Applications
We do not charge an application fee and applications are accepted all year round. There is no application deadline, but a discount may be available for early applications.
Complete the online application form
Entry Requirements
- A Levels: 3 A Levels (grade C or above)
- GCSEs: (minimum grade C or equivalent) 5 GCSEs including Maths and English
- Access: Approved Access Course
- BTEC/HND: BTEC/HND Merit or Distinction
All applicants are treated equally in terms of academic suitability for a course.
If you are a non-native English speaker you will need to submit an English test result equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each component).
No formal qualifications? You’ll still be considered for a place on our Acupuncture training course. We treat all applicants equally in terms of academic suitability. We also value your life experience, commitment, enthusiasm, determination and motivation.
Please complete the Application Form as fully as possible, giving particular attention to your statement explaining why you want to train as an Acupuncturist at ICOM.
Ensure your Referee is a professional or academic source (i.e. not a colleague, friend or a practitioner who treats you).
Fees
Eligibility
If your first language is not English, it is important that your standard of English (reading, writing, speaking and listening) is high enough for successful completion of the course as you will need to have both the language and academic skills to be able to cope with degree level study.
Mature students are very welcome. We are also very keen to hear from people who lack formal qualifications, but can demonstrate enthusiasm, determination, and experience which suggest that they have an equal opportunity to succeed on the programme.
SEND Support
If you have a special educational need, don’t let that be a barrier to applying. We are a small college, but if you have a diagnosis we will do what we can to support you. In addition to being given written projects and exams, you will also be assessed in a variety of different other ways. This is to enable everyone to shine. These methods include:
- Vivas
- Practical Projects
- Practical exams
This can be discussed more at your interview or if you have any questions please do email us.
Bursary Award
ICOM’s bursary system is designed to improve access to tuition at our college and to help students overcome the individual financial barriers to studying with us. Through the bursary system ICOM intends:
- To improve access to students who fulfil ICOM’s entry criteria but are constrained by lack of financial support
- To diversify the student body.
Subject to specific eligibility criteria ICOM awards the equivalent of six 50% bursaries, to include full time students and part time students over a three-year cycle.
A 2-tier system is in place whereby eligible students receive either a 25% or 50% bursary on their tuition fees. The bursary is for tuition fees only and applies to full time and part time students.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a bursary once you have received and offer of a place to study with us. For more information about eligibility, please enquire or attend one of our open days.
International Students including EU citizens
If you are already eligible to live in the UK you are welcome to apply to study with us. However the college is currently unable to sponsor students to obtain a visa for study purposes. If you think you may be eligible for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, please do get in touch. Licentiate Acupuncturists from overseas are always very welcome to visit us and attend one of our quality short CPD events.
For more information about studying in the UK please visit the UK Government’s website.
Interviews
When we accept your application we will invite you for interview with the Principal. Interviews are currently taking place online. The interview lasts around 30 minutes. Following evaluation by the student recruitment panel you will be notified of the outcome shortly after your interview date.
If you have not heard from us within 2 days after submitting an online application, or 3 days for paper applications, depending on postage, then please do call us on 01342 313106.
Interviews are held both in person and online. You’ll be asked to provide Original certificates for your qualifications (GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQ, Degree or further education qualifications)
Not quite ready to apply?
If you’re not ready to make a formal application at this stage, you are welcome to have an informal chat on a one-to-one basis with a member of our teaching team. You can ask questions about the acupuncture training course, talk about your own position and your thoughts.
We offer timed slots for personal informal discussions straight after the main Open Days – please contact our Student Administrator on 01342 313106 or email us to book your slot.