A Bachelor of Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine offers a foundational knowledge of human biology and physiology and teaches the history and philosophy of Western herbal medicine as well as the knowledge and skills to apply it today. You’ll learn to formulate herbal prescriptions using medicinal plants from around the world and use evidence-based practice to include biomedical science, research, and traditional knowledge.

Designed to fit in with you

With all your learning materials online, you can tailor a schedule to fit your personal needs.

The highest level of practical experience

Develop clinical skills, access the latest technology and improve client wellbeing at our student-led clinic.

Tap into our knowledge

Our heritage with Southern School of Natural Therapies and Australasian College of Natural Therapies ensures you’re learning from decades of experience.

Course overview

During your studies, you will learn about health science, clinical assessment, pharmacology, herbal synergy, quality and safety issues affecting prescribing decisions. As a part of your western herbal courses practice, you will also learn how to provide basic dietary and lifestyle advice to your clients for a holistic approach to healthcare. . You will gain hands-on experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre consulting with members of the public under the guidance of experienced Western herbal medicine practitioners. Work-Integrated Learning and Clinical Practicum Experience are embedded throughout the course and are incorporated into theory subjects.

Career opportunities

This course will prepare you to confidently start practising Western herbal medicine in your community, with employment opportunities in a range of healthcare settings that require Western herbal medicine specialisation. Join a healthcare practice or start your own, develop cutting-edge Western Herbal Medicine products, or work in a corporate role within the growing complementary medicine health care sector.

Career paths

• Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner
• Product Developer
• Corporate and Education roles within the health sector

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study. Some subjects include compulsory attendance in class, at Torrens approved external practitioner placement and work integrated learning placements at The Practice Wellbeing Centre.

International students on a student visa must not enrol into any more than a third or 33% of online subjects over their course and must study at least one subject that is face to face in each trimester.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time, i.e. the student must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year.

Learning outcomes

• Explore herbal history, philosophy and principles of practice
• Discover the role of research and evidence in determining the most effective treatments
• Learn the innate properties of herbs and herbal pharmacology
• Work with the different forms of herbal medicines, such as liquid extracts, infusions and external preparations like ointments and lotions