Why choose a degree course?
We are sometimes asked why we run a degree course, rather than just a diploma course. Setting up a course to be validated by a university in order that our course can be given a degree status is a very lengthy process involving a huge amount of work. Once the course is up and running we are subject to an enormous amount of scrutiny from many organisations including the validating university, but also from Government organisations such as the Quality Assurance Agency and the Office for Students.
This scrutiny is regular and ongoing and covers all aspects of the course and student experience including teaching and learning, assessment, learning resources, qualifications of lecturers, student feedback and feedback from external assessors. We also need to show that we reflect and have a robust system of quality assurance. Information to potential students and students also needs to be clear and transparent. We also need to show that we are financially secure and that we have a strong governance and that we have a system of impartiality built into our decisions.
In short, some of the benefits to our students are:
Financial security - we provide government bodies with our annual accounts to show we are financial secure and well run
High class teaching - we need to show that our teachers have the necessary qualifications to be teachers and maintain regular training to upskill
Quality learning - we need to demonstrate that we have suitable teaching and learning resources and that we are investing in the student experience
Accountability - we are accountable to various organisations for all our policies and for all our decisions made
Quality assurance - we are required to gather student feedback and show that we have acted on it to improve the education that our students receive. Any complaints must be dealt with fairly and transparently and ultimately our students can complain to the Office for Independent Adjudicators if they feel they unfairly treated
We also believe that providing a degree in acupuncture is important for the future of the profession and give us great pride in what we do.
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"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
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“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
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"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
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"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
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"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
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"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
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"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
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"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
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The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
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The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
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All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
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As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
