During this Aromatherapy diploma you will learn:
The course provides the knowledge and practical competence required to become an insured aromatherapist and the recognised qualification needed for many London borough “special treatments” licences.
We offer two training routes depending on your background and previous qualifications.
This pathway is ideal for learners who have no previous training in massage or complementary therapies but wish to become fully qualified aromatherapists.
Completed over 16 days plus one exam day.
Part 1: Anatomy Physiology and Pathology (5 days)
Essential knowledge for safe practice, including major body systems and common pathologies.
Part 2: Practical Massage Training (5 days)
Covers all core massage techniques and full-body routines needed to deliver holistic treatments.
Part 3: Aromatherapy Theory (2 days)
Study essential oils, including properties, contraindications and safe therapeutic uses.
Part 4: Aromatherapy Practical (4 days)
Learn oil blending, oil synergy, and how to create bespoke treatments tailored to individual clients.
This pathway is perfect for those starting their journey and searching for aromatherapy courses near me that lead to a recognised UK qualification.
This upgraded pathway is designed for therapists who already hold a Level 3 Diploma in Body Massage with Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (RQF) achieved within the last 3 years.
Part 1: Aromatherapy Theory (2 days)
Covers essential oil science, safety and blending principles.
Part 2: Practical Aromatherapy Blending & Application (4 days)
Advanced practical training combining essential oils, treatment planning and personalised aromatherapy application.
This route enables qualified therapists to expand their professional services and increase their earning potential by adding aromatherapy as a specialist treatment.
Explore our Aromatherapy course training flow chart to see exactly how you can progress from your first class to earning your VTCT diploma award in Aromatherapy Massage - opening opportunities to work in spas, wellness centres, or start your own holistic therapy practice
CLICK HERE TO SEE A FLOW CHART FOR PROGRESSION IN THIS AROMATHERAPY COURSE
Our Aromatherapy Diploma course is taught by highly experienced practitioners, backed by nationally recognised accreditation and delivered by one of the UK’s most respected training schools. This ensures you receive reliable, evidence-informed education that supports safe professional practice.
For the Beginners VTCT Aromatherapy Diploma pathway, learners are not required to have any previous knowledge
For the Qualified Massage Therapist's VTCT Aromatherapy Diploma pathway, learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited (or equivalent) Level 3 Diploma in Massage, including Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology - equivalent or higher within the last three years.
If you are unsure if you are eligible, please e-mail us a copy of your qualifications, and we can advise you further.
Whichever pathway is applicable to you, all learners must have:
If you’re ready to begin your journey into the professional use of essential oils, this aromatherapy massage training programme provides the perfect foundation to start your career.
Our Aromatherapy massage courses are approved by ITEC (& VTCT) and are recognised nationally and worldwide.

This section outlines the assessment requirements for the VTCT Aromatherapy Diploma course, including theory exams, practical assessment and coursework completion.
Theory for Aromatherapy
Practical Aromatherapy
Theory for Massage
Practical Massage
Structure: Multiple Choice Exam x 2 papers - Anatomy & Physiology
Pass Mark: 70% (minimum)
Length: 60 minutes each (in-house or online)
This exam is only applicable for the Beginner's VTCT Aromatherapy Pathway
Structure: Practical exam
Pass Mark: Pass/Fail
Length: 60 minutes
You will be assessed by your VTCT tutor and assessor a total of three times over the duration of the course. Your final assessment date will be confirmed once you begin the course.
You will be required to complete 60 aromatherapy treatments, including:
6 clients, 6 treatments each (Aromatherapy Massage)
15 clients, 1 treatment each (Aromatherapy Massage)
9 additional treatments using aromatherapy in other methods
Templates and guidelines will be provided. Case studies must be completed in your own time, using friends, family or colleagues.
Full guidelines and templates will be provided for all written work.
The following units have to be completed for this pathyway:
Units UV31267 and UV31268 and UV31299 are not included in Qualified Therapists Aromatherapy Pathway, as they are covered in the ITEC/VTCT Level 3 Massage course, which is a prerequisite for this training route.
VTCT has a 3-year RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) policy. If you completed units UV31267, UV31268 or UV31299 more than three years ago, you will be required to re-take them.
Please contact us prior to booking to check your eligibility.
All coursework (assignments and case studies) must be completed within six months of starting your training.
Students will practise on each other during in-class training.
Please view our FAQs if you have any questions.
Case Studies: 60 in total
Assignments: 2 written assignments
We provide full guidelines and templates for all written work.
If you do not hold a VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage (achieved within the last three years), you may be required to complete the following units:
If you are unsure about your current qualifications, please contact us for clarification.
Students have six months from the start of the course to complete their case studies and assignments.
Having trained thousands of students, London School of Massage has many success stories, and our students have gone on to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using aromatherapy and essential oils
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Yes. London School of Massage offers a beginner’s VTCT Aromatherapy Diploma pathway for students with no previous massage or complementary therapy training. This route includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, body massage and aromatherapy training.
Yes. Qualified massage therapists who already hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage with anatomy, physiology and pathology, achieved within the last three years, may be eligible for the shorter qualified therapist pathway.
Successful students receive the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, a recognised RQF qualification. This supports professional practice as an aromatherapist and can help students apply for professional insurance.
Yes. Once you have completed the required training, case studies, assignments and assessments, you can apply for professional insurance and practise as a qualified aromatherapist.
Yes. The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy is recognised by many insurers and professional bodies. Students should always check individual insurer requirements before practising professionally.
You will learn essential oil safety, blending, carrier oils, aromatherapy consultation, contraindications, treatment planning, aromatherapy massage, professional practice and client care. Beginner students also study anatomy, physiology, pathology and body massage.
The course covers 42 essential oils and 19 carrier oils. Students learn their properties, uses, contraindications, blending principles, safe dilution and how to create personalised aromatherapy treatments.
Yes. The course includes hands-on practical training in aromatherapy blending and aromatherapy massage. Students practise on each other during in-class training and develop confidence through supervised practical work.
The beginner pathway is completed over 16 training days plus assessment. The qualified massage therapist pathway is completed over 6 training days. Students have up to six months from the start of the course to complete their case studies and assignments.
Students complete practical assessments, case studies and written assignments. Beginner pathway students also complete anatomy, physiology and pathology theory exams. Assessment requirements vary depending on the pathway taken.
Students complete 60 aromatherapy treatments in total. This includes 6 clients treated 6 times each, 15 clients treated once each and 9 additional treatments using aromatherapy in other methods.
Yes. Anatomy, physiology and pathology are required for professional aromatherapy practice. Beginner students complete this as part of the full pathway, while qualified therapists may use recent recognised prior learning if eligible.
Aromatherapy can be practised safely when essential oils are selected, diluted and applied correctly. This course teaches contraindications, safe blending, client consultation, professional boundaries and aftercare to support safe practice.
London School of Massage offers aromatherapy training in London through a hybrid pathway combining online learning with in-person practical training. Students should check current course dates and venue details before booking.
After qualifying, students may work in spas, clinics, wellness centres, mobile therapy or a private practice. They may also progress to further CPD courses such as reflexology, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage or manual lymphatic drainage.
London School of Massage has trained thousands of students since 1994 and offers recognised complementary therapy training with experienced tutors, structured practical learning and clear progression routes into professional practice.
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