Health Sciences University and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine confirm completion of merger 

Health Sciences University (HSU) and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) are delighted to announce a significant milestone for both institutions, as the process for CICM to join the HSU community is completed.

Photo of the new management team: Sara Lacey - Vice Principal of CICM, Lesley Haig - Vice Chancellor of HSU, Jo Rochford - Principal of CICM, and Sharon Potter, Deputy Vice Chancellor of HSU

This new chapter builds upon a long-standing and successful academic partnership, through which HSU has validated CICM's degree programmes for several years. Bringing CICM into HSU creates a strong platform for the continued development of high-quality healthcare education, clinical training and professional development. 

Throughout the process, both institutions have remained committed to protecting the interests of students, staff and the wider CICM community. A shared focus on academic excellence, student experience and the long-term sustainability of CICM’s highly regarded accredited education provision has underpinned every stage of the process. 

As part of this development, CICM's Reading campus becomes HSU Reading, joining HSU's established campuses in Bournemouth and London. Within HSU Reading, CICM Acupuncture will provide specialist BAAB-accredited acupuncture education, maintaining the identity, expertise and reputation that have made CICM one of the UK's most respected providers of acupuncture education. 

Students will continue to benefit from the high standards of teaching, clinical learning and academic support associated with CICM, while also gaining access to the opportunities and resources available through HSU as a specialist health sciences university. Staff will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of acupuncture education, research and professional practice. 

Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences University, said: 

"This is an important and exciting moment for both institutions. CICM has built an outstanding reputation for excellence in accredited acupuncture education, and we are delighted to welcome its students, staff, alumni and wider community into Health Sciences University. 

Together, we can build on our strong existing relationship to create new opportunities for education, research and innovation, while preserving the distinctive qualities that have made CICM so highly regarded. We look forward to working together to strengthen the future of acupuncture education within a broader health sciences environment." 

Jo Rochford, Principal of the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, said: 

"Our priority throughout this process has been to secure the long-term future of CICM and to protect the interests of our students, staff and community. 

Joining Health Sciences University provides a strong and sustainable foundation for the future while allowing us to retain the educational philosophy, expertise and traditions that define CICM. We are confident that this will create exciting opportunities for growth, collaboration and innovation, ensuring that acupuncture education continues to thrive for generations to come." 

This exciting development will unlock opportunities to strengthen existing provision, expand educational offerings and further contribute to the development of the healthcare workforce. 

Both institutions extend their sincere thanks to students, staff, alumni, partners and stakeholders for their support throughout this process and look forward to a successful future. 

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Welcome

Welcome to College of Integrated Chinese Medicine.

We’re delighted you’ve chosen to find out more about the hugely rewarding and growing profession of acupuncture.

At CICM we teach an integrated style of five element constitutional acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to enable our graduates to confidently and effectively treat a wide range of conditions affecting the body, mind and spirit. 

• Gain your BSc (Hons) in acupuncture to embark on a rewarding career with meaning and purpose, making a difference to the health and wellness of your patients
• Join the largest acupuncture college in the UK, established in 1993 with over 33 years of teaching excellence and over 1500 graduates
• Enjoy an interactive, practical and comprehensive course, fully accredited by the BAAB (British Acupuncture Accreditation Board) with over 400 hrs of clinical experience
• Take advantage of our flexible study and finance plans to fit around your busy work and family life
• Become part of a vibrant, supportive and warm student community with like-minded and passionate peers and teachers

We believe that our student-centred approach and our commitment to teaching excellence is what creates such high student satisfaction rates and means that 98% of our graduates remain in fulfilling practices one year on. We’re really proud that our strong reputation has allowed us to welcome students from all over the UK and Europe, often through recommendation and referral from fellow acupuncturists.

We know that our student’s lives are often full with work and family, so we offer flexible 3-year full time courses either over weekends or on weekdays which lead to a BSc (Hons) in acupuncture validated by Health Sciences University (HSU). We also have financing plans and eligible students can apply for student and maintenance loans.

All our tutors are experienced acupuncturists and passionate teachers, committed to helping you realise your potential and training you to be part of a hugely rewarding and growing profession.

Join us on an open day to experience the wide range of benefits of studying acupuncture with us and to take part in a hands-on taster workshop in the art of pulse diagnosis. Click here to book your online place for the dates showing.