ABOUT
Chinese medicine is over thousands of years old.
However, enrolling for Chinese Medicine is not about learning the history and traditions of an ancient civilization but rather, gaining an understanding of Chinese philosophy and how these have been adapted into the healing arts in ways that are still relevant today.
Chinese Medicine Degree
Chinese Medicine approaches health from a holistic manner in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The range of treatments include:
Today, there is a revival in the acceptance of Chinese Medicine even in western nations. Indeed, certain Chinese Medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies are integrated with western medicine for pain management and to reduce the side effects of prescription drugs.
IMU’s Chinese Medicine programme comprises both western and Chinese Medicine subjects. It is an outcome-based approach, whereby students develop clinical skills during their junior years, with early clinical attachment to prepare them for a successful career. As the programme is fully conducted in English, our students get to pursue career opportunities not only in Malaysia but on a broader, global scale.
Key Facts
Why Study Chinese Medicine at IMU?
An Established Private Healthcare University
IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education.
IMU achieved the SETARA-2018/2019 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.
Internationally Benchmarked English Curriculum
IMU is one of the few universities in Malaysia to offer Chinese Medicine in an English-speaking environment. The programme is delivered in English, is supported with Mandarin when required, and is accepted by Australia and China for credit transfer. Both our partner universities in Australia and China are part of the large WHO Chinese Medicine research centre network.
Personalised Attention from Lecturers
Students are able to receive personalised attention from their lecturers due to an emphasis on small group learning. This enhances the teaching and learning experience for students.
Strong Western Science and Medicine Component
IMU offers a wide range of medical and healthcare programmes. The western science and medicine subjects in Chinese Medicine are delivered by experienced western medicine practitioners.
Not only are students able to fully immerse in a solid medical science learning environment, they could also enhance their learning through inter-professional networking and activities at IMU.
Student-Centred and Lifelong Learning Emphasis
The IMU educational philosophy is not about how many lectures are delivered. Instead, it emphasises on how much students have learned.
This unique approach encourages students to be responsible for their own studies. As such, many learning activities are centred around students, from which they will hone their critical thinking and clinical skills to become competent lifelong Chinese Medicine practitioners in the modern world.
Programme Structure
Semester Contents
| MPU Short Semester | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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| Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 |
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| Semester 6 | Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
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| Semester 9 | Semester 10 |
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Entry Requirement
| Examinations | Requirements |
|---|---|
| A- Levels | DD AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| STPM | cGPA 2.50 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Australian Matriculation | ATAR 70 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| NCEA Level 3 | 65% aggregate AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level or its equivalent. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Canadian Grade 12/13 | 65% aggregate in 6 subjects AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) | B5 B5 B5 B6 B6 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Australian University Foundation Programmes | 70% aggregate or ATAR 70 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Indian Pre-University | 65% aggregate AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level or its equivalent. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Ministry of Education Matriculation # | cGPA 2.50 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 27 points AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) | cGPA 2.50 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Foundation Studies # | IMU Foundation in Science / equivalent cGPA of 2.50 AND Credit in Mathematics and two Science subjects at SPM level. (This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level) |
| Degree | BSc in related field: cGPA 2.00 |
| Diploma | Diploma in Science; Diploma in Traditional and Complementary Medicine – cGPA 2.50
Diploma in Traditional and Complementary Medicine with 2 years working experience in the related field – cGPA 2.00 |
# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.
Language Requirement
| MUET* | Band score of 3; or (For Malaysian students) |
| IELTS | Overall band score of 5.5; or |
| TOEFL iBT* | Overall score of 46; or |
| Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)* | Overall score of 162; or |
| Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)* | Overall score of 162; or |
| Cambridge Linguaskill* | Overall score of 160; or |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE)* | Overall score of 51; or |
| Credit Transfer | For China’s HSK – Students who are transferring to China universities are required to have HSK 4 upon Enrolment and HSK 5 prior to graduation.** |
* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia
** UEC students with a pass in Chinese Language are exempted from HSK
Note
Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.
Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information
Application and Registration Fees
| Fee | Malaysian Student (RM) | International Student (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 150 | 500 |
| Registration Fee | 850 | 2,000 |
| Refundable Caution Deposit | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Fee Structure
malaysian student
| Total Duration (years) | At IMU University | At Partner University (PU) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Total Semesters | Tuition Fee (RM) | Estimated Tuition Fees at Partner University | |||||
| Per Semester | Per Year | Years | Semesters | Tuition Fee Per Year * | ||||
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine | 5 | 5 | 10 | 13,250 | 26,500 | – | – | – |
| – Credit Transfer to Shanghai University of TCM Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine |
5 | 3 | 6 | 13,250 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | RMB28,000 |
| – Credit Transfer to Shandong University of TCM Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine |
5 | 3 | 6 | 13,250 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | RMB23,000 |
International Student
| Total Duration (years) | At IMU University | At Partner University (PU) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years | Total Semesters | Tuition Fee (RM) | Estimated Tuition Fees at Partner University | |||||
| Per Semester | Per Year | Years | Semesters | Tuition Fee Per Year * | ||||
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) Chinese Medicine | 5 | 5 | 10 | 14,125 | 28,250 | – | – | – |
| – Credit Transfer to Shanghai University of TCM Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine |
5 | 3 | 6 | 14,125 | 28,250 | 2 | 4 | RMB28,000 |
| – Credit Transfer to Shandong University of TCM Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine |
5 | 3 | 6 | 14,125 | 28,250 | 2 | 4 | RMB23,000 |
| Country | Estimated Living Costs (Per Year) |
Exchange Rate (As of Dec 2023) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Living Cost (Per Year) | Australia | AUD 21,000 – AUD 30,000 ≈ RM 65,900 – RM 94,200 | AUD 1 ≈ RM3.14 |
| Canada | CAD 28,000 ≈ RM 98,000 | CAD 1 ≈ RM3.50 | |
| China | RMB 85,000 ≈ RM 56,100 | RMB 1 ≈ RM0.66 | |
| Ireland | EUR 12,000 ≈ RM 62,000 | EUR 1 ≈ RM5.17 | |
| New Zealand | NZD 22,000 – NZD 26,000 ≈ RM 64,500 – RM 76,200 | NZD 1 ≈ RM2.93 | |
| United Kingdom | GBP 10,000 – 22,700 ≈ RM60,000 – RM 136,200 | GBP 1 ≈ RM6.00 | |
| United States of America | USD 16,000 ≈ RM 75,800 | USD 1 ≈ RM4.74 | |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | RM36,000 | RM36,000 |
Partner University
As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in chinese medicine, the IMU maintains its relationship with many partner universities in China.
china
Industrial Partners
The curriculum structure is constantly updated to meet the ever-changing industries’ needs and includes research-led teaching to deliver evidence-based knowledge and practice in the industry. Students will have the opportunity to undergo industrial training in the related sectors in their final semester. They will also be able to collaborate with industry or/and researcher in related project in their final year. The organisations involved in these internships are:
View from Our Community
Wong Pui Mun
Alumna, Chinese Medicine
Choosing IMU to pursue my dream of becoming a Chinese Medicine practitioner was one of the best decisions in my life. IMU Chinese Medicine programme did not only imparting the knowledge to students but it also trained students’ thinking ability. Apart from attending lectures, this course provided PBL sessions and supervised clinical practices. During my studies at IMU, I looked forward to PBL sessions as they were more interesting and we could learn from others through discussions. Knowledge without practice is useless, thus we have supervised clinical practice in the fourth year which allows us to apply our knowledge clinically. It has helped to improve our critical thinking and clinical skills, rather than learning everything by rote. IMU’s method of teaching has certainly trained us to become a competent Chinese medicine practitioner.
Goh Si Woei
Alumna, Chinese Medicine
IMU’s Chinese Medicine programme integrates both Chinese and Western medicine subjects for the needs of nation and to develop competent practitioners. It is a challenge to study Chinese Medicine since it provides brand-new knowledge to any student and it is very different from what we have learned previously, but you will find it fun and interesting once you embark on this lifelong journey.
Sng Kim Sia
Alumnus, Chinese Medicine
IMU Chinese Medicine programme is a unique programme which comprises both western and Chinese medicine subjects. As an established and internationally recognised university in healthcare education, we benefited from the university's strong foundation in western medicine teaching and managed to expand our connections with colleagues from various healthcare fields. IMU conducts the programme with an outcome-based approach, where the university's teaching methods challenged us to develop our clinical skills, critical thinking and public speaking skills, while cultivating our professionalism along the way. All these skills are essential for us to be competent and stand out among others in our workplace in the future.
