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.
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.
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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