Core subjects

Please select from the following courses:

Please note that every accredited course requires qualifications in Anatomy and Physiology, Business and Professionalism, and First Aid (not necessarily prior to the course, but before a certificate can be awarded). All postgraduate CPD courses require a sound qualification from an accredited school for entry.

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Anatomy and Physiology

This course is a core unit for all courses and is IAM, IFPA and ITEC accredited. The in-house course is presented as a rolling programme, enabling the student to start at any point. Also available as a distance learning course.

• Day 1 Bones and Joints
• Day 2 Muscles and Movement
• Day 3 Circulation, Lymph and the Immune System
• Day 4 Nervous System and Hormonal System
• Day 5 Urinary System and Digestive System
• Day 6 The Skin and Respiratory System
• Day 7 Reproductive System, Structure, Growth and Aging

The days are taught one day a month at the Sandra Day School and are available at the Penny Price Academy by distance learning, or in 2 and 3-day blocks in-house. The in-house course is assessed by:

• Attendance of the course - 50 hours contact teaching
• Completion of assignments
• 1 hour written examination

The distance course is assessed by continuous assessment through essay and multiple-choice questions. The certificate will be either ITEC, or School/Academy certificate.

Anatomy and Physiology Exemptions
There are many recognised qualifications in anatomy and physiology studies that are accepted by the Academy. If you hold a qualification already, please ask about exemption from further study in this area.

First Aid

This is essential for students on accredited courses, and insurance is dependant upon it. The course is taught over 6 hours by a recognised training organisation and equips the student for emergency responses, risk assessment and how to deal with potential client health problems. A certificate is awarded after successful completion of a short multiple-choice test at the end of the day.

Business and Professionalism

An essential core unit teaching budgeting, legal aspects, marketing, advertising and business planning. The course is run either as part of the IFPA/IAM aromatherapy or as a separate ITEC 1-hour exam. A portfolio forms part of the assessment in either case.

Therapeutic Body Massage

Accredited by ITEC
Pre-requisite - Anatomy and Physiology certificate. Business and Professionalism will also need to be studied before the Massage Certificate is gained.

This course is a core unit for any further massage courses such as Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Lymph Drainage Massage or Advanced Massage. It is comprised of two units: Basic Massage Skills and Intermediate Massage Skills.

Unit 1: Basic Skills - 5 days

During this first module, students will learn client assessment, posture, practitioner skills, benefits of massage and practical massage skills. This module is compulsory for ITEC Aromatherapy.

Unit 2 Intermediate Massage - 3 days

The second module develops the massage skills to a clinical level to enable the student to offer massage for a variety of problem areas. Existing massage therapists can attend unit 2 only The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 1 and a half hour practical assessment
• 20 hours of case studies
• Continuous assessment

Associate Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy

Accredited by IFPA and IAM
Anatomy and Physiology needs to be acquired before Module 5

ADCA Module 1

Foundation level for all students

• Aromatherapy massage, its principles and benefits
• The properties and effects of 12 of the most popular essential oils
• Methods of extraction, storage and blending and the use of carrier oils
• History of aromatherapy and massage together with the philosophy of holistic healing
• Introduction to botany, plant cell function and photosynthesis

Attendance on the foundation module is enough for those who wish only to use essential oils safely at home, to help their family and to enhance their own life. 10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 2

ADCA Module 2

• Comprehensive appreciation of body analysis for assessment of clients
• Selecting and blending essential oils for a personal treatment plan
• Choosing appropriate oils, creams and lotions for the aromatherapy treatment of specific ailments and conditions
• Extended massage principles are demonstrated and practiced thoroughly
• Introduction to plant families and therapeutic and physical properties of essential oils and their pharmacological effects on the body
• Properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied
• Introduction to hydrolats
• Hygiene, health and safety and professional practice management

15 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 3.

ADCA Module 3

• Specific techniques in massage including foot reflex massage.
• Information on plant families and essential oils is expanded
• Organic chemistry and essential oil components awareness
• Toxicity, essential oil purity and safety
• 15 carrier oils are discussed in depth
• Allergy and substance sensitivity.
• The properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied.

10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 4.

ADCA Module 4

• Differences between plant medicine and orthodox medicine
• Comprehensive study of common ailments, including those arising from care for the elderly, pregnancy and paediatrics, depression, special needs and massage with cancer patients
• Olfaction and its psychosomatic effects
• The properties and effects of 12 essential oils are studied.
• Techniques of neck and shoulder massage and relaxation are included in this module.

5 case studies and written homework should be completed before Module 5.

ADCA Module 5

• Rudiments of business and management procedure are taught and cover some of the aspects of starting up and running a successful clinic including the client/therapist relationship.
• First Aid is included
• The exam is on the final day, both practical and theory. Successful students will be entitled to wear academic dress appropriate to this level and append the letters ADCA to their name.

