Aromatherapy is a healing art and science using plant derived essential oils to alleviate a wide range of physical and emotional disorders.

Supported by an ever-growing body of research into the incredible healing power and versatile therapeutic properties of essential oils, Aromatherapy is much more than ‘just a smell’. In fact, any physical or emotional problem might be helped in some way by cleverly selected and skilfully blended essential oils – from colds and flu, insomnia and muscular aches and pains to hormonal issues, digestive problems, pain management and skin conditions.

With its great success rate and versatility no wonder that Aromatherapy is well respected and widely practiced as one of the most popular complementary medicine therapies today.

How does an aromatherapist work?

After a detailed consultation and depending on the client’s needs, aromatherapy practitioner will carefully select and blend a number of essential oils and other materials in order to create an individual, safe and beneficial treatment. No pre-blended products are being used. Even though many clients may present with similar issues, aromatherapy treatment – in truly holistic way – will be different for each of them. It also allows to ensure the safety of the client.

The treatment usually takes form of a massage. But while it is a well-known fact that combined with massage, Aromatherapy treatment can create a haven of peace and tranquillity, it is also true (and confirmed by various studies) that it can stimulate, invigorate, help us focus, improve memory recall and even help in smoking cessation. And should massage be contraindicated or simply not ‘doable’ for whatever reason, we can still employ various other methods to help our clients anyway. In fact, there is a lot we can do without massaging them! But the power and potential of essential oils must never be underestimated. They key to successful treatment is a good knowledge of the essential oils and safe application methods.

At MSCM we are fortunate to have several tutors who are passionate and dedicated aromatherapists. Our MSCM Aromatherapy Diploma Course is detailed, comprehensive training that reflect this passion. Not only is it carefully designed to provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to practice Aromatherapy safely and effectively but also to develop the same love for the subject. This course is truly a voyage of delight and discovery from start to finish.

Course Details

For dates, prices and to book please scroll to the bottom of the page

The MSCM Aromatherapy Diploma course comprises in-house training together with tutorials, supervised Aromatherapy practice, student testing and supervised home study, which includes 60 aromatherapy treatments to be written up and submitted to ITEC. Home-based learning is a vital part of the Diploma Course. A student will need to devote at least 6 to 8 hours per week to completing written assignments and case study work. All lectures are supported with course notes, overheads, charts and teaching aids. We will also give you details of other learning resources such as useful websites and suggested books to help you with your studying.

The syllabus for the course, as required by the IGCT, CThA, ITEC and the AOC, includes the following subjects:

The Basics of Aromatherapy

• The practice of aromatherapy
• History of aromatherapy
• The definition & development of aromatherapy
• Modern natural medicine
• How & why it works
• Olfactory system
• Aromatherapy research
• Integral Biology

Essential Oils

• Physiological and psychological effects
• Main therapeutic effects
• Recommended uses

Essential Oil Production & Quality

• Methods of extraction
• Professional Sources – Growers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers
• Quality control
• Adulteration or degradation
• Storage
• Related botanical products

Essential Oil Production & Quality

• Methods of extraction
• Professional Sources – Growers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers
• Quality control
• Adulteration or degradation
• Storage
• Related botanical products

Essential Oil Science & Safety

• Key definitions
• Botany and biogenesis
• Plant identification
• Taxonomy
• Nomenclature and 31 plant families
• Structure and function of plants
• Chemical constituents & therapeutic properties
• Essential oil safety and contraindications
• Patch testing
• Contra-indications
• Toxic effects & overdose
• Possible reactions to aromatherapy treatment and aftercare advice

Individual Oils

• A study of 60 essential oils
• Fixed oils (also known as vegetable, base or carrier oils
• Hydrosols : Floral waters : Hydrolats

Methods of Application & Blending

• Mechanisms of action
• Various methods of applying essences, fixed oils and blends safely
• Safe dosage and blending of essences and fixed oils
• Synergy and the way in which the therapeutic effects of essences are strengthened when working together
• Top, middle and base notes
• Methods of manufacture of aromatherapy products

Aromatherapy in Clinical Practice

• Client care/preparation
• Holistic approach
• Consultation skills
• Learning how to assess clients and design and manage clients’ treatments
• How to keep clients records, respect the data protection law and maintain confidentiality of clients` details
• Home care advice after treatment
• Treatment approach
• Aromatherapy massage techniques
• Lymph Drainage techniques
• Client referral
• Reflective practice
• Case studies
• Therapeutic effects, recommended uses and safety precautions of fixed oils and other media
• Aromatherapy for specific conditions
• Aromatherapy and stress
• Clinical contraindications
• Psychological aromatherapy
• Understanding the therapeutic relationship between clients` and therapists and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

Professional Practice Management

• Professionalism and knowledge of ethics and conduct with clients and other professionals
• Liaison with health professionals
• Referral procedures
• Insurance & professional associations
• Legislation and working practices
• Treatment environment and working area
• Practice promotion

Exam Preparation

• Producing the perfect Case Study
• Case Study requirements
• Practical skills for forthcoming Examination
• Mock Practical Examination

Evidenced Based Practice
Scientific research into the efficacy of essential oils is essential for our industry to develop and it is important for us as aromatherapists to understand its value and its findings. During the course you will be introduced to the importance of research into aromatherapy, essential oils and massage. We will also share with you many examples of discoveries of recent research into aromatherapy and essential oils. This will add substance to your studies and ensure that your knowledge is based on proven facts and most importantly is current.

