Frequently asked questions - studying tcm at uts

Studying TCM at UTS


Can I study part-time? Can I start full-time and go to part-time or start part-time and go full-time? What is the workload or study pattern? Can I undertake the course by distance mode? Can I study acupuncture only or Chinese herbal medicine only? Can I transfer from another TCM course at another university/institution and what advanced standing will I receive? What are my options for studying TCM in China? Does UTS have clinical facilities and do I have to complete all my clinics at UTS? I still have an unanswered question. Can I study part-time? The TCM course is not offered part-time. You can, however, take a reduced workload. This means you do not enrol in all of the subjects listed for a particular year, effectively taking on a part-time load. There are implications involved: If your workload drops below 18 credit points, you may not be eligible for Youth Allowance, Austudy and other benefits such as travel concessions. If you are not eligible for Youth Allowance or Austudy, then you must be enrolled in at least one subject; ? International students should note that they must undertake at least eighteen credit points per semester; ? If you take a reduced load, you must plan your studies to complete the degree within 6 years; ? If you take a reduced load, you must speak to the course co-ordinator after acceptance of your offer, but before you enrol or within the first week of commencing your studies. Can I start full-time and go to part-time or start part-time and go full-time? You can enrol either part-time or full-time and swap between loadings at any time. There are implications for Youth Allowance, Austudy and HECS in changing your loading. You should consult with the course director before making changes to your enrolment. What is the workload or study pattern? In a full-time load, approximately 15 to 18 face-to-face contact hours per week are required. This does NOT include your clinical placements and loadings. In addition to face-to-face contact hours, students are expected to maintain an equivalent number of hours in private study. The study pattern varies from year to year. The College attempts to ensure that students receive one full day free of classes per week, while clinical placements run for a series of half days. The number of clinical placements varies according to the number of hours required for each year of study ranging from 5 weeks per semester in first year to 8 – 10 weeks per semester in third year. Can I undertake the course by distance mode? No. UTS does not offer the TCM course by distance mode. Flexible learning modes are used where some subjects are supported by online teaching facilities such as UTS Online. In these instances, face-to-face attendance requirements may be relaxed. For subjects containing practical components, however, attendance on campus is required. All subject are taught at the Broadway campus. Can I study acupuncture only or Chinese herbal medicine only? No. The UTS TCM course is a combined course in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Students qualify to practice with both modalities. Can I transfer from another TCM course at another university/institution and what advanced standing will I receive? Students wishing to transfer from other institutions are required to follow normal UAC procedures. That is, apply via UAC and if classified as a CSLX, submit a personal statement. If your application is successful, you may apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS is governed by rules regarding the extent to which RPL is granted. At the moment, UTS allows up to 75% credit transfer. The amount of credit transfer permissible changes from time to time. You should seek advice from the TCM course director about the amount of RPL that will be allowed in your particular case. What are my options for studying TCM in China? UTS students essentially have two options: For those enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science in TCM, a six week clinical placement in a hospital in China is offered. The most recent placement was in Beijing, but placements have also occurred in Huangzhou and Guangzhou. This six-week program normally involves hospital placement and specialist lectures. Accommodation and food costs must be borne by the student. The second option is to enrol in the double degree Bachelor of Health Science in TCM/Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. This program adds two years to the TCM program and concentrates on Chinese language and culture. It includes a one year placement in China, which is currently HECS funded (this may change from year to year). Does UTS have clinical facilities and do I have to complete all my clinics at UTS? UTS has offered outpatient clinical services since the inception of the TCM course into the University. Presently the College of TCM operate two clinics; a 14 bed acupuncture clinic and a Chinese herbal medicine clinic. UTS TCM clinical services are being expanded in the new science building, due for completion in 2005, at which time we will have a 16 bed combined acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinic. Students are placed in clinic from first semester of first year in an assistant and observational role with an experienced practitioner (usually a member of staff). Students participate in clinic with increasing duties through to third year. When students enter fourth year, they are solely responsible for the management of their clinic and treatment of their patients, under supervision from qualified practitioners. Students are required to complete all of their fourth year clinical training at UTS clinics. Up until third year, however, students have an option to complete half of their clinical hours with UTS Honorary External Practitioners. Students are generally encouraged to do external hours as it broadens their experience, while requiring their fourth year treatments to be completed at UTS ensures the highest quality of supervision. I still have unanswered question. If you have question that has not been answered above, you can complete the web enquiry form.