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ABOUT

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 Degree

Chinese Medicine approaches health from a holistic manner in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The range of treatments include:

  • Herbal therapy
  • Acupunture
  • Moxibustion
  • Cupping
  • Tuina
  • Bone and Spine Manipulations
  • Dietary Therapy
  • Exercise Therapy: Qigong & 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.

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.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine
  • Chinese Medicine Degree from Partner Universities

Commencement

  • February and September

total duration

  • 5 years (Degree from IMU)
  • 5 years (Degree from Partner Universities)

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 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education.

IMU achieved the SETARA-2018/2019 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Programme Structure

Semester Contents

MPU Short Semester Semester 1 Semester 2
  • MPU – U1: Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban, or Malay Language Communication 2
  • MPU – U1: Philosophy and Current Issues
  • MPU3 Integrity and Anti-corruption
  • Chinese Medicine Theory
  • Scientific Thinking and Introduction to Traditional and Complementary Medicine
  • Limb & Trunk Anatomy
  • Selective: Medical Classical Chinese
  • Selective: Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and Basic Mandarin
  • MPU2 Academic Communication / Bahasa Kebangsaan A
  • Human Physiology and Biochemistry 1
  • Head and Viscera Anatomy
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Chinese Medicine Diagnosis
  • Chinese Medicine History and School of Thought
Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
  • Human Physiology and Biochemistry 2
  • Chinese Materia Medica and Herbal Formulae 1
  • Acupuncture and Tuina 1
  • Selected Readings of Internal Classic
  • Chinese Materia Medica and Herbal Formulae 2
  • Psychology for Healthcare Professional
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Pathology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Chinese Medicine Practicum 1
  • Chinese Internal Medicine 1
  • Acupuncture and Tuina 2
  • CSD: Diagnosis
  • Basic Radiology
  • MPU4 Social Responsibility
Semester 6 Semester 7 Semester 8
  • CM Electives
  • Chinese Internal Medicine 2
  • Shang Han Lun
  • Differential Diagnosis in Western Medicine
  • Chinese Medicine Practicum 2
  • CM Gynaecology
  • CM Paediatrics
  • Golden Chamber
  • Management and Entrepreneurship
  • Research Methodology and Biostatistics
  • CM Electives
  • Research Project 1
  • Chinese Dermatology and External Medicine
  • Wen Bing
  • Medical Law, Regulations & Ethics
  • First Aid and Emergency Conditions
  • Chinese Medicine Practicum 3
Semester 9 Semester 10
  • Supervised Clinical Practice 1
  • Research Project 2
  • Supervised Clinical Practice 2

Entry Requirement

Examinations Requirements
A- Levels DD
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
STPM cGPA 2.50
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Australian Matriculation ATAR 70
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
NCEA Level 3 65% aggregate
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level or its equivalent. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Canadian Grade 12/13 65% aggregate in 6 subjects
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) B5 B5 B5 B6 B6
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Australian University Foundation Programmes 70% aggregate or ATAR 70
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Indian Pre-University 65% aggregate
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level or its equivalent. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Ministry of Education Matriculation # cGPA 2.50
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
International Baccalaureate (IB) 27 points
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) cGPA 2.50
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Foundation Studies # IMU Foundation in Science / equivalent
cGPA of 2.50
AND
Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)
Degree BSc in related field: cGPA 2.00
Diploma Diploma in Science; Diploma in Traditional and Complementary Medicine – cGPA 2.50

Diploma in Traditional and Complementary 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:
  • 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.

