BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies

Summary 2012/13

• Develop enhanced technical skills and knowledge, together with a critical understanding of theories, policies and practice relating to complementary therapies with an emphasis on health and wellbeing;
• Focus on areas of specific interest to contribute positively to the developing critical mass of integrative and complementary health therapies;
• Bring your own personality, beliefs and experiences into the framework and equip yourself with a rich blend of skills, academic knowledge and an understanding of business and management.

Focusing on specific subject areas such as reflexology or aromatherapy you will be equipped to meet the needs of individuals in health and health crisis and deciding how best to meet their needs blending traditional and non-traditional approaches. The emphasis is on health promotion and your contribution to the developing critical mass of integrative and complementary health therapies.

2012 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at Level 5 or equivalent, i.e. have completed a Foundation Degree in Complementary Therapies.

Details

Who is this course for?

This programme is primarily for people working within a healthcare setting who are in possession of a diploma or equivalent qualification in the area of complementary therapies. It will enable you to further enhance your skills and expertise in this area of practice.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will be enabled through the research and dissertation modules to contribute positively to the developing critical mass of integrative and complementary health therapies.

Focusing on specific subject areas such as reflexology or aromatherapy you will be equipped to meet the needs of individuals in health and health crisis and learn how best to meet their needs blending both traditional and non-traditional approaches.

The opportunity for supervised practice, emphasising the psychomotor skills essential in understanding the various complementary treatments, will allow you to perfect your skills through the feedback on your performance.

How we will support you

You and your learning will be supported by a personal tutor, allocated at the beginning of the course. Your personal tutor will support academic development and progression as well as providing pastoral support when required. Further support is provided by learning support services specialising in academic development of undergraduate students.

What will I study?

You will be directed to explore the application of theory in practice. In order to achieve the award of BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies, you will undertake a compulsory 20 credit research module at the beginning of semester one.

You will then study two programme specific modules comprising one 30 and one 20 credit module. These modules are Advanced Integrative Health Practices and Complementary Therapies and Values in Complementary Therapies.

The programme concludes with a 30 credit dissertation module and an optional 20 credit module. The focus will be on the promotion of health through the use of complementary therapies.

How will I study?

A variety of methods, such as seminars, lectures, work-based learning and tutorials will be used to deliver this programme. Practical demonstrations will be employed to enable you to consider creative use of complementary therapies for the treatment of long-term conditions. This gives you the opportunity to closely observe the psychomotor skills essential in understanding the various complementary treatments embedded within the programme. Emphasis is given by the lecturer to the underpinning theory that supports each skill, whilst the chance to experience supervised practice is provided within the safe environment of the skills laboratory. You are able to enhance and perfect your skills through the feedback provided on your performance.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught and supported by a team of highly-qualified, research-active lecturers who have expertise and specialist training in complementary therapies.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in both theory and practice is continuous. You are required to demonstrate evidence of your achievement in practical skills. Theoretical assessments are used, including assignments, oral and poster presentations. In this way you will be able to demonstrate the communication and organisational skills essential in this area.

What are my career prospects?

This programme will provide you with the skills to enable you to work in a multi-professional practice. Possibilities include employment within a healthcare setting, private practice, health spa or complementary medicine clinic.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the application form (pdf) and notes for guidance (pdf).

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

If you are joining this top-up degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree without a break from studying (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a full-time basis. The tuition fee for full-time continuing students is £3,465 for academic year 2012/13.

However, if you are joining this top-up programme in academic year 2012/13 as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a part-time basis, the tuition fee for full-time study is £9,000.

Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over the threshold amount (£15,000pa for the £3,465 fee, £21,000pa for the £9,000 fee).

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students on this progression route in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/topupfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Part-Time Study

If you are joining this top-up degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a part-time basis. The tuition fee for part-time continuing students on this progression route in academic year 2012/13 is £380 per 20 credit module and £570 per 30 credit module.

UK continuing students will be able to apply for an annual fee grant up to £1,230, subject to income level and intensity of study, and may also be eligible for a means-tested grant of up to £265 for books, travel and other course-related expenditure.

However, if you are joining this top-up programme as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a full-time basis, the tuition fee for part-time study is £1,500 per 20 credit module and £2,250 per 30 credit module for academic year 2012/13.

New students, and those not classed as "continuing" students, will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000pa.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for part-time students on this progression route in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/topupfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. A total of 120 credits must be studied (at level 6) to complete a top-up degree.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Jacqui Hitchen, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657027
• Email: hitchenj@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

HUG 3100 Undergraduate Dissertation (30 credits) will focus on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by you and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to your specific area of study and then apply critical analysis to the existing literature and make recommendations that will improve service provision.

HEA 3012 Research Methods (20 credits) is designed to develop your understanding of the research process and the nature and variety of research methods. The module’s characteristic features are to encourage you to see qualitative and quantitative methods as equally valuable and often complimentary.

HUG3118 Values in Complementary Therapies (20 credits) allows you to explore, experience and reflect upon personal and work-based values which impact upon your personal and professional development within the field of complementary therapies. Self-enquiry and reflective practice is actively encouraged to enable you to identify not only your own core values but provide insight into your personal philosophy and how this impacts on your practice.

HUG3119 Advanced Integrative Health Practices and Complementary Therapies (30 credits) provides an in-depth exploration of advanced integrative health practices. It explores mind-body approaches in complementary therapies, especially those used for the treatment of persons with long-term conditions. The role of spirituality in the healing process and the differing expectations of patients and healthcare professionals will also be considered in regard to the use of complementary therapies.

You will also study a further, optional module, chosen from the undergraduate portfolio (20 credits).