London Diploma Course in Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Massage
Assessment & Qualification
Students are expected to attend no less than 80% of the course in order to be eligible for the Diploma qualification. However, it is possible through various means to make up days missed due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances.
Exemption from Anatomy and Physiology
Prospective students may apply for exemption from classes and assessments in Anatomy and Physiology on the basis of submitting evidence of sufficient prior training. If exemption is granted, a reduction in the Course Fee applies.
Private Home Study
Home-based learning forms a vital part of the Diploma Course. A student will need to devote 6 to 8 hours per week to completing written assignments, practicing massage skills and undertaking case study work. As an example, this would mean setting aside two evenings (eg 7–9 pm) and one Sunday morning (eg 10 am–1 pm) per week. Each student is encouraged to form a ‘study partnership’ with one or two other members of their group ~ someone with whom they can review study material and practice their massage skills.
Case Study Work
Case study practice makes up an important part of the Diploma Course, and involves providing Aromatherapy consultations and massage treatments to family members and friends. Each student is required to submit a total of 10-15 Consultation Reports, each incorporating 4-6 aromatherapy treatments per case study. A minimum of 60 treatments is required in all. Case Study work provides students with invaluable experience in all aspects of aromatherapy practice, and helps to prepare them for a confident start to their professional work. Students may take advantage of the Institute’s network of graduate supervisors, wherever they feel the need for additional guidance and support.
Examinations
In order to qualify for the Institute Diploma, students are required to pass three assessments. Doing so will also make them eligible for full membership of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA). These are: ~
(1) A practical assessment in Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy;
(2) A written paper in Aromatherapy;
(3) A written paper in Anatomy and Physiology.
Qualifying Process
Once a student has successfully completed their course work and case studies, and has passed the final assessments, they are awarded Institute Diplomas in Professional Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Massage, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Professional Membership
The Diploma Course is accredited by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA). IFPA was founded in April 2002 by members of three of the UK’s leading aromatherapy associations: the International Society of Professional Aromatherapists (ISPA), the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and the Register of Qualified Aromatherapists (RQA). (The RQA was founded by Institute Principal Gabriel Mojay in 1990.) With a membership of over 3000 Aromatherapists, IFPA is the world's largest professional Aromatherapy association.
Students have the option of becoming a student member of IFPA at the start of the course, and are eligible for full membership upon completion. IFPA membership includes benefits such as insurance cover, public referral, and free subscription to the association’s professional journal In Essence. Each year, the Federation holds a weekend conference featuring Aromatherapy speakers of international standing.
