Specialised Diploma in Complementary Therapies

This is a professional qualification which will allow membership into the following organisations; Aromatherapy and Allied Practitioners Association (AAPA) and the International Federation of Reflexologists (IFR). It is designed to deliver occupational capability at Level 3 and allows one to acquire the knowledge and the skills required for a variety of treatments / services.

Course content

• Principles and practice of complementary therapies
• Business practice for complementary therapies
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies
• Knowledge of less common pathology complementary therapies
• Provide body massage for complementary therapies
• Reflective practice for body massage
• Provide aromatherapy for complementary therapies
• Reflective practice for aromatherapy
• Provide reflexology for complementary therapies
• Reflective practice for reflexology
• Health, safety and hygiene for complementary therapies

Entry Requirements

A Level 2 qualification in an appropriate vocational discipline or four GCSEs at minimum grade C. A mature approach to training and education is required as is a good command of spoken and written English along with a minimum of two references. It will also be necessary to attend a pre-enrolment interview and a literacy and numeracy assessment. A pre-course assignment may also be required. It is also necessary to purchase a college uniform prior to the commencement of the course. Please note that this is a practitioner qualification which requires full commitment to attendance and achievement. A minimum of 8 – 10 hours per week needs to be set aside for home study.

Delivery & Assessment methods

Assessment is on-going throughout the length of the course taking the form of practical observations, research tasks, reports, presentations, assignments, case studies, one external online multiple choice knowledge test and three written exams. Samples of work are internally verified (IV) on a regular basis and are also externally verified (EV) by an assessor from the awarding body. Notice of external verifiers visits will be given and, if necessary, you may be required to attend a meeting with the EV which could be outside your normal college attendance hours.

Progression

Other Level 3 Complementary / Beauty Therapy courses or progression onto the Degree in Complementary Therapies.