Our Level 3 Diploma is a unique, bespoke, professional qualification, which will give you solid foundations in holistic and therapeutic massage. We fundamentally believe that the key to being a successful massage therapist is ensuring that your initial training is not rushed,  allowing you to evolve and build your own unique foundations of strength, knowledge and skills.  Throughout the course we will support your personal growth and development as you explore the many facets of the holistic healing approach.

Whether you are looking to set up as a self-employed sole trader with your own business or as an employee at a clinic or salon, you’ll be qualified and prepared to head out into the world of massage therapy, in the UK or further afield.

We are proud to offer an internationally recognised qualification that is externally verified and accredited by Think Tree Education. This Level 3 Diploma is not only equivalent to the National Qualification Framework, but it is mapped against the Educational Standards Framework to give you assurance of quality of education delivered by teachers who hold qualifications in City & Guilds Teaching in Education.

Once completed, you will have the option to extend your learning by attending short Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in a range of holistic and therapeutic disciplines designed to further enhance your strong foundations.

What makes our Diploma different

Having taught Level 3 massage for over 15 years, we recognised that this standard qualification did not offer the depth of knowledge and skills that our students were capable of learning. With this in mind we developed the course content to provide a deeper level of knowledge and skills and tripled the number of hands-on massage practical learning days with our tutors, to reflect the quality and quantity of information and techniques.  This ensures our graduates hold a diploma that truly reflects their level of learning and competence.

Course Structure Objectives for your consideration.

1. The course is delivered though a modular approach which includes three terms face-to-face hands-on practical day sessions, totalling 15 contact days, this is dependent on the student’s ability. Should further time and support be required for an individual student’s needs, this may be arranged for an additional fee.
   
   
2. The theory element of the course will be is delivered through a blended learning approach, to include face to face, eLearning, assignments and examination.
   
   
3. To achieve the full Diploma qualification, students must complete and pass all 5 five modules, as detailed below:
   Module 1: Principles and Practice of Advanced Holistic Massage
   Module 2: Practical Massage
   Module 3: Anatomy, Physiology and Pathologies
   Module 4: Health, Safety and Hygiene
   Module 5: Business Awareness
   
   
4. Students will be assessed throughout the course through formative and summative techniques. This includes, but is not limited to: written feedback; one-to-one assessments; unit reviews; group reviews, assignments and examinations.
   
   
5. Students and tutors will undertake student assessment planning in both group and one-to-one meetings, to be recorded on the Student Assessment Form.
   
   
6. Students will be required to purchase the necessary equipment for the course by the first day of the second term. A list can be found under Resources Required.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate and share knowledge and understanding in order to apply the underpinning theory and practical techniques of professional Holistic and Therapeutic Massage.

Assessment Methods

Continual informal assessment – students will study each module in order, engaging with learning resources, (video content, downloadable documents and worksheets, recommended reading etc.). At the end, learners will complete a range of different assessment methods, with a series of final external theory and practical examinations.

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• Written Assignments
• Case Studies
• Exam Test

A Certificate of Achievement will be issued upon successful completion and achieving the required level of pass rate for modules and examinations.

TOMA – ThinkTree Accredited
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Holistic & Therapeutic Massage

Learning outcomes are created and formulated based on the stated aim (see above) these are descriptions of what a student should know, understand and/or be able to do at the end of a defined unit of learning unit. The Learning outcomes for this Diploma are:

• Principles and Practice of Holistic & Therapeutic Massage Therapy
• Knowledge and application of Anatomy, Physiology & Pathologies for Holistic Therapeutic Massage
• Knowledge and application of classical Massage techniques
• Business awareness and knowledge of legal requirements
• Health & Safety and Hygiene – client care
• Consultation Confidence – Practical skills: listening, questioning skills, reading body language, content and design of consultation form, aftercare, and homecare advice leaflets. Contraindications and contra-actions to massage therapy
• Build on therapists self care Therapists’ body mechanics – practical application to ensure longevity of career through minimisation of stress on the body.
• Holistic Approach – knowledge and skills to explain the impact of stress on the body and mind. Practical application of knowledge and techniques to aid stress reduction within practice.
• TOMA Essential Holistic Therapeutic Massage Full Body Routine encompassing classical massage techniques and additional TOMA Key therapeutic techniques

Duration:

8-12 months to allow for flexible learning time

Learning hours:

400 approx total learning hours to complete the course. This includes e-learning modules; in-person hands on training; case studies; home study/research; and massage practice.

Cost:

£2,775.00.  A deposit of £500.00 to secure your place followed by the option of paying the remainder by monthly direct debit over a maximum of 6 months.

Course Dates:

On-line modules are available from January 2025 following receipt of deposit and at least one monthly instalment, where applicable.  Practical hands-on training days will be taught over 3 terms:

2 blocks of 3 days in September 2025 – 6 days

2 blocks of 3 days in January 2026 – 6 days

3 days in March 2026, which includes final practical examination

Duration:

8-12 months to allow for flexible learning time

Learning hours:

400 approx total learning hours to complete the course. This includes e-learning modules; in-person hands on training; case studies; home study/research; and massage practice.

Cost:

£2,775.00.  A deposit of £500.00 to secure your place followed by the option of paying the remainder by monthly direct debit over a maximum of 12 months.

Course Dates:

On-line modules are available from March 2025 following receipt of full deposit.  Practical hands-on training days will be taught over 3 terms:

2 blocks of 3 days in September 2025 – 6 days

2 blocks of 3 days in January 2026 – 6 days

3 days in March 2026, which includes final practical examination