Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine
A complete curriculum
in clinical herbalism
Six years. Every dimension of herbal practice.
Our programme covers everything you need to become a safe, competent, and confident medical herbalist — from the science of plant constituents to patient consultation, physical examination, and prescribing.
Core Modules
The foundations of herbal practice
These modules form the spine of the programme – studied in depth across multiple years, building from foundational knowledge to clinical mastery.
Materia Medica
Studying materia medica is the foundation of becoming a safe, confident clinical herbalist. Our students learn how plant constituents, pharmacology, and traditional knowledge integrate to support real-world clinical decision making. Through rigorous training in actions, indications, safety, and differential prescribing, they develop the depth of understanding needed for autonomous herbal practice.
Pharmacy & Dispensing
Studying materia medica is the foundation of becoming a safe, confident clinical herbalist. Our students learn how plant constituents, pharmacology, and traditional knowledge integrate to support real-world clinical decision making. Through rigorous training in actions, indications, safety, and differential prescribing, they develop the depth of understanding needed for autonomous herbal practice.
Herbal Therapeutics
Our herbal therapeutics teaching gives students a deep understanding of how to use medicinal plants in clinical practice — from system-based prescribing to formulation and treatment planning, using both modern and historical texts linked with the development of a patient’s case history. With a strong focus on evidence, safety, and clinical reasoning, this module equips future herbalists with the skills needed for effective, professional therapeutic work.
Anatomy & Physiology
Our Anatomy and Physiology teaching gives herbal students a strong scientific framework for understanding the body and applying herbal therapeutics safely in practice. With a focus on body systems, functional physiology, and clinical relevance, this module equips future herbalists with the knowledge required for competent, professional patient care.
Botany & Pharmacognosy
Botany and Pharmacognosy are delivered in two separate modules, giving herbal students a deep understanding of plant biology, medicinal constituents, and the scientific principles behind herbal quality and safety. With a strong focus on plant identification, phytochemistry, and pharmacognostic evaluation, this module equips future herbalists with the knowledge needed for evidence-based, professional clinical practice.
Clinical Skills & Clinical Practice
Clinical skills and clinical practice training are at the heart of our programme. From physical examinations and case history taking to patient consultations and prescribing under supervision, students build genuine clinical competence over four years in our working patient clinic. This is where theoretical knowledge becomes professional capability.
Continuing the Programme
Further modules as you progress
Studied across Years 2–6, building depth and clinical breadth
Cell Biology
Immunology & Microbiology
Public Health & Hygiene
Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
Complex Conditions
Constitutional & Energetic Medicine
Mushrooms & Seaweeds
Nutrition
Gemmotherapy
Restricted Herbs
Research Module
Clinical Medicine & Differential Diagnosis
Botany & History of Herbal Medicine
Clinical Training
Real patients, from year one
From the moment you join the programme, you train in our working patient clinic at 28 Angel Crescent, Bridgwater. You see patients arrive for consultations. You watch prescriptions prepared in the dispensary. You develop clinical judgement in a real environment — not a simulated one.
In your final four years, you take on clinical responsibility under supervision — completing 500+ hours of patient-facing work before you qualify.
500+
Clinical hours with real patients
4 years
Active clinical practice
“With an on-site clinic and fully working dispensary, you don’t have to imagine what it might be like to practise as a herbalist — because from Year One you are immersed in the reality of patient care and medicine making.”
Deborah Davies
Student
Course Fees
Transparent pricing with monthly payment options
The full six-year Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine is priced at £19,260, calculated at £535 per module. Monthly payment plans are available to spread the cost across the programme.
As a registered educational charity, we aim to keep our training as accessible as possible while maintaining the teaching standards the qualification demands.
£19,260
Full 6-year programme
£535
Per module
Monthly payment plans available • Registered Educational Charity 1202586 • Fees reviewed annually
Entry Requirements
Who can apply?
We welcome applicants with a genuine commitment to plant medicine and healthcare
Academic Background
Minimum 5 GCSEs required. Chemistry and Biology at A-level are preferred, though not always essential.
Foundation Course
Minimum 5 GCSEs required. Chemistry and Biology at A-level are preferred, though not always essential.
Healthcare Experience
Prior experience in healthcare, complementary therapy, or plant medicine is valued, though not required for all applicants.
Time Commitment
Two days per month for ten months per year, plus a five-day Easter School. Programme runs over six years.
If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, please get in touch. We are happy to discuss your background and whether the programme is the right fit.