Apply Now for Courses Starting on 13th September 2026
Unani medicine is a traditional system of healthcare rooted in classical Greek medicine and developed into a comprehensive clinical framework over centuries. It focuses on restoring balance within the body through diet, lifestyle, and natural therapeutics.
At CUTAM, this knowledge is taught in a structured and practical way — enabling students not only to understand the theory, but to apply it safely, ethically, and confidently within their professional scope.
Graduates go on to use this knowledge in a variety of ways, including personal practice, complementary healthcare settings, and integration alongside existing professional roles.
Is this course right for you?
This programme is designed for:
• Individuals interested in natural and holistic medicine
• Healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, pharmacists, nurses) seeking deeper clinical insight
• Those looking to train as Unani practitioners
• Students wanting a clear, structured pathway into clinical practice
No prior experience in Unani medicine is required. The course begins with core principles and develops into advanced clinical application over three years.
Overview of Available Unani Courses:
The Diploma in Unani Medicine is a three-year part-time taught programme that integrates classical Unani philosophy with modern clinical application.
The course is structured as Foundation Year, Practitioner Year 1, and Practitioner Year 2 (Clinical Practice), leading to full qualification as a Unani Medicine practitioner.
Students may enrol in the Foundation Year as a standalone course or continue through the full Practitioner Pathway to qualify as a Unani Medicine practitioner.
If you have any questions or would like to request an application, please feel free to contact us by clicking here: info@cutam.org.uk or call/text 07415810582.
Course Details
- Next Course Start Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
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Length: 3 years part-time (Foundation + 2 Practitioner Years)
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Study Format: One teaching day per month. in person, with an online option available where distance or circumstances make regular attendance difficult. Some classes are compulsory in person. Year 3 has a stronger in-person clinical requirement,
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Location: Manchester, UK & Online
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Accreditation: Association of Unani-Tibb & Alternative Medicine
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Entry Requirements: Good English comprehension and writing
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Fees:
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Foundation Year – £1600 (£160 × 10)
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Year 2 – £2,800 (£280 × 10)
- Year 3 – £2,900 (£290 × 10)
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Foundation Course in Unani Medicine (Year 1)
The Foundation Year introduces the timeless principles of Unani Medicine, including temperament (mizaj), humours (akhlat), and the relationship between the human being and nature.
It provides a solid grounding in Unani theory and diagnostic concepts, preparing students for clinical application in the Practitioner Pathway.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for:
Health practitioners such as Hijama therapists, herbalists, or psychotherapists seeking to deepen their understanding of Unani principles.
Individuals interested in classical holistic medicine and the philosophy of health.
Those planning to progress into the Practitioner Diploma to become qualified Unani Medicine practitioners.
What You Will Learn
Fundamental principles of Unani philosophy (Mabadiyat)
The four elements, temperaments, and humours
Stages of digestion and organ function
The Six Essential Lifestyle Factors (Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya)
Pulse, tongue, and facial diagnosis
Introduction to Unani materia medica (single herbs and simples)
Assessment
Students complete written assignments and a final multiple-choice exam.
Pathway to Practitioner Training
Graduates may continue into the Practitioner Diploma (Years 2–3) to gain clinical training, advanced formulation practice, and full practitioner eligibility. Progression to the next stage is subject to overall academic performance and readiness, and is not automatic.
Unani medicine teaches balance — between the body, mind, and spirit — and harmony with the natural world.
Practitioner Diploma in Unani Medicine (Years 2 & 3)
The Practitioner Diploma builds upon the Foundation Year, integrating theory with supervised clinical application. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and manage clients using classical Unani principles in a modern context.
Structure
Year 2: Advanced theory, diagnostic refinement, formulation design, and case-based learning.
Year 3: Clinical placement, live client assessments, and preparation for independent practice.
