Five Element Acupuncture Diploma

Acupuncture is not statutory regulated in the UK. Although we are unable to guarantee that this will always be the case, there are self-regulating bodies that provide support and recognition to acupuncturists. The Acupuncture Society accredits the Diploma. Upon passing the course, our students can join this organisation. The ICA is also accredited by the Complementary Medical Association.

You would not be able to join the British Acupuncture Council as they only recognise degree-level courses.

The course has been carefully structured to ensure a balance of both academic and clinical excellence. 

The academic structure has been designed using a combination of blended and spiral learning supported with an eLearning platform and personal tutor guidance.

The clinical skills along with supervised patient consultations and treatment planning are conducted face to face with very experienced clinicians during the clinical weekends.

All in all, we have ensured the course delivers the essence of Five Element Acupuncture to the standard required by the accredited professional bodies.

ICA has its own insurance scheme set up with a company called Balens, which is a leading insurer. You can take out student insurance as you study and convert that to practitioner status when you qualify. NB If you are based outside of the UK, please check with Balens before you enrol regarding student insurance cover for the UK practical workshops. Balens do not provide acupuncture cover for qualified practitioners outside of the UK.

Unfortunately, this is impossible to answer. Most countries have their own regulatory requirements for acupuncture practice, so it is really down to the country you are looking at and its requirements. As it stands, the Diploma course will cover you to practise in the UK.

You have a year's access to the eLearning platform to complete the 12 monthly modules. Should you take longer, due to circumstances discussed with your tutors, you will need to pay a £30* administration fee, which will grant you access to the eLearning material for the agreed extension period. The course documents are printable, so we would recommend that you print these as you work through the eLearning modules. The videos will only be viewable inside the platform.

*This amount may be subject to change.

Yes, of course, things that may require a break will always come up. This is no problem; as a general rule, you can stop anytime and pick up where you left off. It would be best to discuss this, should it arise, with your personal tutor, as if the break is too long, it may be necessary to restart the course from the beginning* to refresh your knowledge. N.B. See above for information about the additional administration fee. *If restarting, there may also be additional tuition fees required to cover the extra teaching time you will require on top of what you have already received.

Upon passing the course, you will receive certification that you can proudly display on your wall. Following this, you can then apply for your license to practise from your local authority.

A few outlined above are things like student insurance, a recognised first aid course (booked independently), a blood pressure monitor, reading material, acupuncture needles, a needle pad and supplies. Also, accommodation and travel that you require to attend the weekend workshops.

Our refund policy is outlined in the student handbook, which covers all procedures relating to your studies.

Yes, absolutely! That is what is so exciting about the Diploma. Subject to the application form and a brief zoom or telephone chat, you can be online straight away.

Yes, which is one of the most exciting aspects of this course! The Diploma is the first of its kind. We are using a mixture of blended learning with material written and presented by two senior acupuncturists with over 50 years of experience between them. We are confident that the standard of tuition on this course will be second to none. Between them, our tutors have taught hundreds of practitioners, both in the UK and worldwide and are highly recognised as leaders in their field. You can be confident that we will equip you to become a successful acupuncture practitioner by the end of your Diploma course.

The International College of Acupuncture are continually developing training courses and CPD in specialist subjects that will be of benefit should you wish in your future career. You are joining a family when you start working with the ICA, and we hope that relationship will last for many years.