Chinese Medicine

ABOUT THE CHINESE MEDICINE DEGREE

Chinese medicine is over thousands of years old. However, enrolling for Chinese Medicine is not about learning the history and traditions of an ancient civilization but rather, gaining an understanding of Chinese philosophy and how these have been adapted into the healing arts in ways that are still relevant today.

Chinese Medicine approaches health from a holistic manner in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The range of treatments include herbal therapy, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina, bone and spine manipulations, dietary therapy, exercise therapy like qigong and taijiguan.

Today, there is a revival in the acceptance of Chinese Medicine even in western nations. Indeed, certain Chinese Medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies are integrated with western medicine for pain management and to reduce the side effects of prescription drugs.
In Malaysia, traditional and complementary medicine is big business with herbal imports being 3 to 4 times the value of western medicine. Naturally, the Ministry of Health recognises the importance of Chinese Medicine and is implementing policies related to training and registration of practitioners with the aim of integrating Chinese Medicine into the national healthcare delivery system.

IMU’s Chinese Medicine programme comprises both western and Chinese Medicine subjects. It is an outcome-based approach, whereby students develop clinical skills during their junior years, with early clinical attachment to prepare them for a successful career. As the programme is fully conducted in English, our students get to pursue career opportunities not only in Malaysia but on a broader, global scale.

CAREER PATHWAYS

To know about the career pathways for chinese medicine practitioners, see this infographic.

KEY FACTS

Degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine Degree from Partner Universities

Commencement

February and September

Total Duration

4.5 – 5 years

Download Brochure

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EXAMINATIONS	REQUIREMENTS
A-Levels	EE (Science Stream)
STPM	cGPA 2.50 (Science Stream)
Australian Matriculation	65% aggregate or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 75 (including 2 Science subjects)
NCEA Level 3	60% aggregate (including 2 Science subjects)
Canadian Grade 12/13	60% aggregate in 6 subjects (including 2 Science subjects)
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)	B6 in 5 subjects (including 2 Science subjects)
Australian University Foundation Programmes	70% aggregate in 4 best subjects or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 75 or GPA 2.00 (including 2 Science subjects)
Indian Pre-University	60% aggregate (including 2 Science subjects)
Ministry of Education Matriculation *	cGPA 2.00 (including 2 Science subjects)
International Baccalaureate (IB)	24 points (including 2 Science subjects)
American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP)	Not applicable
Foundation in Science #	cGPA 2.00 or 50%
Degree	BSc in related field: cGPA 2.00
Diploma	Diploma in Science, Diploma in Microbiology; Diploma in Traditional and Complimentary Medicine – cGPA 2.50 Diploma in Traditional and Complimentary Medicine with 2 years working experience in the related field – cGPA 2.00

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

Foundation in Science

Foundation in Science qualifications from other higher education institutions will be considered on a case by case basis for admission into the local IMU programmes.
Students with IMU Foundation in Science can apply into IMU programmes and programmes with selected credit transfer options, upon meeting the entry requirement eligibility. ** (Please refer to IMU Foundation in Science brochure for more details)

FOR ADMISSIONS INTO THE IMU FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE PROGRAMME, STUDENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE:

Pass SPM / O-Levels with minimum 5 credits in Mathematics, 2 Science subjects and 2 other subjects.
Note: Specific SPM / O-Levels requirements may be needed for admissions into IMU programmes.

English Language Requirement

MUET	Band score of 3*
IELTS	Overall band score of 5.5 (Malaysian and International students) * Students who are transferring to RMIT University are required to have an overall band score of 6.5 (not less than 6.0 for individual band)
China’s Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)	Students who are transferring to China universities are required to have HSK 4 prior to transfer and HSK 5 prior to graduation**
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)	Overall score of 160* (for International students only)
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)	Overall score of 180* (for International students only)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)	Overall score of 42* (for International students only)

* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia

** UEC students with a pass in Chinese Language are exempted from HSK.

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in chinese medicine, the IMU maintains its relationship with many partner universities in Australia and China.

Australia

China

Australia

China

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION FEES

	Malaysian Student (RM)	International Student (RM)
Application Fees	150	500
Registration Fee	850	2,000
Refundable Caution Deposit	1,000	1,000
Tuition Fees	103,200	113,000

Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students will have to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM1,000 and Medical Health Check fee of RM250 and Visa endorsement fee (depending on nationality) upon registration.
International students will also be required to pay Student Visa Renewal Administrative fee of RM140/year and Medical Health. Check fee of RM250/year.
Students must adhere to the “Policy on Payment of Fees”.
All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.

