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.
London School of Massage offers two professional Aromatherapy training routes: a complete course for beginners and a shorter route for qualified massage therapists. Both lead to the recognised VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy.
Our training develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely select, blend and use essential oils as part of an individual professional Aromatherapy treatment.
There are two training routes:
Both routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of the required training, coursework, case studies and assessments.
Whether you are beginning a new career or adding Aromatherapy to an existing massage practice, LSM provides a clear professional training pathway matched to your previous experience.
London School of Massage provides two routes to the professional VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy. The correct course depends primarily on whether you already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification.
For students with no previous massage qualification
The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners provides a complete route into professional Aromatherapy.
No previous massage, Anatomy & Physiology or complementary therapy qualification is required.
As well as specialist Aromatherapy training, the course includes the foundation subjects required for professional practice, including:
This course is particularly suited to complete beginners, career changers and students who want to qualify professionally as an aromatherapist.
View the Aromatherapy Course for Beginners →
For therapists with an eligible Level 3 massage qualification
The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists provides a focused route for existing massage therapists.
Because eligible students have already completed recognised training in massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and professional practice, they do not need to unnecessarily repeat all of the foundation training included in the beginner route.
Instead, training concentrates on specialist Aromatherapy subjects including:
The shorter route does not mean a lower-level qualification. Successful students work towards the same VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy as students following the beginner pathway.
Eligibility is subject to your previous qualification meeting the relevant requirements. A short massage course, CPD certificate or attendance certificate will not normally be sufficient.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, send LSM a copy of your qualification certificate and full unit transcript before booking.
The table below summarises the two Aromatherapy courses available at the London School of Massage, helping you choose the training route that best matches your existing qualifications and experience.
|
|
Beginner Route |
Qualified Therapist Route |
|
Previous massage qualification |
Not required |
Eligible Level 3 massage qualification required |
|
Suitable for complete beginners |
Yes |
No |
|
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology |
Included |
Previous learning recognised where eligible |
|
Body massage training |
Included |
Previous massage skills required |
|
Essential oil theory |
Included |
Included |
|
Carrier oils & blending |
Included |
Included |
|
Consultation & treatment planning |
Included |
Included |
|
Practical Aromatherapy massage |
Included |
Included |
|
Case studies & assessment |
Required |
Required |
|
Final qualification |
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy |
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy |
| VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy | VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy |
The beginner route includes the foundation Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and professional body massage training required by students entering complementary therapy for the first time.
The qualified-therapist route recognises eligible previous massage training and allows students to concentrate on the specialist Aromatherapy components of the qualification.
Yes. Both training routes lead to the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of all qualification requirements.
The final qualification is the same; it is the training pathway that differs according to your previous qualifications.
Choose the:
Aromatherapy Course for Beginners if you do not already hold an eligible Level 3 massage qualification.
Choose the:
Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists if you already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification.
If you are still unsure, our How to Become a Qualified Aromatherapist guide explains both routes step by step.
Professional Aromatherapy involves much more than learning the names or commonly associated properties of essential oils.
At LSM, students learn how to combine essential oil knowledge, safe blending, professional consultation, treatment planning and practical massage skills to create treatments appropriate to the individual client.
The exact content varies according to whether you follow the beginner or qualified-therapist route.
Develop a professional understanding of essential oils, including:
Students are encouraged to understand why an oil may be selected, rather than simply memorising lists of oils and uses.
Learn about the carrier and vegetable oils used within professional Aromatherapy, including:
An important part of professional Aromatherapy is knowing how to blend oils safely and appropriately.
Training includes:
Students develop the professional skills needed to assess whether Aromatherapy is appropriate and plan an individual treatment.
This includes:
Students learn how to incorporate individually selected essential oil blends into a professionally structured massage treatment.
Practical training includes:
Students also develop an understanding of:
Students taking the VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners additionally study the foundation subjects needed to enter professional practice.
These include:
Qualified massage therapists whose previous training meets the required criteria may follow the shorter Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists.
Both Aromatherapy training pathways lead to the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of the required training, coursework, case studies and assessments.
The qualification develops the theoretical knowledge, practical competence and professional understanding needed to provide individually planned Aromatherapy treatments.
