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IMUNE recognizes the importance of solid research in establishing the credibility of natural healing methods. It also recognizes that the research success criteria and methodology applied in medical science are not always appropriate, implementable or a suitable framework for softer health approaches.
In particular the diversity of the level of interaction of a human organism (spiritual, emotional, mental and physical) together with the energetic foundational basis for organism operation is neither as well recognized by the majority of conventionally trained scientific minds nor assessable by many of the standard scientific methodologies.
In recognition that many studies that could be undertaken founder for lack of mechanism reference points and frameworks a primary intention of IMUNE is to establish:
- The appropriateness of quantum and field theory based approaches in understanding the mechanisms of natural medicine.
- Establish alternative frameworks to the double blind approach whilst ensuring that these have a valid and credible assessment basis.
- As part of it’s medium term goal IMUNE foresees the support of appropriately formulated research studies. Many studies which do not necessarily conform to hard scientific standards are available and IMUNE offers the facility to publish research and supportive information relating to natural health medicine.
The university mission includes the precept that teaching should be informed wherever possible by knowledge of the most up to date research.
In recognition that certain aspects of natural health medicine are specialist and even esoteric IMUNE provides a platform to encourage such studies and offers support in publication of such studies.
A primary aim of IMUNE supported research is to improve the practical benefits of natural health education and processes. It is the intention of IMUNE to seek research funding and to facilitate connections for such funding wherever possible. IMUNE believes that research should engage with some of the major health issues facing the world today. This should also be research that seeks to inform public opinion and policy, promote debate and engagement with relevant issues.
Research School
The Research School has been founded to promote excellence in research and to support and develop all staff and student engaged with the research agenda with the aim of creating an integrated research community in natural medicine.
This is an area that will develop during the course of this decade.
Email: research-school@IMUNE.net
Research Opportunities
Research provides the opportunity to take the springboard of solid natural health education foundation and extend this into expertise in a particular area by the application of knowledge, research and creativity in a subject that fuels your interest and inspires your imagination.
IMUNE research degree programmes offer part time off campus study creating a life changing opportunity and the chance to explore and extend your own capabilities.
The structure of IMUNE enables a flexible approach to higher degrees enabling qualification through a combination of:
- Course work – either IMUNE or externally based via a credit system.
Studying with teachers selected by yourself and IMUNE approved who are experts in their field.
- Review of existing studies and literature relating to the subject.
- Original research which may be clinic based, home based or conducted within an external establishment.
- Presentation of a dissertation.
IMUNE is facilitated to approve full and part time research studies in sponsoring establishments. This is relevant where particular expertise exists within an organization, institution or company that has no authority to award research degrees. It is a requirement of such organizations that they be able to provide facilities for scholarly research. As such they may be institutions of higher or further education, industrial or commercial operations, professional or research establishments.
Areas of Study
No area of study within the field of natural health is precluded. Provided that the appropriate criteria and support research sources can be established IMUNE is prepared to consider very diverse applications.
Research Categories
IMUNE foresees two main research student classifications:
- Full time research students.
- Part time research students.
Full Time Research
Full time research programmes can be agreed for both Masters and Doctorates in Philosophy (PhD). There are entry requirements for both. A higher standard of expertise and education will be required for direct entry into a PhD, generally being equivalent to a Bachelors Honours 1 Classification. Educational history, experience and expertise in the chosen study field will also be considered.
Entry into the masters programme generally requires a Bachelor Degree or equivalent. It is possible to pursue purely a masters degree or to use this as a pre-qualification stepping stone to a PhD.
The normal minimum and maximum time periods for a master of philosophy qualification is 1-2 years and for a PhD 2-5 years.
Continual progress monitoring and in particular formalized annual progress report submissions is mandatory for all research study and continuing programme registration is subject to satisfactory progress.
Part Time Study
The demands of part time study for a higher degree should not be underestimated and the reference point is their nominal equivalence to a half time job.
The same criteria apply in principle as for full time study.
Non-Graduate Entry
Non-graduates may in some instances be admitted to post graduate study if there is demonstrable evidence of:
Expertise in the field.
Publications.
Academic contribution.
Employment research experience.
Essentially applications will be considered where it can be shown that qualifications, professional experience or previous research provides a suitable foundation. If the entry requirements are not met then additional preliminary studies may facilitate reconsideration of application.
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