Year 1 course teaching dates for the BSc in Acupuncture commencing in 2026

At NCA we provide flexible study options to suit your life. You can choose a Weekday or Weekend cohort, and benefit from a blend of online study and in-person training.

Our innovative timetable lets you balance studies with work or family. Weekend or weekday cohorts, both online and in college — each cohort offers a unique rhythm to suit different lifestyles. Find the one that fits you best with the structure and support to keep you on track.

The NCA Flexible Structure

In Year 1, our Weekend Cohort consists of 11 full weekends in-person in college (all day Saturday and Sunday), roughly once per month. You will also have 15 Microsoft Teams sessions (half days) on Saturday mornings, on average two per month. You’ll also do five clinic days on weekdays throughout the year in our clinics in Greater Manchester, London or York.

In Year 1, our Weekday Cohort consists of 44 half-day morning in-person sessions in college during the week – blocks of 22 Thursday mornings and 22 Friday mornings, on average four or six mornings per month. You will also have 15 Microsoft Teams sessions (half days) on Thursday/Friday mornings for cohorts starting in 2026, roughly two per month. You’ll also do five clinic days on weekdays throughout the year in our clinics in Greater Manchester, London or York.

Between these taught classes you’ll engage with pre-recorded online learning materials.

NCA’s Hands-On Training and Clinic Experience

During on-site classes, you’ll practice diagnostic and needling skills under expert supervision. From the very first term, you’ll be working with patients in one of our national teaching clinics in London, Northwich and York - an experience that builds confidence and competence.

You’ll gradually increase your clinic days: starting with 5 days in Year 1 and building up to 25 days by Year 3, as your skills grow.

The NCA Blended Learning Support

With NCA you won’t be learning alone – our e-learning is fully supported by tutors. Each week, you’ll join live online lectures and discussions, so you stay connected with classmates and faculty in between college sessions. You’ll also have a dedicated personal tutor who checks in on your progress and can be contacted for one-to-one support.

Regular in-person attendance for clinical skills sessions means you’re always part of a supportive learning community, while remaining able to access learning materials for the teaching sessions you’ve already attended 24/7.

*Teaching times for Year 1:

Weekend cohort in-person teaching - Saturdays 10am-6pm (including breaks) and Sundays 9.30am-5.30pm (including breaks).

Weekday cohort in-person teaching - Thursdays 10am-1.30pm and Fridays 10am-1.30pm.

Online teaching for all students - Year 1 teaching will take place on either Saturday mornings (Weekend cohorts) or Thursday/Friday mornings (Weekday cohorts starting in 2026).

*Please note: exact attendance dates will be confirmed in due course.