Successful students receive the:
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy
The qualification is regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and can support professional practice as an aromatherapist.
Students are assessed through the requirements relevant to their training pathway, which may include:
Further information about LSM's awarding and professional organisations can be found on our Accreditations & Approvals page.
Your pathway is:
Your pathway is:
For a complete explanation, see our Aromatherapy Training Pathway.
Once qualified and appropriately insured, Aromatherapy can be offered as a standalone complementary therapy or combined with other suitable professional treatments.
Depending on experience, insurance and any applicable local requirements, qualified aromatherapists may work within:
Qualified massage therapists may also incorporate Aromatherapy into their existing professional practice, subject to appropriate insurance.
See our Insurance for Students & Therapists page for further information.
After qualifying, Aromatherapy can provide a foundation for developing a broader complementary therapy and massage practice.
Therapists may choose to continue into areas such as:
Qualified practitioners can explore our wider range of Massage Courses for Qualified Therapists.
Choosing where to train is an important part of becoming a professional therapist.
London School of Massage has been providing massage and complementary therapy education since 1994, giving students access to an established training centre with decades of experience educating both new and qualified therapists.
Our approach combines recognised qualifications with practical, tutor-led learning and a strong emphasis on professional standards.
LSM has more than 30 years' experience in massage and complementary therapy education and provides courses ranging from entry-level professional qualifications to advanced training for experienced practitioners.
This allows students to begin their training at the appropriate level and continue developing their professional skills as their career progresses.
Learn more about Why Train with London School of Massage.
Both Aromatherapy routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy.
Students therefore work towards a structured professional qualification rather than simply attending a short Aromatherapy workshop or receiving an attendance certificate.
You can learn more about our awarding organisations and professional recognition on the Accreditations & Approvals page.
Aromatherapy training is delivered by experienced tutors who understand both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for professional complementary therapy practice.
Students benefit from:
Meet the people behind our training on the LSM Tutors & Team page.
Aromatherapy is a practical therapy and our training reflects this.
Students do not simply study essential oils theoretically. They learn how to combine:
This develops the practical judgement required to move from classroom knowledge to professional treatment planning.
LSM provides a clear route for students at different stages of their professional development.
New to therapy?
The Aromatherapy Course for Beginners provides the complete foundation required.
Already qualified in massage?
The Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists provides a focused route that recognises eligible previous learning.
This means students undertake the training appropriate to their existing level rather than following a one-size-fits-all course.
Our Aromatherapy courses place emphasis on safe and professional practice, including:
Students also receive structured support with coursework, case studies and assessment preparation throughout their training.
LSM's work extends beyond the classroom through involvement with professional education, awarding organisations and massage training activities in the UK and internationally.
You can learn more about the school's professional background on our National & International Recognition page.
The right course depends on whether you already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification.
Complete beginners and students without a recognised massage qualification should choose the VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
Qualified massage therapists who already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification may be able to take the shorter VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Bridging Course for Qualified Therapists.
If you are unsure which route is suitable, please send London School of Massage a copy of your qualification before booking.
Yes. The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners provides a complete professional training route for students with no previous massage, Anatomy and Physiology or complementary therapy qualification.
The course includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, professional body massage, essential oil theory, carrier oils, blending, consultation, treatment planning and practical Aromatherapy massage.
Yes. Both training routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of the required training, coursework, case studies and assessments.
The main difference is the student’s previous experience. The beginner course includes foundation Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and body massage while the bridging course builds on an eligible existing massage qualification.
Further information about LSM’s professional approvals is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.
Yes. Students will need to purchase the 42 required essential oils for practical study, blending exercises and case-study treatments completed outside the classroom, outlined by VTCT.
London School of Massage provides guidance on the oils required so students can prepare in advance and purchase suitable products for professional training.
Yes. Once all qualification requirements have been successfully completed and the certificate has been awarded, graduates can normally apply for appropriate professional insurance and work within the scope of a qualified aromatherapist.
Aromatherapy may be offered through private practice, mobile therapy, spas, hotels, complementary therapy clinics and wellness settings. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.
Professional membership, insurance and local licensing requirements may vary according to the type and location of practice.
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