Entry Requirements
Our students come from all over the *UK from a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and qualifications. The majority of our students are mature people, however we welcome school leavers for who acupuncture will be their first career.
Overseas students
*We are unable to accept overseas students, apart from Hong Kong nationals with BNO visas.
Applying as a ^mature student
We welcome applications from mature students. We will provide you with support if you are returning to, or new to, academic study. We will also stretch and inspire you if you are from an academic or practitioner background.
^Mature students are defined as anyone over the age of 21 at the start of the course.
Applying if you don’t have many formal qualifications
Our BSc in Acupuncture is both an academic course and a practitioner training. With a commitment to the demands of degree-level study, it’s not unusual for our students to start without formal qualifications and develop into excellent practitioners. Each application is individually assessed. If you lack formal qualifications, or have been away from studying for a while, we’ll evaluate your life and work experience during the application process to determine your potential for success on the course. If you are accepted, we’ll provide you with the necessary support for your return to or start in academic study. However, if we find that your life and work experience might not be sufficient for success, we might suggest completing some basic academic study (like a GCSE) before reconsidering your application in the future.
The Student Take
Michael Briggs
"I came into the NCA with a smattering of qualifications: some good GCSE’s, some below average A-Level results and an array of professional qualifications from my former career in the international financial advisory retail space. As a mature student, there were several factors to consider before committing to studying at the NCA, namely family, time and finances. It was imperative for me to study something that would be immediately practicable to start generating income and developing a patient base. Virtually all the learning materials are totally new to me, ranging from bodywork to points, pulses and tongues. Whilst my qualifications coming in aren’t awesome, what I do know about myself is that when I’m interested in something, I tend to do well. This is proving true here - and I’m loving it!"
Applying straight from secondary school
If you are coming to us straight from A levels, our entry requirements are: 96 UCAS points, plus at least a GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics. 96 UCAS points corresponds to:
- three GCSE A Level passes of 32 points each (Grade C/4 to 5)
- two GCSE A level passes of 48 points each (Grade A/7 to 9)
- three Scottish Highers at Grade A
- two Advanced Scottish Highers, one at grade A, one at grade B
- a pass in Edexcel BTEC National Certificate/Diploma recognised by the College
- a pass in an Access to HE Diploma course recognised by the College
- an International Baccalaureate Diploma
- T level passes recognised by the College
Check on the UCAS calculator for your qualifications
Transferring from another college (or completing your training after interrupted study)
If you’re considering transferring to NCA from another college or university or have previously paused your training, please reach out to us. We’ll assess your current level of study to determine where you fit into our acupuncture course and which year you may join. This process, known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), involves reviewing your transcripts and the syllabus of your prior study. Additionally, you’ll take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and biomedicine. We’re here to guide and support you through this process. For more details, you can review our RPL policy.
Extra Cost Alert
We charge £150 for the RPL process exam.
The Student Take
Christina Federmann-Li
"I am the youngest student in my year group; however, I find it so interesting as the varying age groups and life experiences allows everyone to look at the same work with a different perspective. When we are given the opportunity to give our personal thoughts or opinions, they are insightful to hear. No matter the age, everyone is lovely, and we are all in the same boat learning something entirely new. Everyone helps each other. As acupuncturists of the future, we will all deal with a broad range of ages, so this experience gives me the opportunity to live that now."
Academic English language requirement if English is not your first language
If English is not your first language we will expect you to take an academic English language assessment before we can accept you on the course. There are many providers, most offering online options, such as Duolingo, Academic IELTS and Cambridge English Advanced.
Please read the following information about the various providers and the levels/minimum scores required.
More information about academic English assessments
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As we take the safety of our patients seriously you are required to undergo a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is something that we help you to organise in your first year. If you already have your DBS check in place please bring your certificate in to the College.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The College aims to select applicants on an equal opportunities basis and is keen that the intake reflects the cultural diversity of Britain.
Read our Equal Opportunity policy
Access and Participation
Our student cohorts are diverse, covering a wide range of ages, class and cultural backgrounds, and ethnicities. We have a strategic mission to continue to improve access to our courses to all.
