Our cookies

We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience with personalized content, relevant ads and enhanced functionalities. By allowing all you agree to the use of cookies as per the cookie policy and remember you can manage your preferences anytime.

Study Complementary Health abroad

About this subject

  • About this subject
  • Is this the course for me?
  • Careers prospects
  • Studying Complementary Health
  • Where to study?
Complementary Health

Complementary Health is a holistic branch of medicine used as an alternative medical practice. It focussed on the idea that all of an individual’s needs should as their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being should be treated as a whole. Those who practice complementary therapies do not have to study for a medical qualification, but should be regulated by an official board and have qualifications in their particular field of study. Such treatments are not used as a substitute for modern medicine, but are often used alongside contemporary techniques in order to relieve pain and in some cases assist in increasing mobility in the limb. Such treatments often include disciplines such as osteopathy, chiropody and acupuncture.

Is this the course for me?

Are you interested in complementary treatments? Do you want to pursue a career working with people and helping to heal the human body? If so, then perhaps studying a course in complementary health would be the perfect course of study for you.

However, the majority of therapy courses are practical in terms of the programme content and as well as attending lectures, students will also be expected to learn in a more vocational setting. Most courses will also expect students to fain some industry work experience as part of the course or in an extra-curricular capacity, so it is important for students to be capable of working independently.

Careers prospects

There are many different employment opportunities available to those with the relevant qualifications and experience. A lot of graduates will find work in health spas offering a wide range of complementary treatments from acupuncture to chiropody as well as deep tissue massage.

These skills are also incredibly flexible and those who find themselves earning less income than required in their day-job may seek freelance work offering mobile treatments for clients at home.

Some graduates in this particular field may also find work within NHS treatment centres or private hospitals. Although holistic treatments are not used as an alternative to contemporary medicine, many doctors will refer patients for treatments such as acupuncture or deep tissue massage in order to complement their course of treatments. This is particularly the case for patients undergoing a course of physiotherapy.

Studying Complementary Health

For the most part a complementary health course will last a minimum of three years at undergraduate level. Students will be expected to attend lectures, submit written assignments as well as being assessed on their abilities to carry out therapeutic treatments. Those who do not want to study for the full three years may opt for a number of other short courses that are available.

A post-graduate course of study will last for a minimum of a year and those wishing to apply for a place on the course should have a 2:1 qualification in a related academic discipline, or relevant industry-related work experience and the course will last a minimum of a year.  Those wishing to study for the undergraduate degree will need 3 A-levels or equivalent in a related subject.

Those who are non-native speakers of English will be expected to sit an IELTS test and score a minimum of 6.0 – 6.5.

Where to study?

One of the most important considerations when choosing a University is its location. Most courses last a minimum of a year, so pick a place of study that is located in an area that suits your personality. Just because you’re not a party animal, doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun, but it does mean that you should choose an establishment where there are plenty of student activities that take place during the day in alternative locations to the student bar!

Your university location will have a significant impact upon your future prospects within the jobs market. You should try and find a location which will not only make you happy, but will provide you with as much experience as possible. If you’ve the option, try and study at a University located in a city with a thriving beauty industry. Not only will the university be more likely to have better teaching facilities, but finding term-time placements will be easier which will contribute towards your degree.

A lot of new graduates use their work placements in order to find jobs upon graduation. Working in a city centre for a large company will increase your chances of post-graduate employment, particularly if you have a proven record for being a reliable employee. It is also vital that you ask yourself which area of beauty fascinates you the most. Different courses will offer different modules of study – so it is important that you have a vague idea as to the career path you are looking to take once you graduate.

Of course fees and academic grades should also come into consideration when deciding where to study.  Different courses will have different entry requirements, so make sure you meet all of these before making your application. Similarly check that you can afford the cost of the course fees. If you’re struggling there are a number of scholarships and bursaries available to students.

What Complementary Health courses are there?

1

Chiropractic

2

Chinese Medicine

Top 10 study destinations for Complementary Health

1
9
Australia
6,422 Views View 19 courses
2
210
UK
2,186 Views View 14 courses
3
211
USA
1,276 Views View 59 courses
4
32
Canada
1,253 Views View 6 courses
5
114
Malaysia
1,127 Views View 5 courses
6
134
New Zealand
618 Views View 3 courses
7
168
Singapore
600 Views View 1 course
8
84
Hong Kong
593 Views View 3 courses