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A01Advanced Professional Programme

Aromatherapy and Applied Complementary Therapies

A clinical grounding in essential oil science and hands-on aromatherapy practice, moving from plant chemistry and safe formulation to full treatment delivery. Graduates can build bespoke blends and treat clients across the lifespan, including supported oncology and maternity work.

Study this course
Duration
6 months
Learning hours
240 guided learning hours
Modules
6
Lessons
24
01

Overview

A clinical grounding in essential oil science and hands-on aromatherapy practice, moving from plant chemistry and safe formulation to full treatment delivery. Graduates can build bespoke blends and treat clients across the lifespan, including supported oncology and maternity work.

02

Aims of the Course

  • Understand essential oil chemistry, quality and safe therapeutic use
  • Formulate evidence-informed blends for specific wellbeing needs
  • Deliver a competent, safe full-body aromatherapy treatment
  • Practise within clear professional, ethical and referral boundaries
03

Course Structure

01

Foundations of Essential Oil Science

  • Historical and cultural traditions of aromatic medicine
  • Plant taxonomy, families and volatile chemistry
  • Extraction methods and their therapeutic consequences
  • Quality, adulteration and responsible sourcing
02

Anatomy, Physiology and the Olfactory Pathway

  • Skin structure, absorption and systemic uptake
  • The limbic system and scent-driven memory
  • Respiratory and circulatory routes of action
  • Contraindications mapped to body systems
03

Blending Theory and Clinical Formulation

  • Carrier oils, butters and base mediums
  • Dilution ratios across age and condition
  • Synergy blending by note, family and action
  • Formulations for stress, sleep and muscular tension
04

Applied Treatment Practice

  • Consultation, patch testing and informed consent
  • Full-body aromatherapy massage sequence
  • Facial and lymphatic drainage techniques
  • Adapting practice for pregnancy, oncology support and older adults
05

Professional Practice and Client Care

  • Record keeping and treatment notes
  • Aftercare advice and home blend prescription
  • Safeguarding and clinical referral thresholds
  • Working with integrity inside scope of practice
06

Business, Ethics and Portfolio

  • Pricing, treatment packages and retail
  • Insurance, premises and hygiene requirements
  • Documented case study portfolio
  • Reflective practice and CPD planning
04

Learning Outcomes

  1. 01Explain the chemistry and therapeutic actions of at least 30 essential oils
  2. 02Assess client suitability and identify contraindications before treatment
  3. 03Design and justify bespoke blends with a documented rationale
  4. 04Perform a safe, professional full-body aromatherapy treatment
  5. 05Produce compliant client records and appropriate aftercare guidance
05

Assessment

  • Portfolio of twelve documented treatments
  • Observed practical assessment with external client
  • Written examination and reflective case essay
06

Entry Requirements

  • Open access with a genuine interest in holistic practice
  • A willingness to complete supervised practice hours
07

Progression and Careers

  • Complementary therapy practitioner
  • Wellbeing practitioner in spa or clinic settings
  • Aromatherapy product formulator

Next in this school

Reflexology, Including Supportive Wellbeing for Oncology Clients