Train to become a professionally qualified aromatherapist or add Aromatherapy treatments to your existing massage and complementary therapy practice with London School of Massage.
LSM offers two VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy courses in London, providing a suitable professional training route for both complete beginners and qualified massage therapists:
Both routes develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to select, blend and apply essential oils safely as part of an individual professional Aromatherapy treatment.
Students study essential oil properties, carrier oils, extraction methods, safe dilution, blending, contraindications, client consultation, treatment planning and practical Aromatherapy massage.
The beginner route also includes the foundation anatomy, physiology, pathology and body massage training required by students entering professional complementary therapy practice for the first time.
The qualified-therapist route recognises eligible previous massage training, allowing practitioners to concentrate on the specialist Aromatherapy elements of the qualification without unnecessarily repeating training they have already completed.
Whether beginning a new career or expanding an established therapy practice, students work towards the same recognised VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy.
Students without an eligible Level 3 massage qualification should choose the complete VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
This route combines professional Aromatherapy training with anatomy, physiology, pathology, body massage and professional practice. No previous massage or complementary therapy qualification is required.
Practitioners who already hold an eligible Level 3 massage qualification may take the shorter VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists.
This route builds on existing massage knowledge and focuses on essential oils, carrier oils, blending, safety, consultation, treatment planning and professional Aromatherapy application.
Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility should send LSM a copy of their qualification and unit transcript before booking.
The correct Aromatherapy course depends primarily on whether the student already holds an eligible Level 3 massage qualification that includes the required anatomy, physiology, pathology and practical massage training.
The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners is the correct starting point for students who do not already hold a suitable Level 3 massage qualification.
This complete professional training route includes:
The beginner course is suitable for:
Previous massage qualification required: No
View the VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists is designed for practitioners who already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification.
The course builds on existing massage knowledge and concentrates on the specialist theory and practical skills required to provide professional Aromatherapy treatments.
Training focuses on:
This route may be suitable for:
Previous qualification required: An eligible Level 3 body massage qualification or accepted equivalent meeting current Recognition of Prior Learning requirements.
View the VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists.
Both Aromatherapy training routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy. The main difference is the student’s previous massage training and the amount of foundation study required.
Suitable for: Complete beginners and students without an eligible massage qualification
Previous qualification: None required
Main training: Anatomy, physiology, pathology, body massage, professional practice, essential oils, carrier oils, blending and Aromatherapy treatment
Outcome: VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy following successful completion of all course requirements
View the Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
Suitable for: Qualified massage therapists wishing to add Aromatherapy to their practice
Previous qualification: Eligible Level 3 body massage qualification or accepted equivalent
Main training: Essential oils, carrier oils, safety, blending, consultation, treatment planning and professional Aromatherapy application
Outcome: VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy following successful completion of all course requirements
View the Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists.
The beginner course includes the foundation anatomy, physiology, pathology, body massage and professional practice training required by someone entering the industry for the first time.
The qualified-therapist course recognises eligible previous massage training and concentrates on the additional theoretical and practical knowledge required to practise Aromatherapy professionally.
Yes. Both routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of the relevant practical training, coursework, case studies and assessments.
The final qualification is the same, but the training route differs according to the student’s existing qualifications and recognised prior learning.
Eligibility depends on:
A short massage course, attendance certificate or CPD certificate may not satisfy the entry requirements.
Applicants who are uncertain should send LSM a copy of their certificate and unit transcript before enrolling.
Across both LSM Aromatherapy training routes, students develop the theoretical knowledge and practical competence required to plan and provide safe, individual Aromatherapy treatments.
The exact syllabus depends on whether the student takes the beginner or qualified-therapist route.
Students study:
Training includes:
Students learn about:
Training covers:
Students develop skills in:
Practical training includes:
Students also learn about:
Students taking the Aromatherapy Course for Beginners also complete the foundation training required for professional massage and complementary therapy practice.
This includes:
Students who already hold an eligible massage qualification can take the Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists and concentrate on the specialist Aromatherapy components.
Both LSM Aromatherapy training routes lead towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, subject to successful completion of all required training, coursework, case studies and assessments.
The qualification develops the knowledge and practical competence required to provide professional Aromatherapy treatments.
Successful students may use the qualification to support applications for:
Further information about awarding organisations and course recognition is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.
Professional membership, insurance and local licensing requirements can vary. Graduates should confirm the requirements that apply to their intended location and type of practice.
Students without an eligible massage qualification should:
Qualified massage therapists should:
Depending on professional insurance, experience and any local requirements, qualified aromatherapists may provide treatments through:
Qualified practitioners must remain within the limits of their training and refer clients to an appropriate healthcare professional where a presentation falls outside their professional scope.
After qualifying, aromatherapists may broaden their professional services through other complementary therapy qualifications and specialist massage training.
Suitable progression options include:
Students can also explore the wider range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
London School of Massage has provided professional massage and complementary therapy education since 1994 and has trained more than 30,000 students.
Aromatherapy training is delivered by qualified and experienced tutors with professional knowledge of essential oils, massage, client care and complementary therapy practice.
Students choose LSM for:
Learn more about why students choose London School of Massage.
LSM Aromatherapy courses are taught by tutors who understand both the theoretical and practical requirements of working with essential oils and providing treatments professionally.
Students receive clear explanations, practical demonstrations, supervised classroom experience and constructive individual feedback.
This approach helps students develop professional judgement, confidence and practical competence rather than relying solely on memorised oil descriptions or fixed blending recipes.
Professional Aromatherapy requires more than learning lists of essential oils and their commonly associated properties.
Students learn how to:
Students are supported from enrolment through to course completion by experienced tutors and the LSM administrative team.
The training includes structured guidance for practical skills, assignments, case studies and assessment preparation.
Students can learn more about the school’s professional standing through the Accreditations and Approvals, Meet Our Team and National and International Recognition pages.
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