The B.Sc. (Hons) in Medical Science in Acupuncture at KIU is the first and only UGC-approved undergraduate acupuncture degree program in Sri Lanka, recognized by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
This pioneering program combines the rich history of traditional acupuncture with the rigor of modern medical science. The curriculum is aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) standards, ensuring students gain a global perspective in integrative healthcare.
Students will develop a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, psychology, pathology, and clinical practice, while specializing in acupuncture diagnostics, meridian theory, therapeutic techniques, and patient-centered care. Training is delivered by experienced faculty and includes hands-on learning at KIU’s fully functional Acupuncture Clinic, providing real-world clinical exposure.
Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers as licensed acupuncturists, integrative health practitioners, clinical researchers, or academics, both locally and internationally. With the rising demand for holistic and alternative medicine worldwide, this degree opens diverse pathways in healthcare and wellness.
The program spans four years, blending foundational medical sciences with specialized acupuncture training.
| Course Code | Title of the course | Credits | |
| Preparatory Course | |||
| HS 0501 | English Language | 0 | |
| IT 0201 | Computer Studies | 0 | |
| Year One Courses | |||
| ACU1401 | Human Anatomy | 4 | |
| ACU1602 | Human Physiology | 6 | |
| ACU1205 | Ethics and legal issues | 2 | |
| ACU1207 | First Aid and CPR | 2 | |
| ACU1403 | Biochemistry | 4 | |
| ACU1404 | Psychology and introduction to sociology | 4 | |
| ACU1206 | Interpersonal communication | 2 | |
| ACU1308 | Epidemiology | 3 | |
| ACU1309 | Nutrition and dietetics | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 30 | ||
| Year Two Courses | |||
| ACU2401 | Microbiology and Parasitology | 4 | |
| ACU2302 | Pathology | 3 | |
| ACU2503 | Public Health | 5 | |
| ACU2304 | Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 | |
| ACU2205 | Biostatistics | 4 | |
| ACU2306 | Basic Medical, Psychiatric and Paediatric conditions | 3 | |
| ACU2207 | Gynaecology and Obstetrics | 2 | |
| ACU2108 | Basic Surgical, Eye and ENT conditions | 1 | |
| ACU2109 | Radiology and diagnostic imaging | 1 | |
| ACU2410 | Philosophy and theories of Acupuncture | 4 | |
| TOTAL | 30 | ||
| Year Three Courses | |||
| ACU3301 | Research methodology | 3 | |
| ACU3802 | Acupuncture- meridians, aetiology and pathogenesis | 8 | |
| ACU3803 | Acupuncture– diagnostics and techniques | 8 | |
| ACU3205 | Massage therapy | 2 | |
| ACU3904 | Clinical observation | 9 | |
| TOTAL | 30 | ||
| Year Four Courses | |||
| ACU4701 | Acupuncture therapeutics I | 7 | |
| ACU4602 | Acupuncture therapeutics II | 6 | |
| ACU4804 | Dissertation | 8 | |
| ACU4903 | Clinical practice | 9 | |
| TOTAL | 30 | ||
This structured pathway ensures students gain both scientific knowledge and practical skills to succeed in the acupuncture profession.
After completing your B.Sc. (Hons) in Medical Science in Acupuncture, you can explore a range of career and academic pathways:
Career Opportunities:
Further Study Options:
This degree builds a strong foundation for both clinical excellence and academic advancement, preparing graduates for leadership in global healthcare.
The BSc (Hons) in Medical Science in Acupuncture at KIU University is Sri Lanka’s first and only UGC-approved acupuncture degree program, uniquely combining traditional healing wisdom with modern scientific principles. Designed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, this globally recognized degree equips students with advanced knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical acupuncture practice.
Through hands-on training at the KIU Acupuncture Clinic, students gain real-world clinical experience, learning to diagnose, treat, and manage patients using evidence-based acupuncture techniques. Graduates emerge as skilled professionals ready to excel in integrative healthcare, research, and academia, both locally and internationally.
Duration: 4 Years (Full-time)
Medium: English
Clinical Training: Conducted at the KIU Acupuncture Clinic under expert supervision
Career Pathways: Licensed Acupuncturist, Integrative Health Practitioner, Clinical Researcher, Academic, or Consultant in Wellness and Rehabilitation Centres
