Master in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Culture

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day

The University of Malta, in collaboration with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, provides a tripartite comprehensive theory and practical-based programme of studies to enable licensed health professionals acquire knowledge related to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Culture. The course will facilitate learning within a structured framework covering topics relevant to the practice of the speciality. The ethos of the course is to ensure that you will be in a position to make significant contributions not only towards clinical care, but also towards promoting the academic aspects of the speciality in teaching and research. Throughout this course, you will understand the essential theory of Chinese medicine, become familiar with the knowledge and techniques of acupuncture, and safely manage common appropriate conditions through the use of acupuncture. The teaching programme is designed to cover the core subjects of Chinese medicine in general and acupuncture, in particular. This course meets the requirements for recognition status as defined by the Malta Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine.

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Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of a Bachelor degree from this University, or another institution recognized by Senate for the purpose, with at least Second Class Honours in an area of study related to a health care profession (such as medical, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).

Applicants not in possession of a first degree in the health care professions but who have other qualifications in Traditional Chinese Medicine of a level acceptable to the University Admissions Board and sufficient to qualify for registration as Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners (or acupuncturists) with the national registering body (Council for Professions Complementary to Medicine or equivalent EU body) shall also be considered.

Applicants not in possession of a first degree but who have other qualifications and experience in a health care setting shall also be considered. Such applicants shall be called for an interview to determine whether they will be able to follow the Course with profit.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

CHN5002	An Overview of Chinese History and Culture	7 ECTS
TCM5002	Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine	5 ECTS
TCM5015*	Experimental Acupuncture and Moxibustion Science	4 ECTS
* Study-unit TCM5015 starts in Semester 1 of academic year 2024-25 and continues up to the end of Semester 1 of academic year 2025-26.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

TCM5011	Introduction to Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine	8 ECTS


Semester 2 and Summer Semester

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

TCM5009	Practical Aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1	8 ECTS
TCM5013	Needling and Moxibustion Techniques	7 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

TCM5012	Channels and Acupoints	6 ECTS


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

TCM5007*	Dissertation	30 ECTS
TCM5010	Practical Aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2	8 ECTS
TCM5014	Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy	7 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 1 of academic year 2025-26 and continue up to the end of Summer Semester of academic year 2025-26.

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Degree of Master in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Culture - M. TCM - under the auspices of the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and recognise the main diagnostic methods employed in Chinese Medicine, such as inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry and pulse-taking.
Identify and be more familiar with the main clinical manifestations of the common syndromes in Chinese Medicine.
Carry out literature searches and formally analyse and access various publications.
Administer and use the four diagnostic methods.
Demonstrate knowledge of the elementary theory and basic methods of syndrome differentiation such as eight-principles syndrome differentiation, syndrome differentiation of qi, blood and body fluid and syndrome differentiation of zang-du organs (viscera).

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 7,500
Deposit upon acceptance: Eur 1,000
Upon Commencement of the Course: Eur 2,750
At the Commencement of Yr 2: Eur 3,750

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As a graduate holding a Master in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Culture, the acquired knowledge of this ancient and holistic approach to healthcare will give you a profound understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, making you a more valuable and attractive candidate for employment in the private and public health care sectors, positioning you at the forefront of a growing global industry where alternative and complementary therapies are gaining recognition. Moreover, the profound cultural insights embedded in this program will enable you to bridge cultural gaps and contribute to cross-cultural understanding. Beyond the immediate career prospects, the Master's program serves as a stepping stone to pursue advanced research or teaching roles.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.