The IFA Professional Aromatherapy Diploma course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the scientific application of essential oils and evidence-based practice. It provides the learner with a myriad of skills to apply clinical therapeutic treatments in health and social-care environments. Pitched at an advanced level and devised by industry experts, this specialist course is one, if not the most, comprehensive courses available in the market. It enables learners to work confidently with over 60 essential oils and 30 carrier oils, having a thorough understanding of the therapeutic properties of each oil, and extensive methods of application as well as massage. All of which can be tailored to individual clients when applying prescriptive aromatherapy.
The IFA's philosophy is that therapists should not only understand how to perform certain tasks, but also the reason for those tasks, and the principles behind them. This gives you excellent job prospects and the opportunity for career advancement.
Who is this qualification for?
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all learners, of all academic backgrounds and can provide a route of progression for those who already hold an aromatherapy or massage qualification.
What does the course cover?
This course will develop your interpersonal skills while expanding your knowledge of the scientific application of essential oils. The course will:
Enable learners to develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of aromatherapy and massage from a historical and philosophical perspective.
Enable learners to understand the human body, anatomical terms and the diseases and disorders that can affect the body to enable the learner to work with the public safely and effectively while remaining within the scope of their professional practice.
Enable learners to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of the art and science of 60 essential oils safely and in context; botany, extraction and production, chemistry, potential hazards and toxicity in a range of therapeutic treatments.
Enable learners to understand the sense of smell and the limbic system; odour characteristics and preferences; essential oils and psycho-emotional benefits and as an aid to cognition.
Enable learners to identify and evaluate the necessary skills to assess individual needs and the implementation of appropriate treatment based on evidence-based research.
Enable learners to create aromatherapeutic formulations for their clients; study of hydrolats and over 30 carrier/vegetable oils.
Enable learners to perform full body aromatherapy massage on clients using a variety of different techniques, and also gain an understanding of the various different styles of massage.
Enable learners to understand the art of the perfumer; essential oils odour classification, volatility and the notes systems, blending ratio and dosage.
Enable learners to utilise reflective practice and the use of personal and professional development within the boundaries of client management and understanding the therapeutic relationship.
Enable learners to recognise and critically appraise the importance of personal and professional development and the need for lifelong learning in a critical and systematic way.
Enable learners to identify the factors required to create a safe and appropriate working environment, and to develop an understanding of the ethics, limitations and business requirements of aromatherapy.
Enable learners to develop an awareness of current research into aromatherapy and associated products, methodology to carry out and write research, understanding the relationship and differences between traditional medicine and research based clinical studies.
Download Course Prospectus
What could this qualification lead to?
This qualification is designed to lead to employment in a variety of roles, either self-employed - in salons, clinics, spas, hotels or private practice or in the public sector in hospitals, hospices or care homes.
This qualification automatically entitles you to be eligible for IFA FULL membership with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and listing on the IFA Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited register (if working within the UK). For a full list of benefits click here.
Our Graduates
Graduates of our courses have gone on to carve out an array of successful businesses in the industry through a variety of creative outlets; from authoring books, research papers and other scientific publications to providing commentary for popular media. We have seen others go on to establish household brand names e.g. Aromatherapy Associates, be holders of beauty skincare awards, consultants for companies such as L’Oréal, been cited in Vogue and having celebrity clients. Others have become care leads in the NHS, received awards from Prince Charles and even an OBE. The possibilities are endless!
A recent survey showed that our registrants’ predominately run their own business or currently practice in the NHS, for example some work in oncology departments/ midwives/ ICU/ GP surgeries, the voluntary sector i.e hospices, hospitals - maternity wards/ special care units, residential care homes etc, as well as consultancy work.
It just goes to show if you study thoroughly and work hard, you too can achieve great things. Wherever you wish your career in aromatherapy to take you by choosing the IFA to qualify with you are setting the foundations for success.
Who supports this qualification?
This qualification was created and is regulated by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA).
On completion graduates are able to join the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited register, a UK body accountable to parliament (which is part of your IFA member benefits package) and eligible for membership with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) (if work within the UK). Applications must be made through the IFA as the verifying agent.
The IFA is referred to and named on the NHS website.
The IFA quality mark is recognised by city councils for licensing exemptions in London and surrounding boroughs and recognised by a selection of health care insurance providers.
The IFA is recommended by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Office (UCAS) and UK Government National Careers Office.
Completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained if you wish to transfer your skills to another subject e.g. nutrition. The course itself has been designed by the IFA to meet specific learners’ and employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications in the field.
Which countries is the IFA Qualification recognised in?
