Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)

Torrens University Australia

CRICOS Institution Code 03389E

Duration

156 weeks

Delivery

On campus, Blended

Study Load

Full time / Part time

Intakes

14 Sep 2026

Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine) develops specialised knowledge and application of Western herbal medicine alongside a foundational understanding of nutrition. Students learn to formulate herbal prescriptions using medicinal plants from around the world and how to consult with clients, building on biomedical health science including pathophysiology, clinical assessment and pharmacology. The course covers the profile of more than 150 herbal medicines, herbal pharmacognosy, synergy, and the quality and sustainability issues that affect prescribing decisions, along with basic diet and lifestyle advice to optimise health outcomes. Work-integrated learning and clinical practicum are embedded throughout the course and require compulsory on-campus attendance. Students gain hands-on experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre, consulting with members of the public under the guidance of experienced Western herbal medicine practitioners, completing 460 hours of work-integrated learning in total.

Learning outcomes include exploring herbal history, philosophy and principles of practice; understanding the role of research and evidence in determining effective treatments; learning the properties of herbs and herbal pharmacology; and working with different forms of herbal medicine such as liquid extracts, infusions and external preparations. Graduates may apply for membership with the Australian Traditional Medicine Association, the Australian Natural Therapists Association, the Complementary Medicine Association and the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. This AQF Level 7 course is delivered on campus and in blended mode at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane over three years full time, or around six years part time.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

90 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Queensland (QLD) 4006

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent OR
Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above OR
Successful completion of at least 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5, 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6 or above, or equivalent OR
Successful completion of Year 10 or equivalent, plus a minimum three years of full-time relevant work experience demonstrating skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter)

International students:

Successful completion of at least 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5, 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6 or above, or equivalent OR
Australian secondary school certificate, or equivalent Senior Secondary qualification, or Baccalaureate Diploma AND
Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent OR
Alternative entry requirements may be available, which may include assessment and approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment (contact the International Admissions team for more information)

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine) 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.

Potential career paths include:

Western Herbal Practitioner — average salary $71,000-$123,000
Product Developer — average salary $115,000-$141,000
Health Educator — average salary $99,460-$128,906

Salaries sourced from au.talent.com/salary and payscale.com (AUD, current as of April 2025).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Relevant National Health Practitioner Board / AHPRA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS / relevant health board

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units27 units

BFD105

Biological Foundations

CMF105A

Complementary Medicine Foundations

NUTR2001A

Human Nutrition 1

HSP101A

Human Structure & Physiology 1

BHM106

Botany & Herbal Manufacturing

NUTR2002A

Human Nutrition 2

HSP102A

Human Structure & Physiology 2

EBP107A

Evidence-Based Practice

HSP201A

Human Systems and Pathophysiology 1

HMM204A

Herbal Materia Medica 1

HBC205A

Human Biochemistry

HSP202A

Human Systems and Pathophysiology 2

PCS207A

Pre-Clinical Studies 1

HMM205

Herbal Materia Medica 2

HBP206A

Herbal Pharmacology

HBT208A

Herbal Therapeutics 1

CLA207A

Clinical Assessment

PCS209A

Pre-Clinical Studies 2

DIP303A

Integrated Pharmacology

HBT302A

Herbal Therapeutics 2

EPR307

Entrepreneurship, Professionalism and Business Skills in Health

AHT303A

Advanced Herbal Therapeutics

SOC201A

Mediation and Conflict Management

FAM203A

Food as Medicine

IRD302

Iridology

FLE405A

Flower Essences

CLR308A

Critical Literature Review

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there scholarships available for international students enrolling in the Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)?

Yes, Torrens University Australia offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Motivational Scholarship (up to 25% off tuition), the PEPEA Scholarship (50% off), and the Offshore Online Scholarship (up to 30% off for students studying online from outside Australia). Scholarships are available for new students and typically apply for the entire duration of the course.

Can I receive a scholarship that covers the entire duration of the Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)?

Yes, most scholarships offered by Torrens University Australia, such as the Motivational Scholarship and the PEPEA Scholarship, apply for the entire course duration, not just a single trimester or year.

Is there a scholarship available for students who are already studying with a Torrens University partner institution and wish to transition into this degree?

Yes, Torrens University offers Partner & Pathway Scholarships for students transitioning from recognised partner institutions. Options include the Ironwood Pathway (20% off), the Pearl Pathway (30% off), and Kings College Malaysia (45% off for Business undergraduate programs). Eligibility depends on the specific partner program.

Are there scholarships available for Torrens University alumni who wish to study the Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)?

Yes, Torrens University offers an Alumni Scholarship designed to support graduates who wish to continue their studies and pursue a further qualification, helping them build on their existing academic achievements.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level — Intern / PGY1 (0-2 years)$70,000 – $95,000/yr

Early Career — Resident / Registrar (2-5 years)$95,000 – $160,000/yr

Mid-Level — GP / Junior Specialist (5-10 years)$160,000 – $300,000/yr

Career Paths

Intern / Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Doctor
Resident Medical Officer (RMO)
General Practitioner (GP)
Rural Generalist
Emergency Medicine Physician

Key Skills

Clinical diagnosis and patient assessment
Medical history taking and physical examination
Evidence-based clinical reasoning and decision-making
Pharmacology and safe prescribing practices
Procedural and surgical skills

Full course overview

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