In addition to the required syllabus, the `MSCM Aromatherapy Diploma` includes a field trip to the wonderful Royal Botanic Kew Gardens where you will have an opportunity to have a first-hand experience of the aromatic plants in a natural environment. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world`s leading botanic gardens and during the field trip you will benefit from a number of carefully planned practical exercises (for essential oils and fixed oils) including:

• • Plant anatomy and physiology – seeds, rhizomes, etc
  • Why plants produce essential and fixed oils
  • Plant classification – the past and the present – Carl Linneaus and binominal system
  • Do we really need the ‘fancy’ Latin names? Oh, yes, we do!
  • Botanical families and oils of the various climatic zones and continents – ‘around the world trip’ through different parts of Kew – in search of common and uncommon
  • The climatic zones, regions and geographical (country) origins of relevant essential oils
  • Physical characteristics of relevant botanical families
  • Recognising the botanical families, mono- and di-cotyledons
  • Meeting plants up and close – Through the magnifying glass
  • A chance to take your own photos of plants for your essential oils bible/file
  • The endangered species of the aromatherapy world
  • Lunch at the Orangery or picnic (bring/buy your own)
  • Q &A with all-important tea and a ‘compulsory’ cake

Course Requirements

The course is primarily practical in content and you will be required to have access to a Massage Couch and a selection of essential oils during the course. You will be required to wear appropriate clinic workwear for the duration of the course. During the aromatherapy massage sessions you will practise on each other under the supervision of the tutor who will offer guidance and feedback. Student insurance is mandatory for this course and is available through the CThA and other Industry Associations who recognise ITEC qualifications. Full details will be sent to you with your joining details. If you would like further information before booking, please contact the office on 0208-429-2895.

Who Can Attend?

The entry requirement for the Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist Course is the successful completion of the Level 3 ITEC Anatomy & Physiology and Massage Diplomas or equivalent.

Examination

During the course we will prepare you for your final exam and will conclude the course with a mock examination from which we will be able to offer you guidance. Upon satisfactory completion of this mock examination, you will be eligible to sit the ITEC Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist Level 3 examination which comprises coursework, case studies and a practical examination with an external ITEC examiner.

Exam Unit iUCT40  – Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist can be booked here – Aromatherapy – ITEC Practical Examination

For those needing to resit the Unit iUCT38 – Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies Multiple Choice Question Paper – this can be arranged for the same day as the Aromatherapy Practical exam. To book this click here –Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology – ITEC Examination

Qualification

To achieve an ITEC Level 3 RQF Diploma in Aromatherapy, you must pass (or hold) all of the following elements:

• Unit iUCT40  – Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist
• Unit iUCT38 – Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies
• Unit iUCT21 – Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapies
• Unit iUCT34 – Business Practice for Complementary Therapies.

For new therapists

If you are new to complementary therapies in addition to the Unit iUCT38 – Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies and Unit iUCT40  – Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist, you will need to complete the ITEC Business Modules Home Study Course– this is a bundle of 2 on-line courses and is assessed by a written assignments for each (Units Unit iUCT21/Unit iUCT34).

(Please note :You will also need to have completed some massage training prior to attending this course –  the ITEC Massage Diploma. )

For existing therapists

If you already hold a therapy qualification you may be exempt from some of these units if your previous qualification is accredited, recent and on the OFQUAL register.

If your qualification is more than 3 years old or has been issued by training providers, associations or manufacturer`s where there is no Government accreditation or external quality assurance involved you will not be accepted for APL/RPL.

• Anatomy and Physiology
  We may be able to exempt you from attending additional training in anatomy and physiology if the level and depth of any previous learning that has taken place is sufficient. In this case you would only have to take the multiple-choice question examnation. If you are unsure and would like some guidance please contact us on 020-8429-2895

• Business Modules
  You will need to complete the ITEC Business Modules Home Study Course– this is a bundle of 2 on-line courses and is assessed by a written assignments for each (Units Unit iUCT21/Unit iUCT34).

Once qualified, you will be awarded an ITEC Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist – a fully accredited, level 3 diploma linked to National Occupational Standards. ITEC qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally – UK, Ireland, Australia, Greece, South East Asia but to name a few. Successful completion of this diploma course will also provide you with the title of “Aromatherapist”, and the knowledge and techniques needed to give a treatment at a professional level. Practitioner professional liability insurance is also available upon successful completion of the course.

Recognition by Professional Associations

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist is one of the best recognised complementary therapy qualifications in the UK and across a range of countries.

It is widely accepted by most Professional Bodies including:

• ICGT (International Guild of Therapists)
• CThA (Complementary Therapists Association)
• FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists)
• BCMA (British Complementary Medicine Association)
• CNHC Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)

For stand alone insurance we are pleased to recommend Westminster

More Information

Duration: 8 days (10.00am-5pm) plus mock exam in total

Course Fees Include:

• All class tuition
• A comprehensive course manual
• Entrance to Kew Gardens – on field trip
• Initial mock examination fees
• Initial marking of course assignments and case studies
• Tea and Coffee provided
• Use of Massage Couch when needed

Deposit – £100.00 (+VAT) – Payable on booking secures your place.

Includes:

• Exam registration
• Practical assessment by external examiner
• Marking of assignments
• Marking of case studies
• Issue of Diploma certificate
• Postage of certificate by Registered Post

To read what others thought – click here

A BONUS ON-LINE COURSE

FREE OF CHARGE

to all those attending the Aromatherapy Diploma

On-line Course

The Study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin:

• The structure of the skin
• Functions of the skin
• Skin types and skin care regime elements; racial variations
• Ageing process, ageing factors, effects of ageing on skin, prevention
• Skin permeability and absorbency
• Skin sensitivity vs. allergy; cross-sensitisation
• Raw ingredient and product patch testing

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If the course you wish to attend is full please send us an email at [email protected]. and we will be pleased to add you to the waiting list in case we have any dropouts.

If you are unable to attend the date below and are keen to do the course please let us know on [email protected]. If we have enough interest for another date we will be happy to schedule one in.