IFA trained aromatherapists currently operate in more than 45 countries and the IFA quality mark is broadly recognised by employers for delivering highly trained and dedicated professionals. Graduates must, however, contact the visa branch of the embassy of the country in which you intend to operate, in order to establish the criteria required to work in your chosen country, as this differs from country to country.
Structure
Structure
The course is delivered by our approved course providers taught from the IFA Professional Aromatherapy Diploma Syllabus. Devised by industry experts, it draws upon over 35 years of experience and expertise. Our early tutors and experts, who created and informed our curriculum and qualifying standards, having been taught by some of the most influential names within the field and pioneers of aromatherapy itself. Our syllabus is periodically reviewed to reflect the very latest developments, clinical evidence and scientific essential oil research.
The syllabus has clear aims and learning outcomes for each unit which incorporates the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at Level 5 against level descriptors, to indicate the depth of study, level of demand and complexity involved in successful completion by the learner. The course itself has been designed by the IFA to meet specific learners’ and employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications.
MODULE TITLE
GUIDED LEARNING HOURS (GLH)
SELF STUDY HOURS (SSH)
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
65
150
Aromatherapy
124
160
Massage Therapy
33
50
Professional Practice
21
50
Business Studies
07
20
*Guided Learning Hours (GLH): include an estimate of the time allocated to contact hours with the tutor, this could be in the classroom, via zoom or other means of structured learning time i.e., directed assignments, assessments or other means of supportive individual study and practice. For each contact teaching hour, 1 to 3 hours are added for self-study hours.
*Self-Study Hours (SSH): includes the hours a learner independently studies which include revision, portfolio, research, web search, reflective practice, projects, case studies etc.
Duration
Minimum period of tuition 09 months
Maximum period of tuition 24 months
Learners must undertake the IFA external examinations within one (1) year of completing the course.
Delivery
All components are mandatory unless you are eligible for exemption from the Anatomy and Physiology module (see below).
Please contact our Approved Providers directly for term times, as some schools may deliver the course in blocks or spread out over weekends etc.
The IFA do not require its approved course providers to deliver modules in any particular order, so learners should ask their chosen centre for their class schedule. The IFA respects that each principal tutor will follow their own methodology and will present subjects in an order that is relevant to the ability and needs of their learners, provided the stated number of guided learning hours and self-study hours is complied with.
The methods of teaching and number of guided learning hours and self-study hours are stipulated to ensure learners are caring, competent and confident about their profession. The course involves both theoretical and practical elements. Theoretical modules can be delivered remotely for example - providing demonstrations and lectures via zoom or other digital communication mediums. However, for the end point assessment, massage techniques and blending of essential oils this must be delivered in person. Approved providers will use their discretion in terms of the appropriateness of the elements they share via digital communication methods and to reflect the needs of their learners.
Exemptions
The only module of the course eligible for exemption in its entirety is the Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) module, as there is no 'like-for-like' on the market to compare the depth of the other modules. Exemption from this module means you will be exempt from undertaking not only the A&P module but also the IFA A&P exam. Download our Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy below for the criteria.
If you do already hold an aromatherapy qualification and are undertaking the course to extend your knowledge, we suggest you speak to the Approved provider tutor, provide your portfolio of prior knowledge and qualifications and you may be eligible for exemption from certain classes. The tutor may in this instance set you an internal assessment to ensure your knowledge is still current before permitting exemption from these classes and before entering you into the IFA externally invigilated examinations. However, ultimately you will still be required to undertake the IFA’s Aromatherapy Theory and Practical examinations to be IFA qualified.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy
Assessment
Assessment
Learners are required to demonstrate their understanding through formative and summative assessments in order to attain the IFA Professional Aromatherapy Diploma. Each learner is required to submit coursework at the end of each unit, which provide evidence of the learner's progress and understanding. On completion of the course learners are required to illustrate their knowledge by undertaking the IFA externally invigilated theoretical and practical examinations to become IFA qualified.
Compulsory Assignments
All compulsory assignments below are assessed and verified by your principal tutor before being presented to the IFA Quality Assurance Assessor at the practical examination, which will be externally graded. Learners will present their coursework in a portfolio. The portfolio will also include the learners own course notes, completed internal assessments and assignments set by their tutor to measure performance and any other evidence of other related training and qualifications.
Case Studies Assignment
Learners are required to complete case studies consisting of 60 individual treatments. The case studies must include evaluations and reflective practice. These may consist of, 6 clients receiving 6 individual treatments (36) and 24 individual treatments of applying aromatherapeutic formulations or other methods of application for example (NB. 9 of these case studies can be methods other than massage.) Case studies provide evidence of the learner’s practical skills and ability to develop and adapt treatment plans to the individual client needs and create appropriate remedies.
