Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM)

It’s no secret that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular outside of China in recent decades. It shouldn’t then come as a surprise that the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has one of the highest percentages of international students in China. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in traditional Chinese medicine, the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine is the most prestigious choice available.

Founded in 1956, BUCM was one of the first tertiary institutions in China devoted to the study of Chinese medicine. As a member of Project 985 and Project 211, the university has received generous funding and development programs from the Chinese government. The Beijing University of Chinese Medicine is under the direct leadership of the Chinese Ministry for Education and is jointly controlled by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, and the Municipal Government of Beijing. Resources from these government bodies, have helped BUCM rapidly develop into the world-class university it is today.

The university divides these resources evenly between teaching, research, and practice. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine operates four affiliated hospitals around Beijing. The University has 13 research institutes and is designated nationally as a research base for innovation in TCM knowledge and technology. BUCM is notable for devoting laboratories to the research of Chinese-Western integrative medicine. The university sponsors a number of well-known medical journals, including TCM Education, and the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Studies. BUCM consists of 17 schools, offering a total of 11 undergraduate programs, 45 master degree programs, and 43 PhD Programs. Aside from its degrees in Chinese medicinal practices, the university also offers programs in related fields. Students at BUCM can pursue a degree in law (medicine and health), Chinese culture (focusing on medicinal practices), and English (for medical sciences). These unique programs offer students the chance to study a non-medical field, while still focusing their research on issues related to TCM.

An impressive 10.3% of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine’s student body are international students. This includes 9% of the full-time undergraduate student body. BUCM offers a joint program of Chinese medicine abroad with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The university also operates the Koetzting Hospital of Chinese Medicine in Koetzting, Germany where physicians from BUCM may be placed after graduation. These connections make BUCM one of the most internationally known academic institutions in China.

The BUCM campus’ highlight is the museum of Chinese medicine. The Exhibition Hall of Chinese Medical History contains over 1000 medicinal objects and 200 ancient medical books showcasing the history of TCM. The Exhibition Hall of Chinese Materia Medica contains more than 5000 medicinal specimens, including a section devoted to the history and use of animals in medicine.

International Students seeking a degree in traditional Chinese medicine will find the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine to be one of the most appealing options. With a high rate of international students, a strong research background, and links to hospitals in China and beyond, BUCM has a lot to offer the next generation of acupuncturists, moxibustionists, and experts on pharmaceutical law.