Freya Tang Sin Wei
Alumna, Chinese Medicine
IMU is a place of learning, culture and fun. Besides learning about my profession, I had the opportunity to know people from many other healthcare professions which helped build my professional network for my future career. I am grateful to the faculty members who are always helpful and provide students with assistance in the challenges they faced while learning. By delivering the programme fully in English, this programme welcomes any student who is interested in learning Chinese Medicine without worrying about the language barriers. Even after graduating for 4 years, I do not regret spending my time here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of the programme?
The IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine is a 5-year full-time programme taught in English and Mandarin where necessary. After graduation, graduates must complete a 1-year residency programme (otherwise known as housemanship) in an accredited hospital by the Ministry of Health in order to practice in Malaysia. Currently, graduates can apply for residency exemption and full registration to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Council with IMU degree. Upon successful registration as full registered Chinese Medicine practitioners, graduates can then practise in Malaysia.
IMU’s Chinese Medicine (CM) programme aims to train ethical, competent and professional CM practitioners to deliver evidence-based healthcare services. The programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and meets the standards set by the T&CM Council. At the end of the course, students should have acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the practice of Chinese Medicine; competent in communicating with patients, carer and community; has acquired the attributes of a Chinese Medicine professional, is a team player, a life-long learner, a problem solver with knowledge of patient safety, disease prevention, health preservation and skills of lifelong learning and reflection on actions taken.
IMU has credit transfer partnerships with several universities in China and Australia. They are Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) and Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM). Students can transfer to the selected partner universities after studying 3 years at IMU. After an additional 2 years at the partner universities, students will be awarded the bachelor’s degrees in CM by the respective partner universities.
The CM programme consists of modules in basic medical sciences and Chinese Medicine. The content will be delivered via multiple delivery modes, including lectures, workshops, practical sessions, case studies, flipped classroom, visits, and clinical attachment. There is also a small research project in semesters 8 and 9 which aims to develop scientific inquiry and analytical skills, as well as scientific writing of students.
When do students get clinical exposure?
Students will gain clinical exposure starting from as early as year 2. The clinical exposure is structured in a manner to allow students transition from observation to full hands-on practice progressively. During the final year, students will spend a substantial amount of time at IMU Chinese Medicine Centre and various external clinical sites for their clinical attachment, under the supervision of experienced Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Will students get any mobility or exchange opportunities?
Yes, students can apply for clinical mobility in semester 9 to do their clinical attachment at external clinical sites locally and internationally. The clinical sites are evaluated and ascertained by IMU that they are suitable for students’ clinical attachment. Additionally, students are also given the opportunity to apply for summer programme organised by our partner universities.
Are there any Internship placements?
Internship is defined as extra clinical training provided to graduates on top of their studies to help broaden their understanding of various health conditions. IMU has collaborations with partner universities to provide internship opportunity to graduates upon completing their studies.
What are the semester contents?
Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]
What is the medium of instruction?
The medium of instruction is English supported by Mandarin when required. It is not necessary to know Mandarin in order to join the programme, but understanding Mandarin will benefit the study. Students who are not proficient in English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English classes before entering IMU. Students who are interested to further pursue postgraduate studies or intend to go China but do not know Mandarin are also encouraged to learn Mandarin at their own time and cost.
Who will award the degree?
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine degree is awarded by IMU.
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A Word from the Programme Director
WONG HON FOONG
Senior Lecturer and Programme Director
PhD(SHUTCM), MSc(Imperial, UCL),
BMed(SDUTCM)
“Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine consisting of health preservation and healing practices which is originated from China but is still in practice today. Malaysia is moving towards integrated practice in healthcare and has enforced the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act (T&CM Act) 2016 since 1 August 2016 with 15 government hospitals providing T&CM services. In line with the national policy, the Chinese Medicine programme in IMU is delivered in an integrative manner, where students will acquire knowledge from both Chinese Medicine and western medicine. By delivering our programme in English, we open the doors to everyone who is keen to learn Chinese Medicine without the constraint of needing to first master Mandarin. Through such studies, students will equip themselves with evidence-based medical knowledge to deal with future challenges locally or internationally as a healthcare provider.”