What You Will Learn
Advanced mizaj and suʾ-mizaj interpretation
Munzij–Mushil protocols and humoural cleansing
Organ-system pathophysiology (tahleel)
Clinical reasoning and treatment planning
Unani formulations: Majun, Itrifal, Arq, and compound design
Ethics, case documentation, and practitioner standards
Clinical Practice
Students attend monthly live classes (in person or online) supported by recorded sessions and clinical assignments.
Supervised cases and reflective reports form the basis of assessment.Across the clinical stage, students undertake approximately 200 hours or more of supervised clinical training, case work and clinical assessment.
Assessment & Qualification
Completion of all assignments, exams, and clinical requirements leads to the award of the Diploma in Unani Medicine.
Graduates become eligible for membership and practitioner insurance through the Association of Unani-Tibb & Alternative Medicine (AUTAM) or equivalent bodies. Progression to the next stage is subject to overall academic performance and readiness, and is not automatic.
Professional Pathways
Diploma graduates may:
Practise independently as Unani Medicine practitioners.
Integrate Unani concepts into existing therapies (herbalism, nutrition, counselling, etc.).
Continue into research or advanced Unani studies.
Course Details
- Next Course Start Date: 12th September 2026
- Course Length: 2 years part-time (Sept – June)
- Study Format: One teaching day per month. in person, with an online option available where distance or circumstances make regular attendance difficult. Some classes are compulsory in person. Year 3 has a stronger in-person clinical requirement,
- Location: Manchester, UK or online
- Accreditation: Association of Unani-Tibb & Alternative Medicine (AUTAM)
- Entry Requirements: Completion of Foundation Year in Unani Medicine and an interview.
- Fees:
- Year 2 – £2,800 (£280 × 10)
- Year 3 – £2,900 (£290 × 10)
- Outcome: Graduates receive the Diploma in Unani Medicine and may apply for practitioner membership and insurance.
Student Feedback
Sherry, Dr Abdi and Ahmed – Completed year 2 in Unani medicine
Course Structure
In each class there will be discussions on specific organ groups, and how to treat main diseases such as skin disease, digestive diseases, male and female diseases, mental health issues, etc. Group discussions will be organised and presentations on the discussions will take place. A trained therapist will teach listening and analysing skills.
- Skills Development: Listening and analysing, Case taking, Herbal preparations (powders, pills, majoons, pastes, balms, etc.)
- Students will analyse real life cases, applying all knowledge gained on the course
- Learning outcomes will be met in accordance with the AUTAM standards
On successful completion of this year, students will be ready to start their own Unani practice. This course enables them to obtain practitioner insurance and join the Association of Unani-Tibb and Alternative Medicine (AUTUM), requirements for Unani practitioners.
Assessment Criteria
Final year:
- Theory exam (2 hours)
- Practical case taking exam (2 hours)
- Written assignment (10,000 word in depth Case Study/ Thesis)
- 250–300 supervised clinical hours
- Structured case submissions and reflective logs
- In addition to passing the clinical year and the criteria stated above, students also require a 100% attendance.
- Complete the college A&P course
- In person attendance is required
As part of your Diploma Course in Clinical Unani Medicine, you are are recommended to take the Nutrition Advisor Diploma course. Contact the college for further information.
FAQs
What is the location for the courses?
Classes are run at the following venues (plus some additional locations to be discussed in the class):
South Manchester, UK
Or online with some in person attendance is required.
What are the dates and times of the courses?
Classes are run once a month on weekends from September to June with an exam in July. If additional days or classes are added, the students will be informed in advance.
Foundation Year: Normally the 2nd Saturday of the month, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Diploma Year 1: Normally the 2nd Sunday of the month, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Diploma Year 2 (Clinical year live classes): 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Classes are in Manchester clinic only.
How much time should I expect to study between classes?
In addition to the monthly teaching day, students are expected to undertake independent study, assignments and preparation between classes. The workload increases during the Practitioner and Clinical years as students begin case work and supervised clinical training.
