Health

Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)

CRICOS 102914J
Health course hero cupping| Torrens University

What is a Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)?

A Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) provides the understanding and practical skills needed to improve wellness. The course is designed to meet all three divisions of Chinese Medicine practitioner registration: Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese herbal dispensing and is approved by the CMBA (Chinese Medicine Board of Australia).

Throughout this four-year degree, you will be taught by educated practitioners who are still active in the field. You’ll develop your knowledge and practical skills in treating acute and chronic illnesses through Chinese medicine techniques and herbal remedies. The course is approved by the National Australian accreditation body TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency).

More

Learning outcomes and Work-Integrated Learning

  • Learn how to safely apply acupuncture, and prescribe and dispense Chinese herbs to treat a variety of diseases.
  • Explore the relationship between the mind, body and spirit.
  • Discover the practical application of ancillary techniques for the clinical practice of acupuncture.
  • Learn to apply techniques such as cupping and moxa therapy.
  • This course has a requirement of 745 hours of professional clinical practice.
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CMBA approved

This course is approved by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.

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ANTA recognised credentials

On graduation, you are eligible to register with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA).

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AACMA membership

On graduation, you are eligible to join the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association.

ATMS accreditation logo

ATMS accredited

Selected courses are accredited by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

Study mode
On campus, Blended
Campus locations*
Melbourne
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
4 years full time, part-time options available
Start date
15 Sep 2025
16 Feb 2026
01 Jun 2026
14 Sep 2026
Fee & scholarships

This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Learn from Chinese Medicine specialists
Our academics understand where the Complementary Medicine industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

Practice with real clients
Develop your skills and access the latest technology at our student-led clinic with real clients. Graduate with confidence and experience.

Tap into our knowledge
Our heritage with Southern School of Natural Therapies and Australasian College of Natural Therapies ensures you’re learning from over 60 years of experience.
Bachelor of Health Science careers

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) will prepare you to confidently start practising Chinese Medicine in your community.

Potential career paths

  • Chinese Medicine Practitioner
    Average salary: $80,000 - $80,000
  • Research and Development Officer
    Average salary: $92,833 - $111,692
  • Product Developer
    Average salary: $90,000 - $150,000
Simon Feeney Health course headshot
Practice is everything. During my studies I was in the dispensary surrounded by herbs and learning about them every day, with others as passionate as me.
Simon Feeney
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) comprises of 32 core subjects, each subject requiring 10 hours of study per week; three hours facilitated and seven self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes.

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Biological Foundations | BFD105A
  • Understanding Health | HWEL2002A
  • Chinese Medicine Foundations | CMF101
  • Human Structure & Physiology 1 | HSP101A
  • Evidence-based Practice | EBP107A
  • Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Pattern Differentiation | CMD102
  • Human Structure & Physiology 2 | HSP102A
  • Professional Collaboration and Communication | HSC101

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Human Systems and Pathophysiology 1 | HSP201A
  • Channel Theory and Point Location 1 | TPL203
  • Channel Theory and Point Location 2 | TPL204
  • Human Systems and Pathophysiology 2 | HSP202A
  • Acupuncture Ancillary Techniques | AAT205
  • Acupuncture Therapeutics and Techniques 1 | ATT206
  • Acupuncture Therapeutics and Techniques 2 | ATT207
  • Chinese Medicine Pharmacology 1 | CMP208

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Clinical Assessment | CLA207A
  • Chinese Medicine Pharmacology 2 | CMP301
  • First Peoples Culture, History and Healthcare | FPH201
  • Chinese Medicine Musculoskeletal Traumatology | CMT302
  • Integrated Pharmacology | DIP303A
  • Chinese Medicine Formulae | CMF304
  • Advanced Acupuncture Techniques | AAT305
  • Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine 1 | CIM306
  • Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine 2 | CIM307

Select one

Additionally one of the below core subjects must be completed.

  • First Peoples Culture, History and Healthcare | FPH201
  • Integrated Pharmacology | DIP303A

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

  • Chinese Medicine Herbal Processing and Dispensing | HPD308
  • Chinese Medicine Gynaecology and Obstetrics | CGO309
  • Chinese Medicine Dermatology External Medicine | DEM310
  • Chinese Medicine Classics | CMC311
  • Critical Literature Review | CLR308A
  • Chinese Medicine Mental Health | CMH312
  • Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EPR307
  • Chinese Medicine Case Conference | CCC313

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Postgraduate

  • Graduate Certificate courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Certificate of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course
    • Graduate Certificate of Public Health

      CRICOS 097405K

      View course
  • Graduate Diploma courses ( 2 options )
    • Graduate Diploma of Counselling

      Domestic students only

      View course
    • Graduate Diploma of Public Health

      CRICOS 097406J

      View course
  • Master courses ( 2 options )
    • Master of Public Health

      CRICOS 097404M

      View course
    • Master of Public Health Advanced

      CRICOS 095594E

      View course

Industry partners and Work‑Integrated Learning

You will have the opportunity to apply for an eight-week international internship with our partner hospital in Taiwan. Work placements and Work-Integrated Learning programs provide a valuable resource for you to develop hands-on practical experience to ensure they graduate confident and job-ready.

Work-Integrated Learning Hours

The Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) has a requirement of 645 hours clinical placement and 100 hours of Work-Integrated Learning.

You can source Work-Integrated Learning opportunities, including placements, through our Careers Connect database, all vetted for quality and relevance by Torrens University’s Learning Facilitators.

Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of at least 1 EFTSL at AQF level 5, or above, or equivalent

The below is an alternative option.

Successful completion of Year 10 or equivalent, and a minimum three years of full time relevant work experience that demonstrates skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter).

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a international student, check that you meet all the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of at least 1 EFTSL at AQF level 5 or above, or equivalent

OR

Australian secondary school certificate, or equivalent Senior Secondary qualification, or Baccalaureate Diploma

Academic IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 7) or equivalent
OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Alternative entry may include assessment and approval of prior study, or successful completion of a readiness assessment. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
  • How do I apply for a course?
  • What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
  • What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
  • Can I learn Chinese medicine online?
  • Can I get course credit for previous experience?
  • How do I apply for a scholarship?
  • What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
  • How many years does it take to study a Chinese medicine course?

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Want to find out more?

Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.