Places to Study
Schools and Courses in Herbal Medicine
2. Places to Study Herbal Medicine
Finding the right course
It can become a daunting task when trying to find the right course in Herbal Medicine that will suit the goals and aspirations of budding herbalists. It is important for individuals to do their own research and to get in touch with the various schools to find the course that suits them best.
There are two distinct types of courses to be aware of:
1. Accredited Professional Clinical Herbal Medicine Qualifications
These courses are intended for individuals who wish to run a clinical practise and treat members of the public. The courses will be accredited to one or more Professional Associations (PAs). These courses usually last between 3 to 6 years depending if it is part time or full time and usually requires a minimum of 500 clinical hours (either included or excluded as part of the school).
The curricula are aligned to the requirements of the specified Professional Associations. This means that once an individual has complete the diploma or degree, they may join the PA(s) the course is accredited to. Once a member, Herbalists are required to complete CPD points (Continuing Professional Development) on a yearly basis to track and document the ongoing skills, knowledge and experience that you gain throughout your career.
Being a professionally trained clinical Herbalist means that an individual can:
- Be part of a Professional Association (and avail of the benefits and support they offer)
- Safely open up a Clinic
- Get insurred for treating members of the public
There are some Herbal Medicine courses advertised on the internet that claim to be “accredited” but are not associated with any Professional Association in the UK or Ireland. Such courses usually claim you will become a master herbalist within a few weekends which is short of being true. Becoming a professional clinical Herbalist involves many years of learning and gaining experience in a clinical setting. A professional Herbalist course will last a minimum of 3 to 6 years.
2. Hobbyist, Short or Foundation courses in Herbal Medicine
These courses and diplomas do not allow for an individual to become a Professional Clinical Herbalist with membership to a Professional Association. However, they may offer tasters or will offer skills suitable for the use of Herbal Medicines at home, with family and friends.
They are often much shorter, usully ranging from a few weekends to a year.
The Foundation courses are the perfect preliminaries for full Professional Qualifications and will bring up to speed any interested individual wanting to orientating their career to Clinical Herablism.
This category of courses are best suited for individuals who do not wish to practice Herbal medicine in a professional manner or who are only beginning their journey towards their new career and need to catch up on certain skills.
Important:
While we do list courses on this page, please be aware that we do not endorse them nor do we have any preference of one over any others. Individuals interested in these courses must do their own research to find the best one that will suit their needs and views.
For Professional Qualifications accredited to Professional Associations: We recommend you to read up about the available schools and even contact them. We also recommend that you check the Professional Associations these courses are accredited to so that they best suit your needs, preferences and views. You can find out more about the Professional Associations collaborating with the Herbal Alliance by clicking here.
For hobbyist, short and Foundation courses: We recommend that you take care in approaching shorter courses. Check who is teaching them, what their credentials or qualifications are and perhaps get a second opinion from family, a friend or a herbalist. The Foundation courses will most likely be linked to specific Professional courses therefore it is important to find out where you can study next if you wish to continue your education in Herbal Medicine.
- UK: Accredited Professional Western Herbal Medicine Courses
- IRELAND (NORTH & SOUTH): Accredited Professional Western Herbal Medicine Courses
- Foundation, Entry Level & Short Courses
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Courses
- Courses in Ayurveda
The Betonica School of Herbal Medicine – Medical Herbalist Training
The Betonica Medical Herbalist Training Programme blends modern science and traditional knowledge to create a 4-year professional course.
The programme syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from Materia Medica, Botany and Pharmacology, to Anatomy and Physiology and Clinical Skills (to name just a few). We are passionate about community clinics and education, organic growing and field to dispensary medicine.
The course content and assessment are at the same level as a BSc (Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications). The final award you will receive for successfully completing the course will be a diploma.
https://www.betonica.co.uk/medical-herbalist-training-programme
The International Register of Consultant Herbalists (IRCH)
The International Register of Consultant Herbalists (IRCH) was established in 1960 as a register and training school for Western Medical Herbalists and has consistently produced highly qualified herbalists since then. It is a blended learning course, which is carefully structured to enable students to fit study in and around the everyday pressures of living. It is, however, a course that demands commitment and whilst the course can be completed within five years this can be extended to accommodate student’s individual needs.
The course contains fourteen units of study arranged over five modules (A&P, Naturopathic Practice, Materia Medica, Herbal Medicine and Practice Management). The lessons are supplemented by seminars at both the Annual Conference and Summer School. Both events offer an opportunity to meet students from all modules, practising herbalists and to take part in lively lectures and discussions. There is also a monthly on-line tutorial that forms an important part of the student’s study. Clinical skills seminars give students the opportunity to learn about herbal medicine first-hand from our experienced practitioners including case taking, examination techniques and diagnostic methods. A recognised amount of clinical observation and practice must be undertaken at our training clinics. This is on a supervised one to one basis, giving the student confidence to develop their own clinical practice. Students may start at any time of the year. All tutors are qualified, practicing herbalists and specialists in their particular module. An exemption from a module may be available subject to holding a relevant qualification or experience.