Attendance requirements
The course is primarily taught in person in Manchester, although online attendance is available for students who live a considerable distance away or are based internationally.
In Year 1, one weekend is compulsory in person. In Year 2, two classes are compulsory in person. In Year 3, UK-based students are required to attend clinical teaching in person wherever possible. International students should contact the College for further information regarding attendance requirements.
Are the courses accredited?
Yes, the courses are accredited by the Association of Unani-Tibb and Alternative Medicine (AUTAM). Upon completion of the Diploma in Unani Medicine and Clinical Practice, individuals are recognised by the AUTAM as professionals and can obtain practitioners’ insurance.
Will I be able to practice Unani-Tibb upon completion?
The biggest issue that students find is that once they graduate, they find difficulty in starting their own practices. The jump from student to practitioner is hard for some. From experience most students never practice or give up soon after. Most colleges do not teach students how to take a case and even less support the student after they graduate. At CUTAM we look support our students and graduates so that they can convert their invest into starting their practices.
Also, after successfully completing the Diploma course and clinical hours you will be given a certificate and be able to obtain practitioners insurance in order to practice. You will also obtain an award in Western and Eastern Nutrition and be able to practice. With the foundation course, you will not be able to practice Unani, but you will be able to use the knowledge to support a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.
Who are the instructors on the courses?
The course will be run by the Director of the College of Unani Tibb and Alternative medicine, Shahid Bukhari, ND. Further information on the instructor can be found here: https://staging.cutam.org.uk/about
Other instructors and industry specialists will also teach individual modules and classes throughout the diploma course.
Can I pay the course fees in instalments?
Yes, you can pay for the course either in full or in instalments. To secure a place on a course we will need to receive either the full course fee or a deposit by 1st September, 2022. Please note, prices provided above are for courses and years starting in 2022.
What if I only complete the Foundation Year?
The Foundation Year is an introductory academic year and is not a practitioner qualification. CUTAM College does not issue certificates, attendance letters, participation letters, or partial completion documents for Foundation Year study alone. Students may progress to the next stage only after meeting the required academic, attendance, conduct, and fee requirements.
Only students who complete the full Diploma in Unani Medicine, including all required assessments, assignments, attendance requirements, case studies, clinical requirements, and any other college requirements, may receive the Diploma certificate.
Students must not practise, advertise, obtain practitioner insurance, or present themselves as Unani medicine practitioners on the basis of Foundation Year study alone.
Is progression to the next year automatic?
No. Progression to the next stage of the course is not automatic upon completion of the current year.
Students must demonstrate:
- consistent submission of assignments
- ability to meet deadlines
- satisfactory academic performance
- readiness to manage the workload independently
Progression decisions are based on overall performance and consistency over time, not on individual assignments or isolated circumstances.
All progression decisions are made at the discretion of the college, based on academic standards and readiness for the next stage.
Where a student is not deemed ready, the college may require a pause in studies or decline progression.
Below are clips from our classes and live Unani workshops, showing the interactive style of our teaching.
“I’ve had an interest in nutrition, health, food production, cooking, etc for the last 10 years. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best approach but was only able to scratch the surface. In my search for answers, I stumbled across Hakim Shahid Bukhari who I found very transparent and easy to speak to. Over this last year I’ve been fortunate to study under him and I now have a solid understanding of tibb. I’ve been able to apply what I have learnt so far in to my personal life, my family and friends to good effect. I really can’t wait for Year 2 and 3! I’d highly recommend this course to anyone interested in any aspect of health, as it will give you a deeper understanding of yourself and of those around you.” Mr A Year 1 Student, Manchester.
“At first I was not sure about joining the course, with 3 children I already had my hands full, but I’m so glad I did! The course is easy to follow. With one class a month, it was easily manageable. Hakim’s teaching style is very straightforward and it was easy to keep up with the lessons. I highly recommend this course –
Alhamdulillah I have benefitted so much and I look forward to year 2 InshaAllah.” S H .. Year 1 Student, London