Course Prospectus and Syllabus
We are proud to announce that our course Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage & Perinatal Well-Being has been granted accreditation by the Federation of Antenatal Educators (FEDANT) Course Number 739284/617, a widely recognised and respected accrediting body in the education sector. This accreditation affirms the high quality and standards of our program as meeting the stringent standards set forth by FEDANT.
This certification qualifies you to confidently and safely integrate specialist aromatherapy and massage into your practice from the second trimester through to 12 weeks postpartum. By focusing in this vital window of the perinatal journey, you will master evidence-based, high-impact techniques tailored to the precise physiological and emotional needs of expectant and new parents when they need it most.
Pre-requisites
Over 18 years old
See our Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policy HERE.
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
300 Hours (comprising online theory, live practical weekdays, and independent case studies). This course runs over 10-12 months. The theory is self-paced and must be completed before you book onto the Practical Swedish Massage.
Who is this course for?
- Birth Professionals: Midwives, Doulas, Antenatal educators, Pregnancy Yoga teachers and Breastfeeding/Lactation Consultants looking to add powerful physical therapies to their existing support services.
Spring Cohort 2027
Live Zoom Dates
- Monday 9th November 7.30pm until 9.30pm Welcome to the Course and Q&A
- Friday 5th March 9.30pm until 4.30pm Aromatherapy Blending Session
- Thursday 11th March 7.30pm until 9.30pm Pre in person Course Q&A
Practical In-Person Swedish Massage Course – Venue BCMB Bristol
- Monday 15th March – Friday 19th March 2027
- Monday 22nd March and Exam Day Tuesday 23rd March
To book your place on the above courses click HERE
Summer London Cohort – Venue: The Sanctuary, Anerley Works. 183A Anerley Road. London. SE20 8EF
- Welcome to the Course and Q&A – TBA
- Aromatherapy Blending Session – TBA
- Pre in-person Course Q&A – TBA
Practical In-Person Swedish Massage Course – Venue The Sancturary London
- Monday 10th May 2027 – Friday 14th May 2027
- Monday 17th May and Exam Day Tuesday 18th May 2027
Price for the London course is £1350, £400 for the first payment then the balance of £475 for the following two payments.
Only six places left, to book your place on the above course
click HERE
Autumn Cohort 2027
Live Zoom Dates
- Monday 11th October 7.30pm until 9.30pm Welcome to the Course and Q&A
- Monday 18th October 9.30pm until 4.30pm Aromatherapy Blending Session
- Monday 25th October 7.30pm until 9.30pm Pre in-person Course Q&A
Practical In-Person Swedish Massage Course – Venue BCMB Bristol
- Monday 1st November – Friday 5th November 2027
- Monday 8th November and Exam Day Tuesday 9th November 2027 March
Autumn Cohort course booking will be open from April 2027, to be added to the waiting list please contact me at info@wendyproctor.org.uk
If you would like a course in your area, please get in touch to arrange this.
Course Delivery and Structure
This program uses a blended learning model designed to fit around professional and personal commitments:
Syllabus – Comprehensive Modular Breakdown
Module 1: Conception to Birth
An overview of how the body adapts during pregnancy, the trimesters of pregnancy, and postpartum.
Module 2: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Bodyworkers
Focuses on the structural foundation of the human body and how touch impacts systemic physiology.
- Anatomical Planes and Sections
- Twelve Systems of the Human Body includes pathology and common ailments of Pregnancy and Postpartum. On-going formative multiple choice questions, achieving 80% before proceeding to the next moduleCardiovascular
- Digestion
- Endocrine
- Fascia
- Immune
- Integumentary
- Lymphatic
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Respiratory
- Skeletal
- Urinary
Module 4: Chemistry of Fixed and Essential Oils
- Pure Chemicals and Mixtures
- Fixed Oil Chemistry
- Oxygenated Organic Compounds
- Fatty Acids
- 10 Fixed Oil Profiles
- Chemistry of Essential Oils
- Distillation Processes
- Oxygenated Organic Compounds
- 25 Essential Oil Profiles
Module 5: Carrier Oils
- History of Massage
- Cold Pressed
- List of 10 Carrier Oils plus profiles
- Benefits of Massage with Fixed Oils
- Choosing the Right Oil
- Skin at a Molecular Layer
- Absorption Rate of Carrier Oils
Module 6: Essential Oils
- History of Aromatherapy
- Gas Chromatography
- Botanical Names
- Plant Families
- Essential Oils vs. Absolutes
- List of 25 Essential Oils Profiles
Module 7: Blending
- Blending
- Therapeutic Properties
- Evaporation Rates
Module 8: How Aromatherapy and Massage Affect the Body’s Core Systems
- Muscular
- Circulatory
- Lymphatic
- Endocrine
Module 9: Massage Room, Swedish Massage Sequence & Techniques
- Ergonomics & Practitioner Biomechanics
- Equipment
- Swedish Massage Techniques
- Massage Sequence
- Balance Yourself
- Pre-massage Assessment
Module 10: Setting Up and Business as a Sole Trader
- Writing a Business Plan/ Proposal
- Services and Pricing
- Marketing Strategy
- Operational Plan
- Financial Projections
- Risk Assessment
- Insurance
- HMRC Registration
- Health and Safety
- Ethics in Massage Therapy in the UK
- Product Labelling
- Client Management
Assessment & Diploma Criteria
To ensure clinical excellence and meet professional standards, students must successfully complete three assessment pillars:
- Theory Formative Assessments (30% of total grade)
All above Modules include formative multiple choice questions which need 80% to pass. - Practical Assessment (40% of total grade)
- Live Clinical Exam (90 Minutes):
- Perform a full client consultation and physical postural assessment.