For further information please visit https://irch.org/ or contact the Director of Studies irch.education@gmail.com for an informal chat.
Lincoln College – BSC (HONS) CLINICAL HERBALISM (FULL-TIME)
This three year course incorporates the ‘energetic’ understanding of the cause of illness and the therapeutic actions of medicinal plants as well as the orthodox disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Nutrition. It is integrative in approach, linking traditional herbal medicine with modern science and holism.
https://www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-clinical-herbalism-full-time
Heartwood Education
This online course offers an in-depth education in Herbal Medicine accredited by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and consists of approximately 3,600 hours of taught and directed study, divided into 17 modular components. The course is rooted in the understanding that an authentic herbal medicine course must resource our rich tradition, draw from the best practice of contemporary herbalists as well as the growing body of scientific knowledge of the healing power of plants.
The course is offered either as a 4 year course or as a 6 year course, seeking to accommodate the variable competing demands on available study time for students. For those on the 4 year course, expect to devote, on average, between 21 and 30 hours per week, although some periods of study, for example, around assessment times, will be more intensive than others. For those on the 6 year pathway, expect to spend between 14 and 21 hours a week on your academic studies.
Clinical training is an additional time commitment, with 500 hours being required during your studies before you may sit your final clinical exam. This is a combination of online clinic hours and in-person clinics with our clinical trainers. Additional time will be required for writing up case history notes.
https://heartwoodeducation.net/home/professional
The School of Intuitive Herbalism
A small school deeply rooted in the approach of learning from the plants directly. 90% of our teaching is experiential, diving into deep personal relationships with each plant and witnessing / being supported by your peer group in this highly somatic and process-orientated approach. We offer student-centred trainings (each student emerges as a different type of herbalist – each following their own path, supported by the school) and a professional training as an Insight Herbalist. Insight Herbalism is an approach to herbalism which focuses on empowering clients / groups to deepen their relationship with both the plants and their own bodies and path of healing.
Applications open each year 1-14th January – though do feel free to email in advance so we can send you an application form.
The school is based on an organic farm in Stroud with a beautiful herb garden.
https://www.schoolofintuitiveherbalism.weedsintheheart.org.uk/courses/apprenticeship/
The School of Herbal Medicine
The School of Herbal Medicine are offering an Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine over 6 years, which is currently progressing through the accreditation programme from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
https://www.schoolofherbalmedicine.co.uk/training/
The Excelsior Apprenticeships in Herbal Medicine
Practitioner courses – 4 year course in Western Herbal Medicine in Dublin and Belfast, accredited by the Irish Register of Herbalists.
Excelsior Apprenticeships in Herbal Medicine offers accredited practitioner-level herbal training programs in Belfast and Dublin.
Excelsior aims to deliver the highest training standards by embracing both traditional energetic concepts and modern academic standards, including a full program of 800 hours clinical study and over 1000 hours of live lectures and botanical field trips, consolidated by self-directed home study. Accredited to the Irish Register of Herbalists.
The Diploma (Dip. HerbMed) rewarded is Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (Equivael to BSc level).
https://www.excelsiorapprenticeships.co.uk/about-herbalist-course/
The Plant Medicine School – Clinical Herbal Practitioner Course
The objective of the Programme is to provide training for those with adequate Prior Experiential Learning (PEL) to become practitioners of Western Herbal Medicine and to be able to join a professional organisation such as the Irish Register of Herbalists.
https://theplantmedicineschool.com/courses/herbal-apprenticeship
These courses are for people who are beginning their journey and are at entry-level or are interested in Herbal Medicine for personal use. They will allow students to get a flavour of what Herbal Medicine involves.
However, the following mentioned courses do not train students to take patients or to become a Professionally Qualified, Registered & Insurred Herbalist. Please click on the previous tabs to view the Professional Herbal Medicine Qualifications.
The Heartwood Foundation Course
The Heartwood Foundation Course is made up of 12 online Units offering a broad introduction to the field of Herbal Medicine, with emphasis on the practical use of herbs to deal with common ailments.
https://heartwoodeducation.net/home/foundation
Lincoln College – Introduction To Herbal Medicine
This foundation course in Herbal Medicine is designed primarily for those who need to develop their knowledge and skill foundation, for entry into the professional degree programme in Herbal Medicine at Lincoln College.
It is however suitable for those who wish to explore the subject of Herbal Medicine as an interest and without commitment to enter professional training. This course is taught over 4 weekends per year.
Search “Herbal Medicine” in course search:
https://www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/
The Scottish School of Herbal Medicine Apprenticeship
Situated at the southern end of one of Scotland’s most beautiful but accessible islands – The Isle of Arran – World recognised Herbalist Keith Robertson, MSc FNIMH offers practical herbal medicine courses, individual herbal well-being consultations and workshops in sustainable living.
