Master’s Programme in Traditional And Complementary Medicine (Thesis)

Programme Overview

Master’s Programme in Traditional and Complementary Medicine (Thesis) was approved by the Council of Higher Education dated 20 May 2020 and was established within the Lokman Hekim University Institute of Health Sciences. The programme is planned to be launched in the upcoming academic year.

The programme is delivered by faculty members with expertise in the field. Students participate in research processes and engage in practice-based activities that support teaching and training within the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Application and Research Center and the Department of Traditional Medicine.

Traditional and Complementary Medicine refers to the body of knowledge, skills and practices used not only to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical and mental conditions, but also to support the maintenance of health. It is grounded in theories, beliefs and experiences specific to different cultures.

The language of instruction is Turkish, and English-language sources are also used throughout the training. Approximately 10 students are admitted each year.

Degree Awarded and Academic Title

Master of Science (MSc) in Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applications, admission decisions and final registration procedures are carried out in accordance with the Lokman Hekim University Institute of Health Sciences Graduate Education and Training Directive. Before each application period, programme-specific requirements as well as the entrance examination date and venue are determined upon the recommendation of the Department and the decision of the Institute Administrative Board, and are announced prior to the application period.

To apply, the following requirements must be met:

• Holding a Bachelor’s degree from a Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, or a Faculty of Pharmacy

• For applicants who completed undergraduate studies abroad, possession of a recognition or equivalency document issued by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE)

• An ALES (Quantitative or Equal Weight) score to be determined by the Institute Board, provided that the score is not below 55

Eligible applicants are invited to a scientific evaluation examination in written form and or as an interview. The overall ranking score is calculated by taking into account the ALES score, undergraduate GPA and scientific evaluation examination results. Final admission is granted within the announced quota based on ranking.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to educate specialists who can evaluate traditional and complementary medicine approaches within the framework of Evidence-Based Medicine, scientifically assess methods that support modern medical practice, and conduct research in the field.

Within the programme, key concepts related to traditional and complementary medicine methods are examined in depth, with the aim of contributing to integrated practices carried out by qualified professionals.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the programme will be able to:

• Use knowledge in traditional and complementary medicine in research, R&D, drug development and education,

• Integrate and interpret field knowledge with modern medicine and generate new insights,

• Present current developments and their own work systematically using qualitative and quantitative data in written, oral and visual formats,

• Conduct independent research with academic rigour by linking professional experience to traditional medical practices,

• Contribute to sector needs as qualified practitioners, provided that relevant Ministry of Health criteria are fulfilled,

• Engage in research and academic activities that support the development of practice areas.

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

The programme consists of compulsory and elective courses together with a seminar course and a thesis. Total credits, ECTS workload and the distribution of courses are provided in the relevant course plan.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

To graduate, students must complete at least 21 credits and at least 120 ECTS. The programme includes at least seven courses, a seminar course and a thesis. The seminar course and the thesis are non-credit bearing and assessed on a pass and or fail basis.

Even if credit transfer is granted, students must complete at least half of the total required credits within their own programme. With the supervisor’s approval, students may take courses offered by other programmes. Assessment and grading are carried out in accordance with the Lokman Hekim University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Assessment and Evaluation

At the end of each semester, a course grade is issued for each course. Course grades are determined by evaluating the student’s in-semester performance together with the final examination. In-semester assessment may include midterms, assignments, practical work, projects, laboratory work and similar activities.

Programme coursework must be successfully completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 within a maximum of two years.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must successfully complete all programme courses, obtain at least 120 ECTS, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 out of 4.00.

After completing coursework, students must prepare a thesis in their field, write it in line with the Institute’s thesis writing rules, and defend it orally before a jury. The graduation date corresponds to the date on which the thesis is accepted at the thesis defence.

Further Study Opportunities (Doctoral/PhD)

Graduates may apply to doctoral (PhD) programmes provided that they meet the relevant legal and admission requirements. Application timelines, required documents and evaluation criteria are announced by the relevant institutes and doctoral programmes.

Career Prospects

Graduates may pursue careers in a range of settings, including hospitals and university hospitals, public and foundation universities as academics or researchers, and education and research institutions and research laboratories.

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis. When necessary, courses and examinations may be scheduled after working hours on weekdays and or on Saturdays and Sundays.

Programme Contact

Prof. Dr. Cemal Çevik
Head of the Interdisciplinary Department of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
Email: cemal.cevik@lokmanhekim.edu.tr
Tel: 444 8 548