- Defend an interactive, live essential oil blend formulation based on a hidden client brief.
- Demonstrate flawless execution of Swedish techniques, ergonomic therapist biomechanics, and a complete side-lying pregnancy setup using specialised bolstering.
- Live Clinical Exam (90 Minutes):
- Case Studies & Portfolio (30% of total grade)
- Completion of 60 documented treatment hours outside of class.
- Must include at least 3 case studies tracked across 4 consecutive treatments each (showing progressive treatment planning, symptom relief, and tracking changes in tissue presentation).
- One-third of the case studies should involve non-pregnant/non-postpartum individuals, one-third during pregnancy, and one-third within six weeks postpartum.
Required Books
- Human Biology Books:
- Parker, S. and Winston, R.M.L. (2007). The Human Body book. New York: DK Pub. (Comes with a DVD)
- Boyle, M. and Senior, K. (2008). Human Biology. 3rd ed. London: Collins Educational
- Massage Books:
- Cassar, M. (2004). Handbook of massage therapy: a complete guide for students and practitioners. London: Churchill Livingstone
- Osborne, C., Kolakowski, M. and Lobenstine, D. (2021). Pre- and perinatal massage therapy : a comprehensive guide to prenatal, labor and post-partum practice. Pencaitland: Handspring Publishing.
- Aromatherapy Books:
- Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy. Brisbane: International Centre Of Holysitc Aromatherapy
- Rhind, J. (2016). Aromatherapeutic blending : essential oils in synergy. London ; Philadelphia: Singing Dragon
- Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2013). Essential Oil Safety. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
FAQs
Is this course fully accredited, and by which professional bodies?
Yes this course is accredited by FEDANT and National Relative Sector Award (NRSA).
Will I be able to get professional indemnity insurance after completing this course?
Yes, the course is accredited, and therefore you will be able to get insurance to practice privately.
Does this course allow me to legally practice as a sole trader or open my own clinic?
Yes the curriculum covers the legalities of setting up a business, local licensing laws, and health and safety regulations.
How deeply does the course cover essential oil chemistry?
An indepth module on the chemistry of both fixed and esential oils and oil distillation, you will study chemical functional groups (like alcohols, esters, and phenols) and terpene profiles to safely blend for specific physiological issues.
What specific massage modalities and sequences are taught?
They want a breakdown of the techniques. It covers the foundational strokes of Swedish massage, and branchs into specialised areas of pregnancy massage?
Are Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology (APP) included?
Yes a deep understanding of the human body is essential and is covered in the course and includes pathology of pregnancy and postpartum.
How do I learn and get feedback on my physical hand mechanics and posture?
This is covered and assessed during the practical in-person training days.
Do you use visual aids or interactive tech to teach anatomy and techniques?
I use a Learning Management System platform to teach the theory and integrate videos where necessary.
Are the essential oils and massage supplies included in the tuition fee?
No you will be expected to supply your own essential oils and equipment and details of supplier is available during the course.
What does the assessment process look like? Is there an exam?
Yes there are multiple choice questions thoughout the theory of the course on the LMS and an exam day of the practical massage course.
How many case studies am I required to complete to graduate?
60 case studies are required to complete the course.
What kind of tutor support is available if I get stuck on a module?
Email access is available and live Q&A sessions are scheduled in before the in-person training days.
Does the course include modules on business setup, marketing, and client retention?
Yes in the final module.