Apprenticeship Program (Correspondance + 8 Weeks living on the Isle of Arran – Scotland)
https://veganherbal.com/apprenticeship-programme/
Herbal Correspondance Course
https://veganherbal.com/courses/scottish-school-of-herbal-correspondence-course/
Betonica Home Herbalist Courses
Betonica offers three different home courses suitable for those who wish to explore Herbal Medicine as an interest.
Home Herbalist Course
https://www.betonica.co.uk/home-herbalist-courses
Advanced Home Herbalist Course
https://www.betonica.co.uk/advanced-home-herbalist-course
Online Home Herbalist Course
https://www.betonica.co.uk/home-herbalist-online-course
New Vitality Tuition – Discovering Herbal Medicine
‘Discovering Herbal Medicine’ was originally written by two of the UK’s leading herbal pioneers, Hein Zeylstra and Simon Mills. In the early 80’s Hein had the foresight and energy to found the College of Herbal Medicine (or Phytotherapy as he preferred to call it) in the South of England for the training of herbal practitioners. As the world’s primary teaching school for western herbal medicine, it influenced standards set by subsequent institutions in many countries,
https://discoveringherbalmedicine.org.uk/the-course/
Foundation & Short Courses in Ireland
Kitchen Herbal Medicine – Excelsior Apprenticeships in Herbal Medicine
This course is intended for the complete novice who has no previous experience, but would like to know more about self-care at home. Such knowledge was once common to many households in the last century but has unfortunately been displaced in modern times, and is in danger of being lost. It is our hope to bring this knowledge back for the benefit of all.
Courses Accredited to the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM)
White Crane Academy
Available online, our course is fully accredited by the European Herbal & Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA). Now in its fifth year, our diploma course offers students a pathway to the fascinating and rewarding practice of Chinese herbal medicine.
All White Crane Academy course leaders are experienced practitioners, teachers, often researchers, who want to share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of herbal practitioners.
https://www.whitecrane.academy/diploma-in-chinese-herbal-medicine
Northern College of Acupuncture
Our long established Chinese herbal medicine course is designed for busy practitioners to enable you to fit in your study around your work and other commitments. It is an online course (with only one weekend in College at the beginning of year 1 to enable you to meet the rest of your cohort) and the rest of the course is delivered entirely online including your clinical training, with supervision from our highly experienced clinical supervisors.
There are two study options:
Our two-year PGDip – for practitioners who simply want to add herbs to their practice.
Our three-year MSc – for practitioners who would like to go further and gain their Master’s qualification.
https://nca.ac.uk/chinese-herbal-medicine-course
Courses Accredited to the Association of Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine (ATCM)
Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Our PG Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine is open to postgraduate practitioners with an existing acupuncture qualification. This 2 year Diploma course will run part time, with teaching sessions at 10 weekends each year, as well as clinical observation and practice hours available throughout Year 1 and Year 2. The course is designed to be flexible and suit the needs of practitioners, with the option to complete 100 of the clinical practice hours at either our clinic at MATCM, or any clinic of your choice.
http://matcm.co.uk/our-courses/diploma-courses/diploma-in-chinese-herbal-medicine-2/
Acupuncture Foundation – Ireland
This course is also accredited to the Association of Chinese Herbalists in Ireland (ACHI).
Our professionally accredited Chinese Herbal Medicine training is available to all Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine senior students and graduates to complement their knowledge of acupuncture.
In order to address the changes in prescribing herbal formulas under the European Herbal Directive we have structured a post graduate training programme for acupuncturists to address the requirements of the Herbal Directive.
Students will be taught properties of different herbs, their indications and contra indications, the clinical use of each individual herbs and their place within classical formula. Students will be taught to work with and use herbs in raw, natural, and powdered formats. Herbal clinical studies are a strong aspect of the post graduate herbal programmes.
| Education Provider | Location | Website |
| The College of Ayurveda (UK) | 20 Annes Grove, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5DR | www.ayurvedcollege.co.uk |
| The Ayurveda Pura Academy | 48 Newton Lodge Oval Square Greenwich Millennium Village West Parkside London SE10 0BA | www.ayurvedapura.com |
The Ayurvedic Clinic and Ayurveda Institute UK | 461 Brighton Rd. South Croydon Surrey CR2 6EW | www.ayurvedainstitute.co.uk |
| Open College UK. Ltd | Open College UK Ltd, 71 Thurlestone Rd, Longbridge, Birmingham. B31 4LP | |
Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centres | 3,Rowan Lane Skelmersdale, Lancashire,WN8 6UL Others At Rendlesham ,Suffolk | |
| Ayurguide Academy | Complementary Health Centre 698, Lordship Lane Wood Green London N22 5JN | http://www.ayurguide.com/ |
AyuSpa Ayurvedic Well-‐Being Centres | Kenton Branch 493 Kenton Road, Kenton Middlesex HA3 0UN | http://www.ayuspa.co.uk/ |
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