The VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Qualified Therapists provides an accelerated route to a professional Aromatherapy qualification for practitioners who already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification.
This focused course builds on the student’s previous anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage and professional practice training.
Students concentrate on the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to select essential oils, create safe individual blends and incorporate them into professionally planned Aromatherapy treatments.
Training covers essential oil properties, carrier oils, extraction methods, chemistry, dilution, contraindications, client consultation, treatment planning, practical Aromatherapy massage and professional application.
The shorter training route does not reduce the standard of the final qualification. Students must still complete the required specialist training, coursework, case studies, treatment evidence and practical assessments.
Students who do not hold an eligible massage qualification should enrol on the VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
The Aromatherapy Courses overview explains and compares both professional training routes.
This quick guide summarises the main course and qualification details.
| Qualification level | Level 3 RQF |
| Awarding organisation | VTCT |
| Suitable for | Qualified massage therapists holding an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification |
| Study format | Blended learning combining guided theory, practical classroom training, assignments and case studies |
| Practical training | Aromatherapy consultation, essential oil blending, treatment planning and complete aromatherapy massage treatments |
| Theory training | Essential oils, carrier oils, safety, dilution, contraindications and professional aromatherapy practice |
| Assessment | Practical assessments, written assignments, case studies and treatment evidence |
| Training location | London School of Massage, subject to the selected course option |
| Progression | Addition of aromatherapy to an existing insured massage or complementary therapy practice |
This is a shorter professional route because eligible students have already completed the required foundation training within a recognised massage qualification.
The course concentrates on:
Students are not simply attending a short Aromatherapy CPD course. They are completing the specialist requirements leading towards the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy.
Students study:
Training covers:
Students learn about:
Training includes:
Students learn how to:
Training covers:
Students develop skills in:
The course also covers:
Applicants must hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification or accepted equivalent containing sufficient anatomy, physiology, pathology and practical massage training.
Suitable applicants may include:
A short massage course, attendance certificate or CPD certificate will not normally satisfy the entry requirements.
Eligibility for the shorter route depends on current VTCT Recognition of Prior Learning requirements.
LSM must consider:
Applicants should send LSM a copy of their qualification certificate and full unit transcript before booking.
Entry onto the qualified-therapist route should not be confirmed until the qualification has been checked.
Applicants must:
An English-language ability broadly equivalent to IELTS Level 6–7 is recommended for overseas students because the course includes professional terminology, written assignments and assessment work.
Applicants who do not hold an accepted massage qualification should enrol on the complete VTCT Level 3 Aromatherapy Course for Beginners.
This includes the anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage and professional practice training required for the full qualification.
Students are assessed through practical performance, specialist Aromatherapy knowledge, written work and documented treatment experience.
Assessment requirements may include:
The exact assessment requirements depend on the student’s recognised previous learning and the units that must be completed.
Students must complete the coursework, case studies and treatment evidence required for the VTCT qualification.
Treatment evidence demonstrates the student’s ability to:
Templates and guidance are provided during the course.
Students who successfully complete all required 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.
It is the same final qualification achieved through the beginner route. The training pathway is shorter because eligible therapists have already completed recognised foundation units.
Graduates can normally apply to add Aromatherapy to their professional insurance. Requirements should be confirmed directly with the individual insurer, professional association, employer or licensing authority.
Further guidance is available on the Insurance for Students and Therapists page.
The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy enables eligible massage therapists to add a recognised complementary therapy qualification to their existing professional services.
Depending on insurance, experience and local requirements, graduates may offer Aromatherapy through:
Aromatherapy may allow therapists to provide a more individual treatment experience by selecting and blending essential oils around the client’s consultation, preferences and treatment objectives.
Therapists must remain within the limits of their training and avoid making medical diagnoses or unsupported therapeutic claims.
After qualifying, therapists may further broaden their services through courses such as:
Further options are available through the massage courses for qualified therapists page.
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists who already hold an eligible Level 3 body massage qualification containing sufficient Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and practical massage training.
Suitable applicants may include qualified holistic, Swedish, sports, beauty or complementary therapists with an accepted massage qualification. Before booking, students should send London School of Massage a copy of their certificate and full unit transcript so that eligibility can be checked.
After successfully completing the required 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. It is the same final qualification achieved through the beginner route but the training pathway is shorter because eligible therapists have already completed recognised foundation units.
The qualified-therapist pathway is shorter because students have already completed suitable massage, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and professional-practice training.
This allows the course to concentrate on specialist Aromatherapy knowledge including essential oils, carrier oils, safe dilution, individual blending, consultation, treatment planning and practical Aromatherapy massage.
Students must still meet the full specialist coursework, treatment-evidence and assessment requirements for the VTCT qualification.
ndividual Aromatherapy treatments based on a professional client consultation.
Training covers essential-oil properties, botanical names, extraction methods, carrier oils, essential-oil chemistry, contraindications, dilution calculations, blending, treatment planning, practical Aromatherapy massage, aftercare and professional practice.
The course covers 42 essential oils and 19 carrier oils.
Students learn their properties, professional applications, contraindications, safe storage and suitable blending methods. They also learn how to select appropriate oils and calculate a safe dilution for the individual client.
Assessment includes practical Aromatherapy performance, specialist theory, written assignments, client consultations, individual treatment plans, blend formulations, case studies and treatment records.
The exact assessment requirements may depend on the student’s recognised previous learning and which qualification units have been accepted. London School of Massage provides the required templates and guidance throughout the course.
Students complete 60 documented Aromatherapy treatments outside the classroom:
Students arrange their own suitable adult clients but London School of Massage provides the consultation forms, treatment records and guidance needed to complete the evidence correctly.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main equipment needed for classroom training; however, they will also need access to a suitable massage couch or professional treatment space when practising and completing their case studies outside the school.
London School of Massage will provide massage couches; however, you will need to bring the following:
Further information would be provided after purchasing and joining the course.
Yes. Students will need to purchase the 42 required essential oils for blending, home study and the treatment evidence completed outside the classroom.
London School of Massage provides guidance on the oils needed so students can purchase the correct products for their training and case-study work.
London School of Massage will provide massage couches; however, you will need to bring the following:
Detailed information will be provided after purchasing and joining the course.
VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
Diploma in Reflexology Course Level 3 (RQF)
FAST TRACK PROGRAMME
FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
Develop safe, effective deep tissue techniques through advanced hands-on training.