The Master courses offered by the Centre both require the presentation of a research thesis/disertation. In accordance with the guidelines outlined in the University of Malta Research Code of practice, all research proposals should be cleared by a Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) and/or the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC). 

The research proposals from students reading for their degree from the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine should present their proposal to the FREC of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. 

Read all about the University of Malta Research Ethics Review Procedures found on the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) website and on the FREC website of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 

We also advise you to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs) available on the UREC website too. 

You can access the Ethics and Data Protection (E&DP) form from the UREC website. 

The M.TCM course requires students to maintain a professional portfolio.

This can be downloaded from the Centre's dedicated Virtural Learning Environment (VLE).

The professional portfolio includes recording information details regarding

• Logbook of all teaching activities, with practical sessions countersigned by the respective tutors.
• Lists of supervised and unsupervised practical procedures undertaken.
• Record of encounters with patients, in standard format, followed by reflections on the learning experience.
• Assignments and projects undertaken.
• Literature review of specific topics.
• Participation in seminars and other relevant educational activities.
• Research activities.
• Details of presentations and publications.
• Documentation of specific professional encounters with teaching staff.
• Record of all official (summative) and informal (formative) results obtained over the whole teaching programme.
• Administrative matters in relation to the teaching programme.
• Reflections on successes and difficulties during the course of studies.

At the end of the course of studies leading to the Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Culture, the student will be able to:

Carry out a consultation with a patient

1. Take a history and record the findings
2. Carry out an examination
3. Make clinical judgements and decisions
4. Provide explanation and advice
5. Provide reassurance and support

Determine a diagnosis based on TCM

1. Know the underpinning principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in particular: Yin-Yang, 5 Elements, Zang-Fu, Meridians and Acupoints, Qi, and Blood and Body Fluids
2. Measure accurately basic physiological variables (e.g., pulse, temperature, blood pressure)
3. Show competence in diagnostic methods and the identification of syndromes according to the precepts of TCM

Formulate and apply a treatment plan

1. Be able to judge whether treatment according to TCM is indicated
2. Negotiate an appropriate management plan with patients and carers
3. Match appropriate TCM management to the clinical context
4. Have the necessary skills for the successful practice of acupuncture-moxibustion.
5. Know the pharmacological properties of Chinese Materia Medica as prescribed.
6. Describe in terms of modern physiology the immediate and late effects on the body and its tissue of electrical, thermal and mechanical needle stimulation
7. Review appropriateness of medication and evaluate potential benefits and risks

Recognise the differences between TCM and western medicine

1. Discuss the historical and cultural differences about illness and health in TCM and modern medical science.
2. Have a basic knowledge of modern medical science.
3. Describe the similarities and differences between empiric TCM and evidence-based medicine.
4. Know the differences between additive and alternative medical treatment.

Assess the psychological and social aspects of a patient’s complaint

1. Assess the patient’s mental state
2. Assess psychological factors in presentations and impact of illness
3. Assess social factors in relation to ill-health

Communicate effectively in a medical context

1. Communicate with patients
2. Communicate with colleagues
3. Communicate with relatives and carers
4. Communicate with people with special needs
5. Communicate in seeking informed consent
6. Communicate in writing
7. Develop effective strategies to deal with aggression

Apply ethical and legal principles in practice

1. Maintain confidentiality and ensure protection of sensitive data
2. Apply ethical principles to care
3. Obtain and record informed consent
4. Apply Maltese and European Union law to care of patients

Use information technology effectively

1. Keep accurate and complete clinical records
2. Use information technology
3. Access information sources
4. Store and retrieve information
5. Be familiar with techniques of clinical audit

 Work effectively within the established health care system

1. Provide patient care which minimizes the risk of harm to patients
2. Apply measures to prevent the spread of infection
3. Recognize own health needs and ensure own health does not interfere with professional responsibilities
4. Conform with professional regulation and certification to practice
5. Receive and provide professional appraisal
6. Knows when a patient should be referred to other appropriate health professionals

Professional Attributes of the TCM practitioner

1. Probity, honesty, ethical commitment
2. Commitment to maintaining good practice, concern for quality and safety
3. Empathy
4. Initiative and interpersonal skills
5. Appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism

Personal attributes of the TCM practitioner

1. Ability to recognize limits and ask for help
2. Ability to work autonomously when necessary
3. Ability to solve problems and make decisions
4. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
5. Ability to communicate with experts in other disciplines
6. Ability to lead and teach others
7. Capacity to adapt to new situations
8. Capacity for organization and planning, including time management
9. Capacity to learn, including lifelong self-directed learning
10. Capacity for applying knowledge in practice
11. Ability to carry out audit and research

Student’s own particular targets

• The overall list of outcomes and competences may be converted and amplified into more convenient lists that may then be ticked-off. It is advisable to use this basic list to ensure complete coverage of the curriculum, ideally addressing individual points on a time management matrix.
• You may wish to add to the list of outcomes and also particularize specific outcomes as you progress through the learning process