The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology Course provides a structured introduction to the organisation, structure and functions of the human body.
Open to complete beginners, the course is suitable for students preparing for massage, sports massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and other complementary therapy training.
Students can choose between self-paced home study and a supported option combining home study with five days of live online classes.
Two regulated Level 3 qualifications are available:
Both qualifications provide a recognised foundation in human Anatomy and Physiology, but they serve different progression routes.
Choose the Certificate if you intend to progress into regulated complementary therapy training such as:
The Certificate includes relevant pathology and is normally the most suitable option for students planning to train as professional therapists.
Choose the Diploma if you want a broader standalone qualification in the structure and function of the human body.
The Diploma can support general health, fitness, movement and wellness education but may not meet the pathology requirement for progression into VTCT/ITEC massage or complementary therapy qualifications.
Students planning to continue into massage, aromatherapy, reflexology or another regulated therapy course should normally choose the Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology.
The course is suitable for:
A strong understanding of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology helps therapists understand:
Anatomy and Physiology provides the theoretical foundation for safe massage, sports massage and complementary therapy practice.
London School of Massage has delivered professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained more than 30,000 students.
Students benefit from:
Learn more about the school on the London School of Massage history page.
The course covers the major structures and systems of the human body alongside the principles of homeostasis, anatomical terminology and the relationship between structure and function.
Students choosing the Certificate route also learn relevant pathology to support safe complementary therapy practice.
| Study Information | Details |
| Qualification Level | Level 3 RQF |
| Certificate Option | Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for the Complementary Therapist |
| Certificate QAN | 603/4100/2 |
| Diploma Option | Anatomy & Physiology |
| Diploma QAN | 603/4038/1 |
| Home Study Option | Flexible self-paced study using electronic materials and revision activities |
| Online Class Option | Home study supported by five tutor-led online training days |
| Online Class Times | Approximately 9.30 am–4.30 pm |
| Course Access | Online access following enrolment |
| Assessment Method | Online multiple-choice theory examination |
| Exam Location | Completed from home under formal examination conditions |
| Exam Duration | 55 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Pass Mark | 50% |
| Exam Fees | Included |
| Previous Experience | Not required |
| Computer Required | Yes – students require a PC or laptop and reliable internet connection |
The home study option allows students to work through the electronic learning materials at their own pace.
Students receive:
This option is suitable for independent learners who want the flexibility to study around work, family or other commitments.
Students who prefer more guidance can combine home study with five days of live, tutor-led online training.
The classes follow the Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology section of the VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course.
Students can:
The live online classes are delivered on selected dates. Students should contact London School of Massage after booking to confirm which available class dates they wish to attend.
Students should choose:
Students intending to progress into massage or complementary therapy should normally select one of the Certificate options.
Students learn the structure and function of the human body and how the major systems work together to maintain health and homeostasis.
Training covers:
Students learn about:
Topics include:
Students learn:
Training covers:
Students learn about:
Topics include:
Students learn:
Training covers:
Students learn:
Topics include:
Students following the Certificate route learn relevant pathology, including:
The course develops theoretical knowledge. It does not qualify students to diagnose or medically treat health conditions.
This is a beginner-friendly Level 3 course and there are no formal prerequisite qualifications.
Applicants should:
Yes. No previous science, healthcare or massage qualification is required.
The materials introduce anatomical terminology, body systems and pathology in a structured format suitable for students who are new to the subject.
Anatomy and Physiology requires regular revision, so students should allow sufficient time to work through the materials and practise the revision questions.
Students need sufficient written and spoken English to understand Level 3 scientific terminology, learning materials and examination questions.
For international students, an English level broadly comparable to IELTS 6–7 may be helpful, although formal evidence is not normally required.
Students require:
A mobile phone alone may not be suitable for completing the course or final assessment.
The qualification is assessed through an online multiple-choice theory examination completed from home under strict examination conditions.
| Examination Information | Details |
| Assessment Type | Multiple-choice theory examination |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Exam Duration | 55 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 50% |
| Exam Location | Online from home |
| Exam Conditions | Formal supervised or controlled examination conditions |
| Exam Fees | Included within the course fee |
| Exam Booking | Students contact London School of Massage when ready to sit the examination |
Full examination instructions are provided before the assessment.
Successful students receive the qualification selected during enrolment:
Qualification number: 603/4100/2
This is the recommended route for students planning to progress into massage, aromatherapy, reflexology or another VTCT/ITEC complementary therapy qualification.