Business Studies Assignment
Learners are required to create a business plan project 2000 – 2500 words in length. Business projects provide evidence of the learner’s ability to appropriately research, prepare, cost and present a business plan. They demonstrate the learner’s understanding of what is required to set up a successful complementary therapy business and prepare the learner for setting up their own business.
Research Assignment
Learners are required to write a research paper 2,500 words in length. Research papers provide evidence of the learner’s ability to audit the efficacy of clinical research trials and seek, review and evaluate information from a variety of sources (books, journals, electronic data bases etc.).
Reflective Practice Assignment
Learners are required to provide a reflective practice portfolio. Reflective practice portfolios provide evidence of the learner’s ability to evaluate their practice and process; awareness of the scope and limitations of their practice and the importance of attending to their own continuous professional development.
Compulsory External Examinations
In order to be awarded the IFA Professional Aromatherapy Diploma qualification, learners must successfully complete the IFA external examinations. Before entering the IFA examinations the learner must have completed all the compulsory coursework components, as prescribed above, successfully passed the internal mock examinations set by your tutor and have a minimum of 80% attendance record.
There are 3 examinations for this qualification:
Aromatherapy Theory and Massage Examination Paper – 2 hours
Anatomy & Physiology Examination Paper – 1 hour
Practical Assessment - 3 hours (includes performing a massage sequence, interview and review of coursework)
External Quality Assessors (EQA's)
An IFA External Quality Assurance Assessor will conduct and invigilate examinations.
Examination Dates
Your tutor will arrange assessment dates with the IFA Head Office who will confirm the date in writing. The Centre will inform learners of the date and time of their examinations once the IFA have agreed and confirmed this in writing. Please refer to your tutor for all questions relating to examination dates.
Examination Venues
Examinations will typically take place at the Centre. Learners can also transfer to another IFA Approved Provider to undertake the exam provided the receiving centre can accomodate, please refer to the IFA's Transfer Policy.
Alternatively, the IFA also has the University online AI proctoring examination system in place for those who cannot travel to examinations and to ensure the integrity of the examination environment in maintained.
Approved Providers
Approved Providers:
The IFA is the awarding body and examining body of this courses and qualifications. The courses themselves are delivered by our Approved Providers. To discuss term times, methods of delivery, fees and payment plans, please contact our approved course providers directly below.
When you study through an IFA approved provider, you gain much more than a Diploma. We aim to make you excited about your career through the interesting content of our course curriculum and the passion with which it is delivered. Choosing an IFA approved provider gives you peace of mind. Our approved providers have undergone robust and rigorous external audits by the IFA to ensure defined criteria and quality is continually met. We monitor Centre’s performance and investigate complaints should any Centre fall below these standards.
All registered learners receive a student ID card from the IFA head office and can also gain discounts from a variety of suppliers to reduce the costs of overheads. Each learner has access to a learner handbook, which provides learners with helpful information and guidance to be refer to throughout their studies.
Academy of Holistic Studies
T: (+81) 05037088080
E: info@aromamystica.jp
W: www.aromamystica.jp
Language of Delivery: Japanese
浙江省宁波市江北区北环西路1116号 江北恒一广场写字楼705室曹逸秋
Room 705, Business Building, Hengyi Square
No.1116, Beihuan West Road
Ningbo
Jiangbei District
Zhejiang
315032
China
