Gaia School of Natural Health

Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy

This qualification includes various types of massage training. For a qualification in essential oils without massage, please see Essential Oils Practitioner Diploma.

The Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy is accredited by the FHT. On completion of the qualification, as well as being a qualified aromatherapist, you will be able to join the FHT Accredited Register. The course complies with the Aromatherapy Council Core Curriculum and National Occupational Standards and is a detailed and high level qualification.

The training course takes one academic year (10 months) and you will cover the following modules:

1. Aromatherapy: history, philosophy, uses.
2. Essential oils: botany, chemistry, blending and uses.
3. Practical: full body massage, aromatherapy facial, seated back, head and shoulder massage, pregnancy massage.

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence and 60 treatments to perform and record outside of class time. There will also be an assessed clinic where you will conduct an observed practical session.

Modules 4 and 5 require attendance on an extra course day, date to be arranged.

Module 6: Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology can be studied via distance learning with Essential Training Solutions. You can select either the

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You will study 70 essential oils within this course. The standard syllabus for a Level 3 qualification is 42 essential oils. Aromatherapists are only insured to use oils they have been trained in using. Therefore the inclusion of a further 28 oils in this course will extend the range that you will be able to use with your clients.

As well as studying all the basics of aromatherapy, and several different types of massage (full body, facials, seated and pregnancy), the course contains various advanced aromatherapy topics ranging from using oils in palliative and cancer care, and women’s health, to working with those with neurological conditions (including autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorders), to working with subtle energy techniques.

We also cover product making, engaging in creating blends for various products such as creams, sprays, shampoos and aroma sticks etc. Some of the blends will be added to pre-made base products, but you will also be taught how to make some products from the raw materials, and we will cover good manufacturing practice, and correct labelling requirements.

Why should you choose to study at Gaia School ?

• Gaia School of Natural Health offers the highest level of Reflexology training in the UK and have been training Professional Reflexologists since 2008.
• Gaia School of Natural Health, a leading UK complementary training centre, also offers the Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy training and has been training Professional Aromatherapists since 2012
• The Lead Tutor has qualified in holistic health to MSc level (which including undertaking complementary therapy research in Aromatherapy and Premenstrual syndrome). She is also a practising Reflexologist and Aromatherapist with 19 years experience and a wealth of knowledge.
• Class sizes are limited to ensure plenty of individual attention from supportive and friendly tutors.
• We have close links with Claire House Children's Hospice, whose Complementary Therapy Coordinator is a graduate of the Gaia School. Learners spend a day there and find out about how complementary therapies are delivered in a hospice environment. Some graduates go on to volunteer there.
• The Gaia school course has a strong emphasis on reflexology as an energy therapy and many advanced energy techniques are included in the course. Both the Lead and Assistant Tutor are Reiki Masters and Crystal Therapists.
• Full support is offered throughout the course as a learner, and after the course as a graduate of the Gaia School. Graduates continue to meet up following the end of their qualification, at the Gaia monthly support group. Discussion also continues on the closed Gaia facebook groups.
• There are opportunities to go on and study other therapies at Gaia e.g. aromatherapy, essential oils, reflexology and reiki, in which case you may be exempted from some of the modules (and therefore some of the cost) depending on relevant prior learning.

But don't take our word for it, see what the external course inspectors views are along with those of Gaia Graduates

For the latest moderation by Centralia (June 2019) it was reported

Below are further quotes from the Centralia external moderation reports over last few years, hover over the date to read more:

ABC Awards External Moderation report (April 2015) it was reported

Please read some of the testimonials of Gaia Graduates on the Testimonial's webpage.

Students completing a practical clinic on staff at Claire House Children's Hospice.

Course Dates

Booking, Fees and other information

Course fee - Level 3 Aromatherapy Diploma

£1,540 for reflexologists (or other therapists) with a recognised qualification, lasts 14 days and includes modules:

• Aromatherapy: history, philosophy, uses.
• Essential oils: botany, chemistry, blending and uses.
• Practical: full body massage, aromatherapy facial, seated back, head and shoulder massage, pregnancy massage.

Learners will need to evidence ’prior learning‘ of Principles and practice of complementary therapies, Business practice for complementary therapies and Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for complementary therapies modules for Gaia School to award the Level 3 Aromatherapy diploma.

£1,690 (plus Anatomy certificate) for non-qualified therapists, lasts 15 days and includes modules:

• Aromatherapy: history, philosophy, uses.
• Essential oils: botany, chemistry, blending and uses.
• Practical: full body massage, aromatherapy facial, seated back, head and shoulder massage, pregnancy massage.
• Principles and practice of complementary therapies.
• Business practice for complementary therapies.

Gaia School will not be offering classes relating to the Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies module (Anatomy certificate). This module will need to be obtained from another course provider before Gaia School can award the Level 3 Aromatherapy diploma. Please see below for two options of the A&P module available from our affiliate Essential Training Solutions.

Other additional costs you will need to consider

• a massage couch with cover and towels, which you will need to bring with you to some of the classes
• Textbook approx. £60
• Aromatherapy essential oils, carrier oils, face creams and equipment such as spatulas etc.