About Us

The Department of Complementary Medicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences will be offering new and unique professional programmes in complementary medicine from 2020, which will allow for comprehensive theoretical and practical training in the disciplines of acupuncture, homeopathy and phytotherapy.

UNDERGRADUATE

Complementary medicine refers to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s traditional or conventional medicinal approach, but may be used independently or alongside such therapies. Complementary medicine professions in South Africa consist of a diverse range of disciplines including phytotherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine (BHSc CM)

The BHSc CM is a four-year, full-time course that offers training in acupuncture therapeutics, as well as electives in the fields of homeopathy or phytotherapy. Acupuncture is a system of healing originating in China, and acupuncturists employ specific techniques, such as needling and moxibustion, in the treatment of various ailments. The BHSc CM seeks to produce a graduate competent to apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills under supervision. Graduates of the Bachelors programme will be eligible to register with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) as an acupuncture therapist.

Entry Requirements

POSTGRADUATE

The Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine (MHSc CM)

On successful completion of the BHSc CM, students may then progress into the MHSc CM, which is a two-year, full-time course-work master’s programme that allows students to specialise in their chosen discipline of either homeopathy or phytotherapy. Homeopathy is a well-established diagnostic profession in South Africa that aims to maintain or restore health through the use of a wide variety of related therapeutic approaches. Similarly, phytotherapy is a diagnostic profession which adopts an evidence-based approach to the broad therapeutic use of herbal medicines. The qualifying graduate will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, and appropriate practical skills as a healthcare practitioner, as well as compound, dispense and prescribe complementary medicines within their scope of practice. Graduates of the master’s programme will be eligible to register with the AHPCSA as practitioners in their respective domains of either homeopathy or phytotherapy, after completion of a master’s research project.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine. Applications from persons with an equivalent qualification will be considered by a constituted status committee in line with the University’s & Faculty’s regulations.

Doctorate of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine (DHSc CM)

The DHSc CM aims to provide the qualifying student with advanced analytical problem-solving and reflective competencies in the field of complementary medicine. This will be achieved by making an original contribution to the knowledge content of complementary medicine through independent research. As a contribution to medical science and the objectives of the international policies on complementary medicine, this degree will further the aims associated with the provision of safe, high quality and effective health care. This programme is offered on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is one of the following:

• Master of Health Science in Complementary Medicine (Homeopathy or Phytotherapy)
• Master of Technology: Homoeopathy
• An Equivalent qualification in a relevant field at an NQF level 9, generating a minimum of 180 credits.

Applications from persons with an equivalent qualification will be considered by a constituted status committee in line with the University’s and Faculty’s regulations