FEE STRUCTURE

MALAYSIAN STUDENT

COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PROGRAMME	TOTAL DURATION (YEARS)	AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU)				AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU)				GRAND TOTAL (RM)*
		YEARS	TOTAL SEMESTERS	TUITION FEE		ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY
				PER SEMESTER	TOTAL	YEARS	SEMESTERS	TUITION FEE PER YEAR*	TOTAL ($)*
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine	4	4	8 long semesters	10,800	103,200	-	-	-	-	-
			4 short semesters	4,200
Credit Transfer to RMIT University Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine)	5	3	6 long semesters	10,800	77,400	2	4	A$34,560	A$69,120	274,738
			3 long semesters	4,200
Credit Transfer to China	5	3	6 long semesters	10,800	77,400	2	4	RMB42,000	RMB84,000	126,960
			3 long semesters	4,200

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMME	TOTAL DURATION (YEARS)	AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU)				AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU)				GRAND TOTAL (RM) *
		YEARS	TOTAL SEMESTERS	TUITION FEE		ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY
				PER SEMESTER	TOTAL	YEARS	SEMESTERS	TUITION FEE PER YEAR*	TOTAL ($)*
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine	4	4	8 long semesters	11,500	113,000	-	-	-	-	-
			4 short semesters	5,250
Credit Transfer to RMIT University Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine)	5	3	6 long semesters	11,500	84,750	2	4	A$34,560	A$69,120	282,088
			3 long semesters	5,250
Credit Transfer to China	5	3	6 long semesters	11,500	84,750	2	4	RMB42,000	RMB84,000	134,310
			3 long semesters	5,250

* Current estimates only
Based on exchange rates: A$1 ≈ RM2.8550, RMB1 ≈ RM0.5900
Tuition and ancillary fees at Partner Universities overseas are subject to annual increases.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the structure of the programme?

The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine (CM) is a 4.5 years full-time course taught in English and Mandarin where necessary. After graduation, the graduate must spend 12 months in an accredited hospital by the Public Service Department of the Malaysian Government as an intern. Upon satisfactory internship, the Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) can be registered by MOH to practice in Malaysia.

The IMU’s CM course trains CMPs to deliver evidence-based healthcare services. The course fulfills the requirements of the MQA (Malaysian Quality Agency). At the end of the course the student should have acquired knowledge and relevant skills to be a competent practitioner; has a good command of Mandarin, Malay and English; is able to communicate with all stakeholders; has acquired the attributes of a professional, is a team player, a life-long learner, a critical thinker with knowledge of research techniques, the CM business and takes time to reflect on actions taken.

The IMU has partnerships with several universities of TCM in China (Shanghai University of TCM, Shangdong University of TCM, Guangzhou University of TCM, Beijing University of TCM) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) for students to transfer after 3 years in this programme. After an additional 2 years, the graduates will be awarded the bachelor degrees in CM of the respective partner universities.

The CM course consists of modules in basic Medical Sciences and Chinese Medicine. The contents will be delivered via many delivery modes, including case studies, practice visits, attachments to hospitals or clinics and supervised clinical practice. A research project in Semesters 7 aims to develop skills of scientific inquiry, observation, analysis and scientific writing.

What are key features of the programme?

This course has incorporated a number of key features to prepare the graduate for challenges beyond graduation. These proactive features enable students to acquire the following outcomes.

A solid foundation in the basic medical sciences to build a good understanding of the structure of the human body, its functions and disease processes from the western scientific aspect. This will be taught by lecturers who have experience teaching medical, pharmacy and nursing students.
Knowledge of Chinese philosophy of balance (yin and yang), the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and the importance of Chinese classics and their contribution to the development of Chinese medicine.
Knowledge of the importance of diet and exercise in therapy.
Knowledge of the concepts and theories, important for development of acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, herbal therapy.
Able to speak and write Mandarin, Malay and English at a functional level.
Acqusition of relevant practical and clinical experience.
An inquiring mind, skills of discovery, analysis and presentation.
Knowledge of the laws and ethics governing the practice and business of CM in Malaysia.
Knowledge of CM business, the setting-up and management of a CM clinic and CM herbal shop.
Interaction with students in other healthcare courses like chiropractic, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, psychology and pharmaceutical chemistry. This will facilitate interdisciplinary networking and friendships which would develop into better inter-professional working hips after graduation.

