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.
VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners at London School of Massage provides the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional qualification required to begin a career as an aromatherapist.
No previous massage, anatomy or complementary therapy qualification is required.
The course combines specialist Aromatherapy training with the essential foundation subjects required for professional practice, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, body massage, client care and professional practice.
Students learn how to select essential oils, calculate safe dilutions, create individual blends and incorporate them into professionally planned Aromatherapy massage treatments.
Training covers essential oil properties, carrier oils, extraction methods, blending, contraindications, consultation, treatment planning, practical massage, hygiene, professional conduct and aftercare.
Students who already hold an eligible Level 3 massage qualification should consider the shorter VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists.
The Aromatherapy Courses overview explains both professional training routes.
This quick guide summarises the main course and qualification details.
|
Qualification level
|
Level 3 RQF |
| Awarding organisation | VTCT |
| Suitable for | Complete beginners without a recognised massage qualification |
| Study format | Blended learning combining guided theory, face-to-face practical training, assignments and case studies |
| Practical training | Body massage, aromatherapy consultation, blending, treatment planning and complete aromatherapy massage treatments |
| Theory training | Anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage theory, essential oils, carrier oils, safety and professional practice |
| Assessment | Theory examinations, practical assessments, written assignments, case studies and treatment evidence |
| Training location | London School of Massage, subject to the selected course option |
| Progression | Professional aromatherapy practice and further massage or complementary therapy training |
The course provides a complete route into professional Aromatherapy for students entering the industry for the first time.
Training is delivered through:
The blended structure allows students to complete appropriate theory away from the classroom while preserving face-to-face training for massage, blending, practical Aromatherapy skills and tutor feedback.
Students study:
Training includes:
Students learn about:
Training covers:
Students learn how to:
Training includes:
Students learn how to:
The course also covers:
No previous Aromatherapy, massage, anatomy or complementary therapy qualification is required.
Applicants must:
An English-language ability broadly equivalent to IELTS Level 6–7 is recommended for overseas students because the qualification includes professional terminology, written assignments and theory examinations.
Students practise massage and Aromatherapy treatments with other learners during classroom training.
Classes may be mixed-sex. Professional communication, client consent, hygiene, appropriate draping and student dignity are maintained throughout practical sessions.
Students should advise LSM before enrolling where a medical condition, injury or mobility restriction could affect their ability to give or receive treatments.
Students who already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification may not need to repeat the complete beginner programme.
They should review the Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists and submit their existing qualification for an eligibility check before booking.
Students are assessed through a combination of theory knowledge, practical competence, written work and documented treatment experience.
Assessment requirements may include:
Students receive guidance and templates to support the completion of their coursework, case studies and treatment evidence.
Students must complete the case studies and treatment evidence required by the VTCT qualification.
This includes a structured series of Aromatherapy treatments demonstrating:
All coursework and case studies must be completed within the course completion period specified by LSM.
Students who successfully complete all training, coursework, case studies and assessments receive the:
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy
This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Graduates can normally apply for appropriate professional insurance and membership of relevant professional organisations. Requirements should always be confirmed with the individual insurer, employer, licensing authority or professional association.
Further information is available on the Insurance for Students and Therapists page.
Completing the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy can enable graduates to begin professional practice as qualified aromatherapists.
Depending on professional insurance, experience and local requirements, graduates may:
The qualification does not guarantee employment or business income. Professional success also requires appropriate insurance, ethical practice, client care, business planning and continued skill development.
After qualifying, students may continue their professional development through courses such as:
Students can view additional entry-level options through the massage and complementary therapy courses for beginners page.
Yes. This course is designed for complete beginners and no previous massage, Anatomy and Physiology or complementary therapy qualification is required.
The course provides a complete route into professional Aromatherapy by combining Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, body massage and specialist Aromatherapy training.
After successfully completing the training, coursework, case studies and assessments, students receive the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy.
This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and can support professional practice, insurance and membership of relevant professional organisations.
Students learn how to provide safe, professional and individually planned Aromatherapy treatments.
Training includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, body massage, client consultation, essential oils, carrier oils, extraction methods, blending, safe dilution, contraindications, treatment planning, professional practice and complete Aromatherapy massage treatments.
The course covers 42 essential oils and 19 carrier oils.
Students learn about their properties, uses, contraindications, storage and safe application. They also develop the practical skills needed to select oils, calculate suitable dilutions and create personalised blends for individual clients.
Yes. As this pathway is designed for beginners, it includes the body massage skills required to provide a professional Aromatherapy massage treatment.
Students learn massage techniques, client positioning, therapist posture, pressure adaptation, professional draping and how to perform a structured full-body massage safely and confidently.
Assessment includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology examinations, Aromatherapy theory, practical massage and Aromatherapy assessments, written assignments, client consultations, treatment plans and case-study evidence.
Students receive guidance, templates and tutor support to help them complete the required coursework and practical evidence correctly.
Students complete 60 documented Aromatherapy treatments outside the classroom:
Students are responsible for arranging suitable adult clients but London School of Massage provides the forms and guidance required to complete the work.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main equipment required during classroom training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving treatments. They must arrange suitable adult clients for their case studies and bring their own suitable adult model when required for the final practical assessment.
Students will also need access to an appropriate massage couch or professional treatment space when completing treatments outside the school.
Yes. Students will need to purchase the 42 required essential oils for use during their training, home study and case-study treatments.
London School of Massage provides guidance on the oils needed so students can purchase the correct products before they are required.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work together during practical massage training.
Students take turns acting as both therapist and client. Professional conduct, informed consent, appropriate draping, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout every practical session.
Anyone with a medical condition, injury, pregnancy, disability or another circumstance that may affect practical participation should contact London School of Massage before booking.
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Introduction
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