IFA Level 5 Diploma in Aromatherapy

Learn to blend and apply essential oils for therapeutic use with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) awarded Level 5 Diploma in Aromatherapy. This 9 month course is perfect for aspiring aromatherapists.

Course Overview

Are you fascinated by the healing properties of essential oils?
Do you dream of using aromatherapy to support health and well-being?
Are you looking for expert guidance in a course that dives deep into both theory and practice? If so, this is the perfect course for you!

Gain the Skills & Confidence to Practice Professionally

Our advanced aromatherapy program is designed to give you everything you need to become a confident, knowledgeable, and skilled practitioner. You’ll learn how to create custom essential oil blends, perform therapeutic treatments, and tailor each session to meet individual client needs. With a strong foundation in both the science and art of aromatherapy, you’ll be ready to make a real impact in people’s lives.

Why Choose This Course?

  • Expert Instruction – Learn from experienced professionals who bring the latest industry insights into the classroom.
  • Professional Recognition – Upon completion, you’ll be fully qualified and able to obtain professional insurance.
  • In-Depth Curriculum – This Level 5 course provides a richer and more comprehensive education than lower-level programs.
  • Personalised Learning Experience – Small class sizes ensure individual attention and hands-on support.
  • A Supportive Community – Join a welcoming group of like-minded students who encourage and inspire one another.
  • Practical Training – Develop your ability to deliver aromatherapy treatments that are customised for each client’s well-being.
  • Convenient London Location – Our training venue is easily accessible by public transport.
  • Sustainable Career Development – Learn techniques to maintain good posture and movement, ensuring longevity in your practice.

Start Your Journey Today
Turn your passion for aromatherapy into a rewarding and meaningful career. Take the first step toward becoming a certified practitioner and making a difference in people’s lives.

Attendance Type
Blended Learning
Qualification
Level 5
Duration
9 month course

Accredited by

Course Fees

Deposit
£295.00
Cost
£2249.00
Exam Fee
£215

The course fees include the following:

  • Comprehensive course notes exclusive to SNT
  • All equipment and oils for classroom based practical sessions*
  • Botany trip to Kew Gardens
  • Visit to Lavender Farm (optional)
  • Access to discounted essential oils, carrier oils and hydrolats for home study from our unique supplier
  • Advice, guidance and student discount on purchasing massage equipment from our unique supplier
  • Ongoing guidance and support for in -class and home study
  • A relaxed and friendly learning environment

*Students will need to purchase essential oils, carrier oils etc for home and case study work.

Exam Fees - please note that fees can vary, depending on any existing and relevant qualifications or recognised prior learning (RPL) which may be taken into consideration.

Please call us to discuss and clarify if you are not a complete beginner.

Spreading the cost of the full course fee.

Course balance owed (minus deposit of £295) is £1954.00, plus exam fees and IFA membership - £215.00
To spread this cost there are 9 instalments of £251.90 on the first of each month for 9 months - this includes a 5% admin fee on the balance of the course fees only.
(Exam fees are also included but do not attract a 5% fee)

Spread The Cost

This course can be paid in full or in instalments. A 20% deposit is required upon enrolment, followed by 9 monthly payments. Please note that a 5% administration fee applies to instalment plans. View full terms and conditions.

Entry Requirements

This course is open to complete beginners as well as candidates who already possess relevant and acceptable UK qualifications in any of the following:

  • Diploma in Massage (Level 3 or above)
  • Certificate/Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (Level 3 or above)
  • Those who have studied Reflexology (Level 3)
  • Those who have completed our access course (see below)

Please note: All existing qualifications must be UK regulated and achieved within the last 4 years. 

Beginners without previous massage experience, or knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) must also need to study these subject areas with us – this can be achieved by joining our Access Course alongside the aromatherapy unit.

Please see below, or call us to discuss if you are at all unsure or wish to discuss options with us.

Access Course

If you would like to enrol on our IFA Level 5 Diploma in Aromatherapy but you do not have any previous qualifications in massage, you must first complete the Access Course.

Course Structure

This highly sought after Level 5 qualification consists of the following components:

Explore the properties and therapeutic benefits of over 65 essential oils

Master the art of aromatherapy massage by using therapeutic touch and application of blended essential oils and carrier oils.

Learn various ways to safely and effectively apply essential oils

Understand how essential oils are extracted and produced

Understand the chemistry and botany behind essential oils and how they work in the body.

Create unique, synergistic blends tailored to individual client needs

Learn best practices for storing, using, and knowing when essential oils should be avoided

Discover the therapeutic properties of fixed oils, hydrolats, and other carriers

Develop skills in assessing client needs, designing treatments, and offering aftercare advice

Work with real clients to build confidence and refine your techniques

Learn about pathologies affecting the body’s systems and how aromatherapy can support well-being

Explore the principles, history, and philosophy behind essential oils.

Train your sense of smell to identify and appreciate aromatic notes.

Safely adapt treatments for expectant mothers, knowing when and how to use essential oils

Understand ethical sourcing and the environmental impact of essential oils

Create natural skincare items like creams and lip balms for personal use

Explore the connection between essential oils and the energetic body

Experience a guided exploration of the world’s most renowned botanical collection

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 will consist of, 6 clients receiving 6 individual treatments (totalling 36 treatments) + 24 individual treatments of applying aroma therapeutic formulations or other methods of application.

