What is a Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)?
A Bachelor of Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine offers a foundational knowledge of human biology and physiology, and teaches the history and philosophy of Western herbal medicine as well as the knowledge and skills to apply it today. You’ll learn to formulate herbal prescriptions using medicinal plants from around the world and use evidence-based practice to include biomedical science, research and traditional knowledge.Learning outcomes
- Explore herbal history, philosophy and principles of practice.
- Discover the role of research and evidence in determining the most effective treatments.
- Learn the innate properties of herbs and herbal pharmacology.
- Work with the different forms of herbal medicines, such as liquid extracts, infusions and external preparations like ointments and lotions.
ANTA recognised credentials
On graduation, you are eligible to register with the Australian Natural Therapists Association.

ATMS accredited
This course is accredited by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

CMA membership
On graduation, you are eligible to attain Associate Membership with the Complementary Medicine Association.

NHAA accredited
This course is accredited by the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia.
This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.
*For more details on international student study options.

Career opportunities
This course will prepare you to confidently start practising Western herbal medicine in your community, with employment opportunities in a range of healthcare settings that require Western herbal medicine specialisation. Join a healthcare practice or start your own, develop cutting-edge Western Herbal Medicine products, or work in a corporate role within the growing complementary medicine health care sector.
Potential career paths
-
Western Herbal Practitioner
Average salary: $71,000 - $123,000 -
Product Developer
Average salary: $97,504 - $182,500 -
Health Educator
Average salary: $99,460 - $122,572

Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
-
Year 1
-
Year 2
-
Year 3
-
Electives
Requirements
Core subjects
-
Biological Foundations | BFD105A
-
Complementary Medicine Foundations | CMF105
-
Human Nutrition 1 | NUTR2001A
-
Human Structure & Physiology 1 | HSP101A
-
Botany & Herbal Manufacturing | BHM106
-
Human Nutrition 2 | NUTR2002A
-
Human Structure & Physiology 2 | HSP102A
-
Evidence-based Practice | EBP107A
Requirements
Core subjects
-
Human Systems and Pathophysiology 1 | HSP201A
-
Herbal Materia Medica 1 | HMM204
-
Human Biochemistry | HBC205A
-
Human Systems and Pathophysiology 2 | HSP202A
-
Pre-Clinical Studies 1 | PCS207A
-
Herbal Materia Medica 2 | HMM205
-
Herbal Pharmacology | HBP206
-
Herbal Therapeutics 1 | HBT208
Requirements
Core subjects
-
Clinical Assessment | CLA207A
-
Pre-Clinical Studies 2 | PCS209A
-
Integrated Pharmacology | DIP303A
-
Herbal Therapeutics 2 | HBT302
-
Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health | EPR307
-
Advanced Herbal Therapeutics | AHT303
Requirements
Elective subjects
-
Mediation and Conflict Management | SOC201A
-
Food as Medicine | FAM203
-
Iridology | IRD302
-
Flower Essences | FLE405
-
Critical Literature Review | CLR308A
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.
Industry partners and work placements
Work placement hours
Work-Integrated Learning and clinical practice hours require 100% attendance. On campus clinical subjects require compulsory weekly attendance with online study mode offering intensive workshop attendance. Student practitioner clinic placement hours are conducted on a weekly basis during the 12 week trimester. Clinical placement is attended over several trimesters as this allows students to build practice competence. Students are advised to review the attendance requirements as described in the detailed subject and units descriptions.



Entry details
-
Domestic
-
International
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.
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.
Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above
OR
Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification
Work and life 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.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 the requirements listed below.
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.How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
-
What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
-
What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
-
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
-
Can I get course credit for previous experience?
-
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
-
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Similar courses

Want to find out more?
Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.