Teacher(s): Cao Yiqiu (MIFA 2809), Chen Libin (MIFA 12605), Don Yanling (MIFA 12231)
Sugarden International Aromatherapy
T: (+86) 18969113189
E: Zheng.tan@sugarden.com
W:
Language of Delivery: Mandarin
Chongqing Branch
庆市渝北区栖霞路融创金贸时代北区8栋502
Room 502, Building 8, Bei Qu
Rong Chuang Jin Mao Shi Dai
No 16th, Qi Xia Rd
Yubei District
Chongqing
China
401120
Teacher(s): Zheng Juan Juan (MIFA 90), Yang Jie MIFA 6805)
Guangdong Branch
广州市荔湾区周门北路38号协晟大厦309室
Room 309, Xiesheng Mansion
38 Zhoumen North Road
Liwan
Guangzhou
Guangdong
China
Teacher(s): Tang Lu (MIFA 8743)
* provides Professional Aromatherapy Diploma only
Zheijiang Branch
浙江省杭州市西湖区西溪路537号和静商业中心5号楼2单元102室
Room 102, Unit 2, Building No.5
Hejing Business Centre
No. 537 Xixi Road
Xihu District
Hangzhou
Zhejiang
Teacher(s): Feng Min (MIFA 12754), Yan Wenbo MIFA 13108),
Guangdong Branch
中国广东省深圳市罗湖南湖东门南路20
号太阳岛大厦22楼G室
Room G, 22/F, Sun Island Building
No. 2020 South Dongmen Road
Nanhu Street
LuoHu District
Shenzhen
Guangdong
China
*Only provides Aromatherapy Diploma
Teacher(s): Lu Ping (MIFA 15779)
Hong Kong
香港九龍長沙灣道833號長沙灣廣場2座5樓502室
Unit 502 5/F, Tower 2
Cheung Sha Wan Plaza
833 Cheung Sha Wan Road
Kowloon
Hong Kong
Teacher(s): Cheng Pui Wai (MIFA 15576), Fok Oi Lun (MIFA 9879), Ng Man Ki Steph (MIFA12904), Wing Tung Cheng, Tina (MIFA 6100)
Macau Branch
澳门南灣大馬路665 号 志豪大廈 23室
Flat 23, 665 Avenida da Praia Grande
EDF Great Will
Macau
Teacher(s): Choi Yuet Ling (MIFA 16375), Chow Lok Man (MIFA 17472), Fok Soi Teng Parris (MIFA 11823), Guo Wang Xing (MIFA 14482)
Pure Aroma Vocational Beauty Training
T: (+886) 7562155137
E: purearomaschool@163.com
W: www.purearoma.com.cn
Language of Delivery: Mandarin
中国浙江省杭州市余杭区星桥街星桥北路60号1号楼4楼409室
Room 409,4th Floor, Building 1,
No. 60 of North Xingqiao Road
Xingqiao Street
Yuhang District
Hangzhou City
Zhejiang Province
China
Teacher(s): Gong Yu Zhi (MIFA 2520)
Chengdu Natural Therapy Promotion
T: (+86) 13990237780
E: ziyunxiangyu@126.com
W: www.ziyunxiangyu.com
Language of Delivery: Mandarin
广州市天河区珠江新城华利路2号富力爱丁堡150
单元贤雅舍芳疗学苑
Room 1506, Edinburgh International Apartment
No. 2, Huali Road, Zhujiang New Town,
Tianhe District
Guangzhou
Guangdong
510620
China
Teacher(s): Ng Man Ki Steph (MIFA 12904), Shi Ying (MIFA 12284)
ICAA
T: (+82) 025088359
E: kyc64@hotmail.com
W: https://icaa.co.kr
Language of Delivery: Korean
40241台中市南區五權南一路61號
1F, No.61, Wuquan S. 1st Road
South District
Taichung City
40241
Taiwan
Teacher(s): Chu Shu-Hsin Enya (MIFA 647), Ou Yang Cheng (MIFA 2001)
Cannot find a provider near you?
If you cannot find a provider near you, we suggest the following:
Contact the listed course providers for methods of delivery
Contact an Associate School below – completion will entitle you to IFA Associate membership. You may at a later date attend an upgrade course, which will require less travel time to complete.
Check our page regularly as schools are currently undertaking the centre accreditation process
View our list of other qualifications providers curriculum we recognise for Associate membership. You may at a later date attend an upgrade course, which will require less travel time to complete.
Associate Course Providers:
EHPA Academy
T: (+60) 126008116
E: ehpa.academy@gmail.com
W: https://www.ehpaacademy.com/
Language of Delivery: English,Mandarin
20 Route de Douillac
87500 Saint Yrieix la Perche
Haute-Vienne
France
Teacher(s): Vera Guedes (MIFA 10871)
Careers
Aromatherapy as a Career
Being an aromatherapist is an immensely rewarding and flexible career, which will allow you to work in a multitude of environments and interact with a range of people.
Primary and Secondary Career Options
Aromatherapy is a dynamic profession and can be practised as a primary or secondary career, opening the door to a world of possibilities. As an aromatherapist, you could own your own business, create your own product range, consultancy, lecturing, train the next generation, or even go into publishing once you have the relevant experience. Alternatively, you could practice aromatherapy as a secondary career, around other commitments you may have, to provide you with an additional source of income.
