Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)
UndergraduateTUA-BWM-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Formulate herbal prescriptions using medicinal plants
Explore where herbal medicine fits in with health science and pharmacology. You’ll practice clinical skills and provide lifestyle advice in a student-led clinic. Deep dive into the quality and safety of herbal medicine in different forms and doses.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal 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:
- Explore herbal history, philosophy and principles of practice.
- Discover the role of research and evidence in determining the most effective treatments.
- Learn the innate properties of herbs and herbal pharmacology.
- Work with the different forms of herbal medicines, such as liquid extracts, infusions and external preparations like ointments and lotions.
During this course, you will learn about health science, clinical assessment, pharmacology, herbal synergy, quality and safety issues affecting prescribing decisions.
As a part of your Western Herbal course practice, you will also learn how to provide basic dietary and lifestyle advice to your clients for a holistic approach to healthcare.
You will gain hands-on experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre consulting with members of the public under the guidance of experienced Western herbal medicine practitioners.
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: 3 years full time, approximately 6 years part time.
Recommended study pattern
The course consists of 24 subjects (22 core and 2 electives). There are five (5) specified elective subjects to choose from or students can apply for unspecified electives.Award requirements
To graduate from this course a student must satisfactorily complete 24 subjects. Each subject is worth 10 credit points for a course total of 240 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 $67,500
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.
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
During your degree, you’ll undertake 460 hours Work-Integrated Learning at The Practice Wellbeing Centre and over 100 hours of compulsory class attendance.
Mandatory Residential School attendance will be required for the below subjects:
- BHM106A Botany & Herbal Manufacturing
- PCS207A Pre-Clinical Studies 1
- CLA207A Clinical Assessment
- PCS209A Pre-Clinical Studies 2.
Career opportunities
This course will prepare you to confidently start practising Western herbal medicine in your community, with employment opportunities in a range of healthcare settings that require Western herbal medicine specialisation. Join a healthcare practice or start your own, develop cutting-edge Western Herbal Medicine products, or work in a corporate role within the growing complementary medicine health care sector.
Potential career paths include:
- Western Herbal Practitioner
- Product Developer
- Health Educator.
Professional recognition
ANTA recognised credentials
On graduation, you are eligible to register with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA).
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Complementary Health Therapists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Homeopaths | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Naturopaths | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available