Personal Interest Courses

South Pacific College of Natural Medicine offers a limited number of Personal Interest courses for those who are interested in learning more about natural medicine. Personal Interest courses may be suitable for those who have not studied for some time, and who may like to study at an advanced level before committing to enrolling in a 3 – 5-year degree programme. We also offer a NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (highly recommended for those who have never studied at tertiary level). Students of Personal Interest courses are in the same classes, and study the same course content, as degree students.

If a student would prefer, they can choose (at the start of their study) to attend classes or access course material online without completing any of the assessments.

If a student has chosen to study with assessments, all Bachelor of Natural Medicine assessments and attendance requirements will apply.

On occasion, our admissions sub-committee may suggest to prospective students that Personal Interest courses may be a better option than applying to enrol in the degree programme. This allows the student an opportunity to experience studying with SPCNM, as outlined above. It also allows academic staff to gauge the student’s academic ability and engagement.

Some students who have taken Personal Interest courses (with assessments), and who have met all entry criteria, have gone on to apply for and/or be accepted into the Bachelor of Natural Medicine.

Enrolment in a Personal Interest course does not guarantee entry into the Bachelor of Natural Medicine. If accepted into the degree programme, students will be eligible for Credit Recognition Transfer for successfully completed Personal Interest courses, if assessment and attendance requirements have been met. (This is part of the application process for the BNatMed.)

The following courses are offered as Personal interest courses, subject to student numbers. Normally, only one course per semester may be taken.

Please note: Personal Interest students are self-funding only, and are not eligible for Studylink or Fees-free assistance.

Semester 1 (February – June)

Foundations of Research (Level 5) For students hoping to apply for the degree programme, it is recommended that you start with Foundations of Research
Principles & Philosophy of Natural Medicine (Level 5) NB: For students taking assessments, PPNM requires you to complete fully referenced essays, so students need a background in tertiary study (at Level 4 or higher)
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (Level 5)
Herbal Medicine 1 (Level 5)

Semester 2 (July – December)

For previous PI students:

Anatomy & Physiology 2 (Level 5) NB: As this course builds on previous concepts you need to complete Anatomy & Physiology 1 first
Herbal Medicine 2 (Level 5) NB: As this course builds on previous concepts you need to complete Herbal Medicine 1 first

For new PI students:

Foundations of Research (Level 5) NB: If you are studying Personal Interest with assessments (see above), you will be required to take Foundations of Research (or Biochemistry) first
Biochemistry of Foods (Level 5)
Rongoā Māori Healing Concepts (Level 6) NB: If you are studying Personal Interest with assessments (see above), you will be required to complete fully referenced essays, so students need a background in tertiary study (at Level 4 or higher)

Each course costs $865.00 (including GST) with an additional $95 one-off fee (including GST) for students who opt to enrol in Personal Interest courses and submit assessments.