TEACHING METHODS

The course comprises a matrix of learning possibilities. In the early part of the course, the emphasis is on the understanding of the basic homoeopathic principles and procedures through lectures, group work and tutorials, supplemented in detail by guided home study and the collection of the student’s own resources.

Group Work • Lectures • Tutorials • Role Play • Home Study

As the course progresses, the lectures become a focus for the development of clinical effectiveness through case studies, both live and on video, tutorials and clinical supervision.

Case Studies • Clinical Supervision • Tutorials

Team teaching and small group sessions add to the flexibility of our work and individual tutorials provide an opportunity for deeper assimilation of taught material and for discussion of problems arising during home study. Graded and targeted case studies provide a means of integrating the principles with the clinical practice of homoeopathy, developing the homoeopathic diagnostic and therapeutic skills of the students at the same time.

Research Projects • Peer Supervision • Self-reflection

In the latter part of the course, students develop more advanced skills by means of individual assignments and research projects. They are then encouraged to present their work to their peers and their tutors.

STUDENT CLINIC

Final year students run the teaching clinic, all of whom are probationary licensed Homoeopaths. Students take care of patients on a rota basis, although once a patient is registered with a student homoeopath, they may remain under the care of that same homoeopath for the duration of their treatment. Under the guidance of the Clinic Supervisor, final year students are encouraged to take responsibility for the smooth running of the clinic, including the booking of patients, the production of leaflets and brochures, as well as advertising and sending out prescriptions. This encourages
work as part of a team, consideration of the ethical and professional issues and provides valuable clinical experience. The care of patients is paramount and student practitioners are supervised by fully qualified, experienced and insured homoeopaths.

QUALIFICATION

Moderation of the assessment and qualification standards of the School is currently undertaken by the Education Department of the Society of Homeopaths. After successful completion of all elements of assessment in years 1 and 2, and at some point during year 3 or 4, the student will receive a probationary license to commence a clinical practice under supervision, subject to obtaining the relevant insurance. After successful completion of the period of supervised clinical practice, project and assessment work and fulfilling the fitness to practice criteria, the student will be graduated from the school as a Licentiate of the British School of Homoeopathy (L.B.S.H.)

GRADUATION

In order to graduate as a licentiate of the British School of Homoeopathy the student must have successfully completed and passed all 4 academic years of study, they must have no outstanding fees owing to the college, or any unresolved outstanding professional complaints/issues against them. They must have fulfilled all of the graduation criteria as listed in the Student Handbook. The headings of these criteria are: Case taking, Case management, Case analysis, Materia Medica, Principles of Homoeopathy, Clinical Medicine, Ethics, Professional development, Practice administration and development, Reflection and Fitness to Practice module. The student must also have completed a portfolio for presentation and have completed a minimum of 60 supervised appointments that have been assessed by their Supervisor, Supervision Co-ordinator and Principal as having been of a high enough quality to pass. Students can graduate as soon after the end of year 4 as they have fulfilled the relevant graduation and fitness to practice criteria. Our official graduation ceremony takes place in December every year, six months after the end of term. This allows those students who need to complete their cases to catch up and graduate with their colleagues.

COMMUNICATIONS

The BSH is well known for its open, easy and friendly communication channels. Most staff and students have access to the internet, which allows easy dissemination of information and swift responses to questions/queries. Most year groups set up their own e-mail group and forum and we encourage students to keep in touch with each other. Staff and students are issued with an address book at the beginning of each academic year and this contains email, telephone and address contact details for all staff/students and graduates at the college. This list is confidential to those members of the BSH. The college newsletter, “Dare” and Student tutorials are also used as a means of communication as are the frequent chats over cups of coffee and barleycup in the tea room. Finally after a process of student led consultation, we have introduced a new mentor system. Students are placed in a mixed year mentor group. Each mentor group meets at college once a month, to support and encourage each other, answer questions and to discuss homoeopathy/BSH news.

‘You have developed a good system of communication for students/staff.  Your excellent student newsletter contributes to this process.  You are clearly aware of your responsibilities and have taken appropriate measure to ensure confidentiality and security of data’.

SOCIETY OF HOMEOPATHS RECOGNITION REVIEW 2007