Language Requirement

MUET* Band score of 3; or
(For Malaysian students)
IELTS Overall band score of 5.5; or
TOEFL iBT* Overall score of 46; or
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)* Overall score of 162; or
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)* Overall score of 162; or
Cambridge Linguaskill* Overall score of 160; or
Pearson Test of English (PTE)* Overall score of 51; or
Credit Transfer For China’s HSK – Students who are transferring to China universities are required to have HSK 4 upon Enrolment and HSK 5 prior to graduation.**

* 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

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 150 500
Registration Fee 850 2,000
Refundable Caution Deposit 1,000 1,000
  • 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.
  • All students who are applying for the NHEF loans are required to pay their semester fees in FULL by the due date stated in the invoice.
  • The fees quoted for partner universities are current estimates only
  • Student must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees
  • All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to annual increases, currency exchange rates, and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any).
  • All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
  • As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students are required to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM2,500 AND personal bond (depending on nationality) upon registration.
  • * Overseas fees are indicative and subject to annual increase and currency exchange rate. Fees are exclusive of levy and bridging fee.

Fee Structure

malaysian student

Total Duration (years) At IMU University At Partner University (PU)
Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee (RM) Estimated Tuition Fees at Partner University
Per Semester Per Year Years Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine 5 5 10 13,250 26,500
– Credit Transfer to Shanghai University of TCM
Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine
5 3 6 13,250 26,500 2 4 RMB28,000
– Credit Transfer to Shandong University of TCM
Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine
5 3 6 13,250 26,500 2 4 RMB23,000

International Student

Total Duration (years) At IMU University At Partner University (PU)
Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee (RM) Estimated Tuition Fees at Partner University
Per Semester Per Year Years Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine 5 5 10 14,125 28,250
– Credit Transfer to Shanghai University of TCM
Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine
5 3 6 14,125 28,250 2 4 RMB28,000
– Credit Transfer to Shandong University of TCM
Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine
5 3 6 14,125 28,250 2 4 RMB23,000
Country Estimated Living Costs
(Per Year)
Exchange Rate
(As of Dec 2023)
Estimated Living Cost (Per Year) Australia AUD 21,000 – AUD 30,000 ≈ RM 65,900 – RM 94,200 AUD 1 ≈ RM3.14
Canada CAD 28,000 ≈ RM 98,000 CAD 1 ≈ RM3.50
China RMB 85,000 ≈ RM 56,100 RMB 1 ≈ RM0.66
Ireland EUR 12,000 ≈ RM 62,000 EUR 1 ≈ RM5.17
New Zealand NZD 22,000 – NZD 26,000 ≈ RM 64,500 – RM 76,200 NZD 1 ≈ RM2.93
United Kingdom GBP 10,000 – 22,700 ≈ RM60,000 – RM 136,200 GBP 1 ≈ RM6.00
United States of America USD 16,000 ≈ RM 75,800 USD 1 ≈ RM4.74
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia RM36,000 RM36,000

Partner University

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

Industrial Partners

The curriculum structure is constantly updated to meet the ever-changing industries’ needs and includes research-led teaching to deliver evidence-based knowledge and practice in the industry. Students will have the opportunity to undergo industrial training in the related sectors in their final semester. They will also be able to collaborate with industry or/and researcher in related project in their final year. The organisations involved in these internships are:

Our Alumni

Our alumni today have embarked on diverse and promising career paths across various industries. They are a true testament to the versatility of their education, as they continue to excel in a wide range of professional healthcare fields.

  • Acusports
  • Best Osteo Sdn Bhd
  • Empirical Therapy Centre, Australia
  • International Medical University (IMU)
  • iTCM Sdn Bhd
  • Peng Ann Medical Sdn Bhd
  • Ren Yi Acupuncture and TCM Centre
  • SIN Osteopathic SS2
  • Sunway TCM Centre
  • Thomson TCM SDN BHD
  • TOA Medical Sdn. Bhd
  • Virtue TCM
  • Xi Fertility TCM Centre
  • Xin Chinese Medical SDN BHD
  • Xing Lin TCM Centre
  • Yang Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre
  • YC TCM Sdn. Bhd.
  • Yong Kang Refresh Sdn Bhd
  • Yong Kang TCM

View from Our Community

Wong Pui Mun

Alumna, Chinese Medicine

Choosing IMU to pursue my dream of becoming a Chinese Medicine practitioner was one of the best decisions in my life. IMU Chinese Medicine programme did not only imparting the knowledge to students but it also trained students’ thinking ability. Apart from attending lectures, this course provided PBL sessions and supervised clinical practices. During my studies at IMU, I looked forward to PBL sessions as they were more interesting and we could learn from others through discussions. Knowledge without practice is useless, thus we have supervised clinical practice in the fourth year which allows us to apply our knowledge clinically. It has helped to improve our critical thinking and clinical skills, rather than learning everything by rote. IMU’s method of teaching has certainly trained us to become a competent Chinese medicine practitioner.