Qualification number: 603/4038/1
This provides a broad standalone foundation in Anatomy and Physiology but may not fulfil the pathology requirements for regulated complementary therapy progression.
The course leads to a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification awarded through VTCT Skills/ITEC.
Students intending to use the qualification for entry onto another course, professional membership or employment should confirm the exact requirements with the relevant provider or organisation.
Further information about LSM’s awarding and approving organisations is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.
Students should:
Students choosing live online classes should continue revising independently after the final class.
Anatomy and Physiology is a theoretical foundation rather than a practical therapy qualification.
The Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology can support entry into professional training including:
Students can also review the full range of massage courses for beginners.
An Anatomy and Physiology qualification may support progression towards careers or further training in:
Additional practical qualifications will normally be required before providing treatments or professional services.
No. Anatomy and Physiology is a theory qualification.
Students must complete a suitable practical professional qualification before offering massage or complementary therapy treatments to the public.
Those who want to become qualified massage therapists should consider the VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course.
An Anatomy and Physiology qualification is a foundational requirement for many health fitness and therapy careers in the UK. It provides essential knowledge of how the human body is structured and how it functions which is critical for safe and effective practice.
With an Anatomy and Physiology qualification you can:
At Level 3 this qualification is widely recognised across the industry and is an essential stepping stone for anyone looking to work hands-on with clients or progress into higher-level therapy and healthcare training.
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, while physiology is the study of how the body works. Together, they provide the essential foundation for massage, sports massage, complementary therapy and many health-related training routes.
This course is suitable for beginners, massage students, sports massage students, complementary therapy learners and anyone who needs a recognised Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology qualification for further training.
Yes. This is a beginner-friendly Level 3 course with no formal prerequisites. An interest in the human body and a willingness to study are helpful.
Students can choose between two VTCT/ITEC Level 3 RQF qualifications: the Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Complementary Therapies, QAN 603/4100/2, or the Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology, QAN 603/4038/1.
If you want to progress into VTCT/ITEC Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology or complementary therapy, choose the Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Complementary Therapies. If you want a broader anatomy and physiology foundation, the Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology may be more suitable.
The Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Complementary Therapies is the preferred option for students planning to progress into VTCT/ITEC Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology or related complementary therapy qualifications.
Yes. London School of Massage offers flexible study options, including self-paced home study and live online classes. Students can choose the route that best suits their learning style and schedule.
You will study anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, skin, skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, endocrine system and genito-urinary system.
The Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Complementary Therapies includes pathology knowledge relevant to massage and complementary therapy practice. This is important for understanding contraindications and safe treatment decisions.
The course is assessed by an online multiple-choice exam completed from home under strict exam conditions. The exam has 50 questions, a 50% pass mark and lasts 55 minutes.
Yes. Students need access to a PC or laptop, a stable internet connection and a suitable quiet space for study and online examination.
Anatomy and Physiology can feel challenging at first, especially if you are new to science, but they are very achievable with structured learning, revision materials and regular study. London School of Massage provides written materials and quizzes to support learning.
Students may progress to Level 3 Massage, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Thai Massage or other complementary therapy training. It may also support further study in areas such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, movement or wellness education.
Yes. The course offers recognised VTCT/ITEC Level 3 RQF qualifications with official QAN numbers. VTCT and ITEC are respected awarding bodies in massage, complementary therapy and beauty education.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994. Students learn from experienced lecturers who understand how anatomy and physiology apply to safe, professional massage and complementary therapy practice.
Choose this option if you would like to do the Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies qualification.
Please note this course is non-refundable due to instant online access to course material.
Choose this option if you would like to do the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology qualification.
Please note this course is non-refundable due to instant online access to course material.
Choose this option if you would like to purchase the Home Study/Online Classes package for the Level 3 Certificate qualification.
This option follows the dates of our Level 3 Massage course (theory part).
You will need to e-mail us confirming which dates of the Level 3 Massage course you would like to attend.
Please note this course is non-refundable due to instant online access to course material.
Choose this option if you would like to purchase the Home Study/Online Classes package for the Level 3 Diploma qualification.
This option follows the dates of our Level 3 Massage course (theory part).
You will need to e-mail us confirming which dates of the Level 3 Massage course you would like to attend.
Please note this course is non-refundable due to instant online access to course material.
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