Health

Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)

CRICOS 099641D
colourful powdered herbs

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.
During your studies, you will learn about health science, clinical assessment, pharmacology, herbal synergy, quality and safety issues affecting prescribing decisions. As a part of your Western Herbal course practice, you will also learn how to provide basic dietary and lifestyle advice to your clients for a holistic approach to healthcare. You will gain hands-on experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre consulting with members of the public under the guidance of experienced Western herbal medicine practitioners. Work-Integrated Learning and Clinical Practicum Experience are embedded throughout the course and are incorporated into theory subjects.

More

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.
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ANTA recognised credentials

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

ATMS accreditation logo

ATMS accredited

This course is accredited by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

CMA logo

CMA membership

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

NHAA accreditation logo

NHAA accredited

This course is accredited by the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia.

Study mode
On campus, Blended
Campus locations*
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
3 years full time, approximately 6 years part time
Start date
19 Feb 2024
3 June 2024
16 Sep 2024
Fees & scholarships

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

*For more details on international student study options.

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The highest level of practical experience
Develop clinical skills, access the latest technology and improve client wellbeing at our student-led clinic.

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Learn from specialists in their field
Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

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Tap into our knowledge
Our heritage with Southern School of Natural Therapies and Australasian College of Natural Therapies ensures you’re learning from decades of experience.
When you study with us, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in world-class clinics making a difference to real patients.
Career Opportunities |Bachelor of Health Science| Torrens University

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
Madison Dohnt - Bachelor of Health Science Naturopathy student testimonial
I know exactly where I want to go and Torrens University has been amazing in doing whatever it takes to get me to my desired career outcomes. The first thing that drew me to studying at Torrens University was how accommodating they were with helping me to gain subject credits from my science degree.
Madison Dohnt
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)

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

These eight core subjects must be completed.

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

These eight core subjects must be completed.

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

These six core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select two electives from the electives tab.

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

Choose two elective subjects from the below in year three.

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-Integrated Learning and Clinical Practicum Experience are embedded throughout the course and are incorporated into theory subjects. You will complete most clinic requirements in our custom-built student-led clinic - The Practice Wellbeing Centre. You will gain hands on experience by consulting with members of the public under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

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.

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Health | ANTA member | Logo
NHAA - professional association representing herbalists
CMA - Complementary Medicine Association
ARONAH - Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists

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.

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

Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

The below is an alternative option.
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).

View full course admission 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

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.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent; AND
Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent
OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission 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

  • 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?

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Want to find out more?

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

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