Working in Different Environments
Aromatherapy can be practised from your home, in a rented space, in a salon, clinic, spa or you may choose to conduct your business as a mobile therapist. Unlike other professions, aromatherapists have a great deal of independence and allows you to dictate your own working hours. After graduation, many aromatherapists start their own private practices, with some also teaming up with other Complementary and Alternative (CAM) practitioners to offer clients a multi-disciplinary approach to their health. Working with others is also a way to lower the cost of renting clinic space. In addition, some therapists go on to qualify in more than one discipline opening themselves up to an additional client base. Aromatherapy is a versatile CAM medium and can be integrated into a range of healthcare disciplines like acupuncture, counselling, herbalism, pharmacy or nutrition, amongst others. This is of course as well as seeking employment in an already established practice and or within the NHS. Aromatherapy treatments are applicable for all ages, from pregnancy until old age. Essential oils can be administered to a whole host of clients under many different conditions, so if you like working with people and do not wish to be restricted to the confines of an office all day, aromatherapy may well be the profession for you.
Increasing Recognition and Popularity
The benefits associated with aromatherapy are being recognised by an increasing number of government agencies, General Medical Council (GMC), healthcare insurers and the cosmetic industry. Research supports the use of aromatherapy, from its use in palliative care, with multi-skeletal (MSK) conditions to assisting in the treatment of illnesses of psychosomatic origins. Aromatherapy is also used in hospitals and hospices as well as other mainstream healthcare services. Aromatherapy is gathering momentum in the media with organic-based products in high demand. This has given aromatherapy an even greater appeal and is leading to a surge of interest in aromatherapeutic formulations. As a result, aromatherapy-based formulations can now be found across a broad spectrum of products, from household cleaning products to everyday haircare and skincare.
A Rewarding Career
Aromatherapy is also a deeply satisfying career, providing both expected and unexpected opportunities for personal development. Aromatherapy administered via the medium of massage can bring instantaneous results and as it is a face-to face discipline, there is a large element of interpersonal interaction. At times it can be trying especially when you are faced with a client with complex problems, however it can be very gratifying to see the positive change it can make in people’s lives. As a discipline it is both mentally and emotionally challenging, which you do not find with many jobs.
Many people also train in aromatherapy to help a loved one with an illness or to improve their own health and self-care methods. Startling reports reveal the UK’s struggling healthcare system has given rise to a growing desire to move away from over-the-counter medicines. For example, it has been found that 26 million people in the UK regularly suffer from a back pain, with 90% of these sufferers relying on paracetamol to relieve pain. Emerging evidence shows that this drug may not only become ineffective, but may also cause harm when taken long-term. The growing culture of using complementary medicine and natural remedies as an alternative to synthetic drugs has led to a significant increase in demand for properly qualified aromatherapists.
Salary Expectations
Aromatherapists are usually self-employed, which allows them to choose their own hours. On average, they work on an hourly rate, earning between £45 to £75 per treatment (dependent on time and location). Most clients wish to have treatments that fit into their working day, so mid-day and evening appointments are common. Any overheads incurred will usually include the cost of hiring a treatment room, the essential oils, as well as the primary costs of a massage bed and towels etc. If you are mobile, it is usual to charge a fee for travel within so many miles. Therapists with a solid client base can earn between £25,000 - £45,000 per annum as a practitioner. Therapists who are just starting out may practice aromatherapy as a secondary career to supplement their income whilst building up their client base, until they are ready for full time practice. However, a good place to start is to contact local alternative medicine clinics and to start practising on friends and family to build up a referral network. Alternatively, new graduates may go simply straight into employment or working within an already established clinic.
Personal Attributes
As aromatherapists are working in a one-to-one situation, they should have the following personal attributes, in addition to the correct credentials and skills:
A desire to help others
A calm and patient manner
An ability to listen to others
Empathy towards others
A commitment to continual professional development
Thorough understanding of the scopes of their practice
Graduates of our courses have gone on to carve out an array of successful businesses in the industry through a variety of creative outlets; from authoring books, research papers and other scientific publications to providing commentary for popular media. We have seen others go on to establish household brand names e.g. Aromatherapy Associates, be holders of beauty skincare awards, consultants for companies such as L’Oréal, been cited in Vogue and having celebrity clients. Others have become care leads in the NHS, received awards from Prince Charles and even an OBE. The possibilities are endless!
It just goes to show if you study thoroughly and work hard, you too can achieve great things. Wherever you wish your career in aromatherapy to take you by choosing the IFA to qualify with you are setting the foundations for success.
Summary
Whether you are looking for an additional source of income, a new direction in life or want to start your own business in a caring and nurturing profession, aromatherapy is a great career option. Usually whilst undertaking training, therapists form an idea what direction they wish to take and the business module is designed to help you decide that. Importantly, our support does not end when you graduate, the IFA is also a professional body and is here for its graduates to stand up for your interests and support you throughout your career as you embark on your new journey.
