A potential collaboration between Middlesex and PEFOTS

 

The first TCM University
Middlesex University was the first University in Europe to validate a degree programme in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The programme was developed and is delivered in collaboration with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and successful graduates are awarded a joint BSc(Hons) award from both institutions. The aim of this innovative and holistic programme of study is to provide education and training in all aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, including Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Combined with this is an awareness that Orthodox medicine is the predominant health care modality in the UK and Europe and thus there is a need for students to underpin their knowledge of the principles and applications of TCM with sufficient knowledge and understanding of current orthodox medical sciences. As well as our partnership with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Middlesex University collaborates with the Ming-Ai (London) Institute, that provides teaching in Mandarin, and the Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine where students are placed for clinical training while in the UK. Students on the TCM degree programme complete over 1000 hours of clinical practice in placement both at the Asante Academy and at affiliated teaching hospitals of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Students are required to complete a hospital internship of 6 months in Beijing during their final year of study.

 

Students enrolled in the TCM degree programme at Middlesex are joining the sixth largest University in the UK and the most popular University in London. Middlesex University attracts more than 22, 000 students, many of whom are from the London area, but a large proportion comes from overseas to study. Middlesex University is a major international University whose strategic objective is to work in partnership, developing strong relationships with local and global institutions and agencies offering high quality education. The University currently has 250 exchange and collaborative links with institutions in the UK and internationally and offers one of the best student exchange programmes in the UK, having links with over 100 European partners and 50 further institutions Worldwide.
With PEFOTS, Middlesex University shares a common aim to work for a greater recognition of TCM in society and to ensure a high standard of training and education for practitioners of Chinese Medicine across Europe. On 24 of May 2002, officials of Middlesex University and members of the PEFOTS Board met at Middlesex Enfield campus in London to discuss potential cooperation between the two parties.Moved by a strong mutual interest to improve the quality of TCM across Europe, they drew up a ‘Memorandum of Intent’, laying the foundation for the development of a partnership between PEFOTS and the university.

 

The key areas for future cooperation could be the development of a PEFOTS core curriculum and an accreditation programme with Middlesex assistance, the setting up of a continued TCM education programme across Europe and the development of joint networks and conferences.