When do students get clinical exposure?

During semester 12, students will spend a substantial amount of time in hospital or clinic attachment, observing clinical Chinese medicine practitioners. This will progress to supervised clinical practice under experienced CMPs.

Are there any Internship placements?

IMU will guide students in securing internship placements in hospitals which are accredited by the MOH and the Public Services Department (PSD), Malaysia, so that our graduates will be able to register with the MOH and can work in government hospitals and clinics as well as in the private sector.

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

What is the medium of instruction?

The medium of instruction is English supported by Mandarin when required. Students who are not proficient in English or Mandarin are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English and Mandarin by making their own arrangements to attend additional English and Mandarin classes before entering the IMU.

Who will award the degree?

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine degree is awarded by IMU.

What sort of jobs/careers can be undertaken with this degree?

Once registered with the MOH, the Chinese medicine practitioner can work in any of these positions.

Chinese medicine practitioner in integrated healthcare in a government or private hospital.
Chinese medicine practitioner in a Chinese medicine hospital.
Acupuncturist in an integrated hospital or Chinese medicine hospital or clinic.
Chinese medicine practitioner in a private Chinese medicine clinic, as the owner and practitioner or as an employee.
With additional post graduate qualification as a lecturer in a University or Chinese academy. delivering courses (diploma, degree, post-graduate degrees or certificate) in Chinese Medicine or acupuncture.
A member in the sale and marketing of Chinese medicine products.
With additional post graduate training as a researcher in an academic institution or herbal or pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

What personality traits are best suited for a career in Chinese Medicine?

The person who is patient, has good interpersonal and communication skills, eager to learn, is dedicated and responsible, proactive and good tempered, is empathetic, self-reliant, generous and willing to share is best suited for this profession.

READ STORIES OF THE PROGRAMME

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APPLY NOW

Interested in applying for one of our programmes?

You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

Verified copies of your academic qualifications
Evidence of English language proficiency
A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport

These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.

We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!

Start the application process!

WHY STUDY CHINESE MEDICINE AT IMU

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 28 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved the SETARA-2017 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Strong Western Science and Medicine Component

IMU offers a wide range of medical and healthcare programmes. The western science and medicine subjects in Chinese Medicine are delivered by experienced western medicine practitioners. Not only are students able to fully immerse in a solid medical science learning environment, they could also enhance their learning through inter-professional networking and activities at IMU.

Internationally Benchmarked English Curriculum

IMU is one of the few universities in Malaysia to offer Chinese Medicine in an English-speaking environment. The programme is delivered in English, is supported with Mandarin when required, and is accepted by Australia and China for credit transfer. Both our partner universities in Australia and China are part of the large WHO Chinese Medicine research centre network.

Student-Centred and Lifelong Learning Emphasis

The IMU educational philosophy is not about how many lectures are delivered. Instead, it emphasises on how much students have learned. This unique approach encourages students to be responsible for their own studies. As such, many learning activities are centred around students, from which they will hone their critical thinking and clinical skills to become competent lifelong Chinese Medicine practitioners in the modern world.

Personalised Attention from Lecturers

Students are able to receive personalised attention from their lecturers due to an emphasis on small group learning. This enhances the teaching and learning experience for students.

Wong Zhi Hang

“Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine which consist of health preservation and healing practices which originated from China but still in practice today. Malaysia has a policy of moving towards integrated practice in healthcare, as so, the T&CM Act is enforced on 1 August 2016. In line with the national policy, Chinese Medicine programme at IMU is delivered in an integrative manner, where students will acquire knowledge of both Chinese Medicine and western medical sciences. By delivering our programme in English, we open the door to everyone who is keen to learn Chinese Medicine and not restraint to only those who knows Mandarin. Through such studies, students will equip themselves with evidence-based medical knowledge to deal with future challenges locally or internationally as a healthcare provider.”

WONG ZHI HANG
Lecturer and Programme Director
Phd(CM) NJUTCM, MMed (CM)SDUTCM, BMed(CM)SDUTCM

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