The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM), based in Reading for more than 30 years, is now part of Health Sciences University (HSU) and has been rebranded CICM Acupuncture (Image: CICM)

An acupuncture college is entering a new era after joining a specialist health sciences university.

The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM), based in Reading for more than 30 years, is now part of Health Sciences University (HSU) and has been rebranded CICM Acupuncture.

A long-standing academic partnership between the two institutions has now been formalised, with HSU having validated CICM’s degree programmes for several years.

Lesley Haig, vice-chancellor of Health Sciences University, said: "This is an important and exciting moment for both institutions.

"CICM has built an outstanding reputation for excellence in accredited acupuncture education, and we are delighted to welcome its students, staff, alumni and wider community into Health Sciences University.

"Together, we can build on our strong existing relationship to create new opportunities for education, research and innovation, while preserving the distinctive qualities that have made CICM so highly regarded."

The college was founded in April 1993 by John and Angela Hicks and originally operated from Foxhill House at Reading University.

It relocated to its current Castle Street premises in 1995, which will now be known as HSU Reading.

CICM Acupuncture will continue to offer its British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB)-accredited acupuncture courses, maintaining the identity and reputation it has built over more than three decades.

Jo Rochford, principal of the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, said: "Our priority throughout this process has been to secure the long-term future of CICM and to protect the interests of our students, staff and community.

"Joining Health Sciences University provides a strong and sustainable foundation for the future while allowing us to retain the educational philosophy, expertise and traditions that define CICM.

"We are confident that this will create exciting opportunities for growth, collaboration and innovation, ensuring that acupuncture education continues to thrive for generations to come."

As part of HSU, the college will continue to offer its BSc Acupuncture (Hons) degree, which combines five-element constitutional acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine.

Health Sciences University delivers healthcare education, research and clinical services, and trains more than 2,000 students from 42 countries across its London and Bournemouth campuses.

The university works in partnership with healthcare providers, employers and other organisations to make a meaningful contribution to local clinical services.

CICM Acupuncture will continue to support local people and contribute to the town of Reading, remaining an important part of the community.