A Distance Learning Course of 25 Lessons

This comprehensive course delivers a broad spectrum of information on herbal medicine, aromatherapy and the use of flower essences.

You will discover the history of herbal medicine, how to cultivate and use herbs for health, cooking, nutrition and beauty, and how to conduct a consultation and prepare external remedies specific to client needs.

The course material includes details of nearly 900 herbs, their habitat, uses and actions, and any contraindications. Herbal medicine draws from international knowledge and includes lessons on the three main traditions of healing: Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic, herbal medicines, along with a full database of uses and actions.

Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the theory and uses of aromatherapy oils, flower essences, Bach remedies and tissue salts is included in this course title.

Legal aspects of operating a herbal medicine consultancy are also disclosed in this courseware, providing you with up-to-date information on running your own business. In completing this course you will be fully conversant with modern practices relating to the use of herbal and plant remedies.

History of Herbal Medicine
What is a herb?
Botany – Understanding Plants
Biochemistry and Chemistry
Contra-Indications and Cautions
Phytonutrients
Outlines of over 850 Herbs and Practical Work to do
Herbs of the Bible
Outline of Chinese Medicine
Outline of Ayurvedic Medicine
Outline of Clinical Medicine
How to make Compresses, Decoctions and Tinctures etc
Over 60 Essential Oils and how to use them plus Index
Herbs used in Homeopathy and Bach Remedies
Flower Essences plus Index of Lessons 23 and 24
Outline of Nutrition, Cooking and Cultivation of Herbs
Spiritual Dimension

Qualification 1: Master Herbalist (Phytotherapy) Diploma

Master Herbalist (Phytotherapy) Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Dip after your name.

Qualification 2: Level 5 Master Herbalist (Phytotherapy) Award

This Course leads to an NCFE Level 5 Award Certificate for successful learners. This means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSE's are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3). In accrediting the programme at level 5, NCFE attests that its learning outcomes are at an equivalent level to a level 5 national qualification.

This award has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.

Professional Membership
On completion of this course students can apply for membership to the Society for Holistic Therapists and Coaches (SHTC), a professional body who are dedicated to recognised standards of qualification and practice - students will also be able to use the initials 'SHTC' after their names.

The Society for Holistic Therapists and Coaches (SHTC) exists to provide the General Public and Health Professionals with a body of regulated professionals, all qualified to accredited levels, and who all obey the appropriate NOS National Occupational Standards.

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor. You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 300 hrs.

Additional Information

Available in paper or online versions. Please select at bottom of the page.

Assessment Method
After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included
All study materials
Study Guide
Full Tutor and Admin support
The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).

What is NCFE
NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that a learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. Learners successfully completing NCFE accredited programmes receive an externally accredited and nationally recognised NCFE certificate.