Therapy

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in complementary therapies or complementary healthcare. These include units on aromatherapy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies
• Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complimentary Therapist

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could do a wellbeing and holistic therapist advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 20 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could register with an accredited organisation, like the:International Federation of Aromatherapists; Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council; Federation of Holistic Therapists

Further information

You can find out more about working in aromatherapy from the International Federation of Aromatherapists.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience as a self-employed aromatherapist, you could set up your business at home or at other premises or visit clients in their homes.

With further training, you could offer additional treatments to increase your income, like reflexology or massage.