Student support
Many students come to us having not studied for a long time, some may have very few formal qualifications. Some students also have particular learning needs whether that is, for example, dyslexia or simply trying to fit in work around family or career commitments . We all need support and a bit of extra time at some point. We appreciate that for some the thought of coming back to study will be daunting.
Your personal tutor
We aim to support you as much as possible and this will begin before you have even started the course. If you have any specific learning needs you will be contacted by Susannah our learning support co-ordinator to find out how we can best help you. Everyone that comes on to the course will be assigned a personal tutor who will stay with you for the first 2 years of the course. They will be in regular contact with you throughout this time, but you can always contact them anytime. In the third year you will work closely with your clinical supervisor who will see you through your clinical phase of the course. Both your personal tutor and clinical supervisor are there to offer you support, provide guidance, to help you make the most of the course and ultimately to help you be the best acupuncturist you can be.
Your learning style
We all have different learning styles and we will help you to explore yours in the first week. All our teachers will use a variety of teaching strategies to help you make the most of your own style. We believe in giving full, explicit and timely feedback on all assignments so that you will know how best to improve. In addition, you can contact all your tutors to get clarification on all matters of your study. In your practical lessons we employ practical skills tutors to support the main teacher in helping to give you more individual attention.
Study skills sessions
In addition we also offer study skills sessions for those who may not have done a degree course before or who have been out of education for a long time.
The first study skills session covers areas such as time management, different learning styles, creating personalised study aids (for example how to use mindmaps if you’re a visual learner, ideas for creating audio tracks if you’re an auditory learner or ways to use touch and movement if you’re a kinaesthetic learner). It’s a great opportunity for students to think about how they are going to study effectively and develop their skills.
The second session covers essay writing and looks at researching, planning, writing an academic essay as well as how to reference your work.
Regional support groups
We will also put you in a touch with your local regional support group. These are groups typically attended by 6-8 CICM students and run by a regional support tutor who will be able to answer any questions you might have and to provide feedback on practical aspects of the course. These groups are also an excellent opportunity to talk with other students from other years.
You will also have access to the CICM student facebook group to share ideas and discuss all aspects of student life with other students.
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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
