Complementary therapies courses for the 21st century

Over the past 5 years, an innovative portfolio of degrees in complementary therapies has been developed at the University of Westminster. Most of the degrees were the first of their kind in the UK, and the provision is now the widest range of complementary therapies courses in Europe. With an intake of 80 students in 1996, the provision has grown rapidly to a total of over 500 in 2000. The opening of the unique multidisciplinary Polyclinic in 1998 marked the beginning of an exciting clinical training and research dimension. The context that has lead to the growth of mainstream higher education provision of complementary therapies is explored. The current offer is reviewed, and criteria for degree provision and the role of the professional bodies discussed. The development of the University of Westminster's provision is described, including the early collaboration with established providers, design, influence of nursing and midwifery, experiences with the professional bodies, development of the unique Polyclinic and the plans for the future.