Goh Si Woei

Alumna, Chinese Medicine

IMU’s Chinese Medicine programme integrates both Chinese and Western medicine subjects for the needs of nation and to develop competent practitioners. It is a challenge to study Chinese Medicine since it provides brand-new knowledge to any student and it is very different from what we have learned previously, but you will find it fun and interesting once you embark on this lifelong journey.

Sng Kim Sia

Alumnus, Chinese Medicine

IMU Chinese Medicine programme is a unique programme which comprises both western and Chinese medicine subjects. As an established and internationally recognised university in healthcare education, we benefited from the university's strong foundation in western medicine teaching and managed to expand our connections with colleagues from various healthcare fields. IMU conducts the programme with an outcome-based approach, where the university's teaching methods challenged us to develop our clinical skills, critical thinking and public speaking skills, while cultivating our professionalism along the way. All these skills are essential for us to be competent and stand out among others in our workplace in the future.

Freya Tang Sin Wei

Alumna, Chinese Medicine

IMU is a place of learning, culture and fun. Besides learning about my profession, I had the opportunity to know people from many other healthcare professions which helped build my professional network for my future career. I am grateful to the faculty members who are always helpful and provide students with assistance in the challenges they faced while learning. By delivering the programme fully in English, this programme welcomes any student who is interested in learning Chinese Medicine without worrying about the language barriers. Even after graduating for 4 years, I do not regret spending my time here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the programme?

The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine is a 5-year full-time programme taught in English and Mandarin where necessary. After graduation, graduates must complete a 1-year residency programme (otherwise known as housemanship) in an accredited hospital by the Ministry of Health in order to practice in Malaysia. Currently, graduates can apply for residency exemption and full registration to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Council with IMU degree. Upon successful registration as full registered Chinese Medicine practitioners, graduates can then practise in Malaysia.

 

IMU’s Chinese Medicine (CM) programme aims to train ethical, competent and professional CM practitioners to deliver evidence-based healthcare services. The programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and meets the standards set by the T&CM Council. At the end of the course, students should have acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the practice of Chinese Medicine; competent in communicating with patients, carer and community; has acquired the attributes of a Chinese Medicine professional, is a team player, a life-long learner, a problem solver with knowledge of patient safety, disease prevention, health preservation and skills of lifelong learning and reflection on actions taken.

 

IMU has credit transfer partnerships with several universities in China and Australia. They are Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) and Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM). Students can transfer to the selected partner universities after studying 3 years at IMU. After an additional 2 years at the partner universities, students will be awarded the bachelor’s degrees in CM by the respective partner universities.

 

The CM programme consists of modules in basic medical sciences and Chinese Medicine. The content will be delivered via multiple delivery modes, including lectures, workshops, practical sessions, case studies, flipped classroom, visits, and clinical attachment. There is also a small research project in semesters 8 and 9 which aims to develop scientific inquiry and analytical skills, as well as scientific writing of students.

What are key features of the programme?

This programme has incorporated a number of key features to prepare graduates for challenges beyond graduation. These proactive features enable students to acquire the following knowledge, skills and attitude in the field of Chinese Medicine profession.