The course is assessed by
• 2 and a half hour written examination
• 2 and a half hour practical assessment
• 100 hours of case studies
• Continuous assessment by homework and class work

ITEC Aromatherapy Certificate

Pre-requisite of Anatomy and Physiology certificate and Therapeutic Massage Unit 1.
The training programme then proceeds with ACDA Modules 1, 2 and 5. After completion of these modules and 20 full case studies, the ITEC examination can be taken.

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 2 hour practical assessment
• 20 case studies
• Continuous assessment

The Distance Learning Diploma in Aromatherapy

Accredited by the IAM - Anatomy and Physiology should be completed by the end of the course.
The Distance Learning Diploma in Aromatherapy consists of four modules designed for students who prefer to study in their own time. The learning is based on the course notes, background reading of aromatherapy texts and observation and performance of massage techniques shown on DVD. The student will need to complete each module and the required assessments successfully before proceeding to the next module. Advice is offered at every stage of the course enabling the student to produce a high standard of work. After completion of the DLDA it is possible to undertake further training to upgrade the qualification to the prestigious full membership of the IFPA.

IFPA conversion programmes

Accredited Prior Learning (APL) is available for all aspects of our aromatherapy programmes, where prior learning is assessed against the Academy syllabus. Please ask for an application form.

Reflexology Diploma

Accredited by ITEC
Pre-requisite - Anatomy and Physiology certificate

Reflexology is offered in three modules incorporating 8 days.
Module 1 (3 days) gives a solid foundation for techniques to be learned and anatomy of the foot and leg. The student will also learn assessment techniques and some basic pathology.
Module 2 (2 days) consolidates previous learning and expands practical techniques and knowledge.
Module 3 (3 days) incorporates hand reflexology, anatomy of the hand and arm and pathology. There is an in-house assessment on the last day.

Business and Professionalism and First Aid should be completed before the ITEC exam is taken.

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 1 hour practical assessment
• 40 case studies

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Diploma

Accredited by ITEC
Prerequisite - Anatomy and Physiology certificate and an approved body massage qualification

This advanced course is offered in two modules, each of 2 days duration and teaches various methods of lymphatic drainage massage movements, for relief of oedema, sinusitis, low immunity, stress and ME. It can also be used in conjunction with lymphoedema massage in a hospice/hospital environment.

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 1 hour practical exam
• 15 case studies

Hot Stone Massage Diploma

Accredited by ITEC
Prerequisites - Anatomy and Physiology certificate, an approved body massage qualification, Business and Professionalism

A two-module course, that teaches the history, principles and practice of stone therapy.
Module 1 (3 days) introduces hot and cold stones, meridian energy lines and the importance of auras, as well as the various gemstones and their healing properties.
Module 2 (2 days). Various place layouts of stones on the body for relief from common ailments such as aches and pains, stress and depression is demonstrated and practised using hot stones, cold stones, gem stones and crystals.

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 1 hour practical assessment
• 5 case studies

Indian Head Massage Diploma

Accredited by ITEC
Prerequisite - Anatomy and Physiology certificate and an approved body massage qualification This popular post-massage Diploma course is taught over 2-days for an in-house certificate and four days for the ITEC qualification. The course teaches a seated full head, neck and shoulder routine and discusses Ayurvedic principles of healing. Meridians and auras are introduced on the ITEC syllabus.

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• 1 hour practical assessment
• 5 case studies

The student will need to gain a qualification in business practice.

Baby Massage Diploma

Accredited by IAM
Pre-requisites - Anatomy and Physiology and an approved body massage qualification

This course is taught in two modules, each of 2 days. The course covers:

• Safety and contra-indications
• Ethics and practice
• Full assessment techniques
• Full baby massage
• Teaching skills to enable mothers to fully understand how to complete the procedure themselves

The course is assessed by:

• 1 hour written examination
• Massage and teaching techniques
• 5 case studies

Hopi Ear Candle Therapy

Hopi ear candles were used by the native American-Indians to cleanse and harmonise many problems relating to the ear and head area. The course is 1-day in duration and is assessed on the day.

Reiki levels 1 and 2

This is a wonderful therapy to incorporate into your existing practices, as it is healing, comforting and beneficial for both recipient and giver. Places on the courses are limited, as Reiki requires individual attention to inner tuning and calm. Taught in a down-to-earth manner, the modules are well spaced, allowing the student time to develop the skills necessary for the art. Reiki Master is taught on a one-to-one basis after both previous levels have been successfully learned.

Jikiden Reiki Workshops

Jikiden Reiki is based on the authentic energy healing practice that has proven itself effective for treating minor problems to chronic illness, both physical and psychological. The Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan was founded by Tadao Yamaguchi who has been practicing Reiki for over forty years. Jikiden Reiki relies more on the sensitivity of the practitioner than a methodical approach and uses techniques that can be missing from Western Reiki. The Shoden level (similar to Western Reiki level 1) will receive attunements and be able to give Reiki treatments for physical conditions. The Okuden level enables distance healing. Certificates are from Japan.