For example, 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.

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 databases 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.

Assessment

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 (learners will also perform a massage sequence, an interview and a review of coursework)
  • Before entering the IFA examinations, students must have completed all the compulsory coursework assignments (see course structure) and must have successfully passed the internal mock examinations set by their tutor.
  • A minimum of 80% attendance record is also required.

*Those with an existing A&P qualification (regulated and approved) will be exempt from taking the A&P exam.

Course Dates

September 2026 Intake

Date & Time Location
Saturday 19 September 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 20 September 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 24 October 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 25 October 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 21 November 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 22 November 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 12 December 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 13 December 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 09 January 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Sunday 10 January 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 20 February 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 21 February 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 13 March 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 14 March 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 10 April 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Kew Gardens Visit
Sunday 11 April 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 08 May 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 09 May 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Saturday 12 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Exam Day: Friday 18 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 26 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM
Lavender Farm Visit
Lesson 1

Saturday 19 September 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 2

Sunday 20 September 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 3

Saturday 24 October 2026
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 4

Sunday 25 October 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 5

Saturday 21 November 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 6

Sunday 22 November 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 7

Saturday 12 December 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 8

Sunday 13 December 2026
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 9

Saturday 09 January 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 10

Sunday 10 January 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 11

Saturday 20 February 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 12

Sunday 21 February 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 13

Saturday 13 March 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 14

Sunday 14 March 2027
09:30 AM – 17:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 15

Saturday 10 April 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Kew Gardens Visit

Lesson 16

Sunday 11 April 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 17

Saturday 08 May 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 18

Sunday 09 May 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

Lesson 19

Saturday 12 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Exam Day

Friday 18 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Unit 57, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

Lesson 20

Saturday 26 June 2027
08:30 AM – 16:30 PM

Location: Lavender Farm Visit

Group Booking

Managing a spa, salon, or wellness group and need tailored training for your team? For bespoke course options and pricing, explore our training for teams.

Opportunities

  • The Government Department of Health and The General Medical Council advise doctors to refer patients to practitioners on PSA Accredited Registers. IFA PSA practitioners are recognised for employment with the NHS and are referred to on their website, providing our registrants with excellent career prospects.
  • It is free for employers to post jobs with the IFA, which they circulate to registrants as and when they are received.
  • The IFA provide registrants with a sample CV and cover letter, credential descriptions, promotional literature, plus sample GP introduction letters to introduce yourself to your local GP and communities.
  • The IFA is recommended by the UK National Careers Office as the body of choice that assists aromatherapists throughout their career.

Tutors

Melanie Dean, CPD and Short Courses Tutor

Melanie Dean

Aromatherapy and CPD Courses Tutor

Latest Reviews

Google Icon 4.8
★★★★★
(180 Reviews)

Read our verified course reviews, submitted by real students, and explore all our testimonials on Google Reviews.

Sarah T. Graduate
The course was life-changing! I not only gained professional skills but also found ways to incorporate essential oils into my daily life for better sleep and stress relief.
David L. Therapist
I loved the hands-on approach and the support from the instructors. Aromatherapy has transformed how I care for my clients and myself
Debra P. Graduate
Thank you so very much! I am absolutely thrilled! It's been such a journey and one I have cherished.
Ruth A. Graduate
I really can't thank you enough. This course has given me so much joy and healing. I am so privileged to be able to share my learning with others and help them to overcome ailments. My journey is now about to begin and it is a very exciting one for sure!

FAQs

Yes, please bring your own towels to class. Massage tables, covers, couch roll, bolsters and oils will be provided for classroom use
Uniform is not required. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Please ensure you wear appropriate underwear and ensure that your fingernails are short and rounded with no nail varnish. For the internal assessment practical exam we ask students to wear classic clinic style trousers and top.
No, we suggest you wait until the individual essential oils have been introduced during the course and then invest in your own oils as you learn about them. This way you can practice at home with them after we have studied the individual therapeutic properties.
Should you have any allergies which may compromise you using certain essential oils and carrier oils please al alert us to this at the beginning of the course in order that we can ensure a safe working environment for you.
If you are on any medication please let your tutor know prior to the start of the course
Once you have enroled on the course we will supply you with a suggested reading list.
You will undoubtedly need your own couch for practice at home and for case study treatments. We will be able to advise you before you purchase one and we have an exclusive deal with a well-respected massage couch supplier, who is able to offer discounts and very good deals for students. We will provide couches during class time of course.
Students cannot leave belongings at the venue as there is very limited storage available.
Not necessarily – please see the appropriate section on this course page under ‘Entry Requirements’
All our classes are open to all sexes – we will endeavour to accommodate religious restrictions or personal preferences, but we cannot guarantee this, depending on course numbers.

If you have any questions about this course, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Next Steps

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Need more information?

IFA Level 5 Diploma in Aromatherapy
  Blended Learning
  Kew Gardens Visit
  Accredited Qualification

Our Venue

Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL