Shanghai Acupucture College Ireland
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions which will help you to clarify the options available in training and practice.

How is Acupuncture regulated in Ireland?

The Irish Acupuncture Steering Group was established around two years ago bringing together all of the major interests in education, training and practice. The Steering Group will work towards developing a self-regulated code of practice leading to the Ferderation. This is particularly desired by the Irish Department of Education and Science and the Irish Department of Health as well as other Government agencies. They want the sector to bring forward proposals for regulation and a code of professional practice. In addtion, they also want the sector to speak with a single authoritative voice. Shanghai Acupuncture College welcomes this development and is represented in the Steering Group.

How can I be recognised professionally for clinical practice?
At the moment recognition comes from having a quality Certificate or Diploma provided by a quality College in Ireland or abroad. Our graduates enjoy this recognition. We anticipate that the work of the Steering Group will in the future include the formal recognition of such quality schools and the establishment of a National Register in Ireland.

What programmes and awards are available in Ireland?
There appears to be a very wide variety of colleges and courses offering training in the field of acupuncture. Some of these providers offer ‘Diploma’ education but the definition of a Diploma varies widely. Those who wish to achieve professional status should carefully consider the duration and content of any courses, such as the number of teaching hours offered, the nature of the award and who has accredited it and the qualifications and experience of the teaching faculty. Where has the Faculty themselves been trained? Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland can deliver on the credibility of what we promise in our programmes – we have considered and incorporated all of the aforementioned factors.

Are there Degree awards in Ireland?
We are the first educational body to offer a Degree Programme in Ireland. Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland offers a Degree in Acupuncture on a full and part-time basis commenced in September 2009. This is an Ordinary Degree equivalent to level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework of Ireland.

What is involved in the clinical practice module in China?
Clinical demonstration is an intrinsic part of the programme and will befeatured throughout the programme. In addition, students will be from time to time exposed to actual clinical practice in our Dublin clinics. The final year module in Shanghai will be an intensive three week exposure to clinical practice in a leading edge environment. This is a mandatory requirement for the degree award. By arrangement, students may extend this practice or may continue their studies in China for a further two years.

Who will be awarding the Degree?
The Degree will be awarded by Shanghai Acupuncture College Ireland in association with Shanghai Sixth Medical College of TCM affiliated with Jiao Tong University with which you will be registered with accordingly.

What is the duration of full-time study?
Successful applicants are invited onto an initial two years full-time study across four semesters. At the end of the initial two years students are awarded a Diploma (again from Shanghai Sixth Medical College of TCM). Successful graduates of the Diploma Programme will then proceed to one further year of full-time study. In all, three years of full-time study at full credit weight must be completed to satisfy the requirements for the award of the Degree.

I have already achieved a Diploma. Can I gain access to the Degree?
Diplomas vary in their duration and content. We have very strict criteria in relation to admission to the Degree stage as we must satisfy the requirements of our partner College and Teaching Hospital. There is also a requirement in relation to the number of teaching hours which your previous course provided. We have independent expertise available to evaluate Prior Learning (APL) and experience. We also provide from time-to-time intensive bridging programmes enabling you to achieve the credits for entry to the Degree level if you have not taken our own Diploma.

What is the duration of part-time study?
The Diploma programme is taught on a part-time basis over three years (six semesters) and the Degree programme is available to Diploma holders over a further two years of part-time study (four semesters). Clinical practice in mandatory and part-time students must make vacation and family arrangements to enable them to travel to China in the third year.

I am interested in Sports Injury Therapies. Can acupuncture help?
A number of our graduates practice in the area of Sports Injury Therapy where acupuncture can make a major contribution. We customise a Diploma programme for those wishing to practice in this area. Specialist knowledge and skill regarding sports injury is embedded in the general context of knowledge of acupuncture. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

My main interest is in Chinese Tuina and Herb Medicine, does your College offer training in this area?
A study of Tuina is an integral part of the acupuncture Diploma and Degree but we also offer a specialist Diploma in Tuina on a part-time basis delivered by outstanding professors from China. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

What are the admission criteria?
The standard minimum admission criteria for a Degree programme which is normally six Irish Leaving Certificate subjects at pass level or higher and a minimum of two honours level subjects at minimum C grade. We have established ways of evaluating other qualifications and procedures for mature student entry in line with Irish education policy. Please contact us to discuss your educational and training background and experience. Applicants with a clinical background (e.g. physiotherapy or state registered nurse) may be exempted from certain modules such as anatomy and physiology.

How do I make an application?
Please click the Application link to download the application form on this site and submit as hard copy. We are happy to discuss your individual situation so please click on the Contact link on this site if wish to have a one- to- one discussion. We also periodically hold small group open evenings to brief prospective students. If you wish to be kept informed by email of these opportunities please forward your contact information to:acupuncture@ireland.com

When does the first term commence?
Semester 1 commences in late September (full-time and part-time) and Semester 2 commences at end of January (full-time and part-time). Sessional exams take place in early June.

I am an International Student. Is your programme recognised for Visa purposes?
We reserve a small number of places for International students. The Full time Diploma programme is recognised for Irish visa purposes by the International Register . We are finalising arrangements for the Degree programme level with the Department.

How are students assessed?
Students are assessed by Coursework and end of Semester examinations. At the end of Semesters 2, 4 and 6 they will have a major sessional examination. Because of the clinical nature of our study we seek a balance between formative assessment (assessment which helps you to learn and gives you feedback) and terminal assessment (which tests knowledge acquisition in examination conditions). We also score participation and practice sessions on a continuous basis and there are formal feedback sessions for Degree students and group study sessions for Diploma students.

Do you have provision for Mature students?
As indicated above we welcome Mature students in line with national policy. In fact, maturity and life experience are a huge asset in terms of developing the practice side of the learning. Mature students are also well suited to establishing individual or group practice following graduation.

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