAR 60.
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above.
Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.
Standard English language requirements apply.
Don’t meet the entry requirements? We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.
- Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience. Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.
Study method requirements
There are 100 hours or Work-Integrated Learning and 645 hours of clinical placements associated with this program. Before undertaking professional experience placements all students in this program are required to have completed the following before commencing their clinical practicum subjects:
- First Aid Certificate
- Working with Children Check
- Police Check.
Career opportunities
This course will prepare you to confidently start practising Chinese Medicine in your community. Potential career paths include:
- Chinese Medicine Practitioner
- Clinic Practice Manager
- Research and Development Officer.
Professional recognition
ATMS accredited This course is accredited by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Acupuncturists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Chinese Medicine Practitioners | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Complementary Health Therapists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available