 

  • A solid foundation in basic medical sciences to build a good understanding of the structure of the human body, its functions and abnormal changes from the western medicine perspective. This will be taught by content experts of the respective field.
  • Knowledge of Chinese philosophy theories (Qi, Yin and Yang, and the 5 elements) and its application in Chinese Medicine.
  • The importance of classical literature (Internal Classic, Shang Han Lun, Golden Chamber, and Wen Bing) and their contributions to the development of Chinese Medicine.
  • Knowledge of herbs, the concept of formulating a Chinese Medicine herbal formula, and its application in maintaining wellbeing and treating illness.
  • Knowledge of acupuncture theories, and its application in needling, moxibustion, cupping and tuina.
  • Acquisition of basic principles in Chinese Medicine clinical subjects, including internal medicine, gynaecology, paediatric, dermatology and external medicine.
  • Able to speak and write English and Mandarin at a functional level.
  • Acquire Chinese Medicine-related skills and experience through practical and clinical sessions.
  • Relate the importance between reviewing patient’s condition as a whole and providing a holistic treatment regime (herbs, acupuncture, diet and exercise therapy).
  • Develop an inquiring and open mind, analytical and presentation skills.
  • Understand the laws, regulations and ethics governing the practice and business of Chinese Medicine in Malaysia.
  • Basic aspects of setting up and managing a Chinese Medicine business.
  • Interactions with students from other healthcare programmes such as 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 work relationships after graduation.

When do students get clinical exposure?

Students will gain clinical exposure starting from as early as year 2. The clinical exposure is structured in a manner to allow students transition from observation to full hands-on practice progressively. During the final year, students will spend a substantial amount of time at IMU Chinese Medicine Centre and various external clinical sites for their clinical attachment, under the supervision of experienced Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Will students get any mobility or exchange opportunities?

Yes, students can apply for clinical mobility in semester 9 to do their clinical attachment at external clinical sites locally and internationally. The clinical sites are evaluated and ascertained by IMU that they are suitable for students’ clinical attachment. Additionally, students are also given the opportunity to apply for summer programme organised by our partner universities.

Are there any Internship placements?

Internship is defined as extra clinical training provided to graduates on top of their studies to help broaden their understanding of various health conditions. IMU has collaborations with partner universities to provide internship opportunity to graduates upon completing their studies.

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. It is not necessary to know Mandarin in order to join the programme, but understanding Mandarin will benefit the study. Students who are not proficient in English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English classes before entering IMU. Students who are interested to further pursue postgraduate studies or intend to go China but do not know Mandarin are also encouraged to learn Mandarin at their own time and cost.

Who will award the degree?

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

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

Once registered with the T&CM Council, the Chinese medicine graduates can work in any of these positions:

  • Chinese Medicine (herbal) practitioners who collaborate as a team offering integrative healthcare services.
  • Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and tuina) practitioners who collaborate as a team offering integrative healthcare services.
  • Chinese Medicine general (herbal, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and tuina) practitioners who are employed in a T&CM Unit of government hospital or private Chinese Medicine hospital.
  • Chinese Medicine general (herbal, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and tuina) practitioners who are employed or self-employed in a private Chinese Medicine centre.
  • Chinese Medicine specialists after completing advanced postgraduate training.
  • Chinese Medicine lecturers in a tertiary higher education institution after completing postgraduate studies.

 

Graduates can also work in the following positions not directly dealing with patients:

  • Medical translators and/or interpreters
  • Executives of Chinese Medicine centre, medical insurance company, medical equipment manufacturer, distributor or importer.

 

Researchers who work in an academic institution or a pharmaceutical company.

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

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

Have a Question? Ask Us

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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!

A Word from the Programme Director

Wong-Hon-Foong-2022

WONG HON FOONG

Senior Lecturer and Programme Director
PhD(SHUTCM), MSc(Imperial, UCL),
BMed(SDUTCM)

“Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine consisting of health preservation and healing practices which is originated from China but is still in practice today. Malaysia is moving towards integrated practice in healthcare and has enforced the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act (T&CM Act) 2016 since 1 August 2016 with 15 government hospitals providing T&CM services. In line with the national policy, the Chinese Medicine programme in IMU is delivered in an integrative manner, where students will acquire knowledge from both Chinese Medicine and western medicine. By delivering our programme in English, we open the doors to everyone who is keen to learn Chinese Medicine without the constraint of needing to first master 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.”

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