Diploma in

Complementary

therapies

Three Modules | Three Qualifications | One Comprehensive Pathway 

Diploma in

Complementary

Therapies

High value course driven by passion – not profit

Excel in your Career with the highest level and only qualification of its kind in the UK.
We are the UK’s only private training provider, that has been granted the status of offering university credit rated clinical reflexology, Swedish massage therapy and Diploma in Complementary Therapy qualifications.
Your qualification certificate proudly displays both the University of West Scotland and The Complementary Therapy School’s logo.

 

NHS or hospice Placement

 

Enjoy unique experience with a course placement within the NHS or hospice.
Training with a multi award winning therapy school allows you to stand out as a practitioner.
With it’s advanced training, it enhances your opportunity to retain clients.
The part time fee grant, via the Scottish Government, is available for eligible students in Scotland.

 

Tutor support 5 days per week

 

Courses are delivered on a part time basis.

In year one and at your choice, you would either follow the dates of the Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Reflexology or Practitioner Diploma in Swedish Massage Therapy.

Our courses have been offered in Scotland for 19 years and 8 years in England.
We love our community of therapists from all over the UK and from other countries too.

 

Please click on the box for 10 reasons why our students choose us 🙂

Multi Award Winning

Meet your Tutors

Your Tutor - Melanie bell

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guildford and London

Melanie founded The Complementary Therapy School in 2006 and has pioneered university approved therapy courses in the UK, which are the only one of their kind. From being in the health and fitness industry for the previous 33 years Melanie loves to share her experience and skills with others. Melanie studied biomedical science at university with the intention of becoming a GP and returned to her true calling of complementary therapies. Living and breathing wellness, being a multi award winning tutor, Melanie delivers the course from a well rounded approach to holistic health.

Your Tutor - Gillian Wilkinson

Edinburgh

Former nurse, Gillian Wilkinson brings conventional experience to the holistic training. Passionate about the complementary approach, Gillian runs her own clinical reflexology clinic. Gillian’s enthusiasm for reflexology shows in the classes.

Your Tutor - Denise Kelly

Edinburgh and Glasgow

This is Denise, Swedish Massage Therapy tutor for Edinburgh and Glasgow and our Clinical Sports Massage tutor. From being the resident sports therapist for Riverdance when they have shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow, to giving sports massage to footballers, rugby players, runners and even knitters, Denise has varied experience.  Denise is a passionate Swedish and Sports Massage therapist and tutor and loves sharing her experience with others.

Your Tutor - Pamela Robertson

Glasgow

Pam studied Swedish Massage Therapy and Clinical reflexology with us many years ago. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience, you can be assured of an informative learning experience in a friendly environment.

Your Tutor - Gillian Frost

Aberdeen and Dundee

Gillian started her therapy journey by studying with us 11 years ago and has went from strength to strength. Gillian is an engaging tutor who brings real world experience to the teaching days. Treating clients from babies to adults, Gillian enjoys sharing her experience with you. 

Course Content

Please click or press on the read more section of the boxes below for further information.

10 Reasons Why you will Thrive as a Therapist

Number 1

University Credit Rated Qualifications 

Earn a qualification that goes beyond industry standards. Our Clinical Reflexology, Swedish Massage Therapy Diplomas and the Diploma in Complementary Therapies are credit rated by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), a mark of excellence. Our Diploma in Complementary Therapy graduates have used these credits to fast-track into degrees, including direct entry into year three of an integrative healthcare degree. 

 

 

Number 2

Exclusive NHS & Hospice Placements 

Gain real-world experience through our one-of-a-kind placements: 

  • NHS Placement at University College Hospital London (UCLH) with mentorship, NHS training, and a professional reference. 
  • St Columba’s Hospice Care, Edinburgh, hands-on experience with full support from hospice professionals. 

Both placements are optional, but provide powerful, CV-boosting experience. 

 

 

Number 3

Learn from a Multi Award-Winning Tutor 

Study under Melanie, an award-winning therapist with over three decades of experience. Her expertise spans massage therapy, clinical reflexology and fitness training. She has worked with elite athletes, appeared on national media and is passionate about bringing integrative healthcare to life in the classroom. 

 

 

Number 4

Government-Funded Support 

Scottish students can apply for tuition support via the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant, affirming our programs credibility. 

 

 

Number 5

Recognised by Leading Associations 

Upon receipt of your qualification, you can join professional bodies such as: 

  • Association of Reflexologists 
  • Federation of Holistic Therapists 
  • Complementary Therapists Association
    You will also be eligible to register with CNHC, the UK’s voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare. 

 

 

Number 6

Stand Out with High-Level Qualifications 

We are the only private provider in the UK offering university credit rated Clinical Reflexology and Swedish Massage Therapy qualifications at the highest level. The level is SCQF Level 8/ EQF Level 5. 

 

 

Number 7

Passion Over Profit 

We have held our course prices steady for years, because we believe in accessibility and impact. The CTS has also raised thousands for charitable causes, reflecting our values in action. 

 

 

Number 8

Build a Rewarding Career in Integrated Therapies 

Whether you are starting out or adding to existing qualifications, this diploma can open doors in complementary and integrative healthcare. The academic credibility of our university approved course sets you apart to employers, including the NHS. 

 

 

Number 9

Comprehensive, Real-World Curriculum 

From advanced techniques in massage and reflexology to mindfulness, counselling skills, business setup, and understanding pathology, your curriculum prepares you for real success. You will learn to personalise treatments and support clients holistically. 

 

 

Number 10

Ongoing, Personalised Support 

Get free, direct access to tuition support five days a week, even after you graduate. We are here to support you throughout your career in the world of complementary therapies. 

 

 

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Contact us today!

 

 

 

Modules

Diploma in Complementary Therapies

 

Three Modules | Three Qualifications | One Comprehensive Pathway 

Modules Covered: 

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
  • Clinical Reflexology
  • Swedish Massage Therapy

Earn Three Recognised Qualifications

By completing all three modules, you will graduate with: 

  • Clinical Reflexology
  • Swedish Massage Therapy
  • Diploma in Complementary Therapies

Your certificate proudly bears the Complementary Therapy School and University of the West of Scotland logos. demonstrating both academic and professional credibility. 

 

 

Course Duration: Part-Time Over 2 Years 

This flexible programme is designed to be studied part-time over two years. 

  • Year One:
  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (mandatory)
  • Plus: Choose either Clinical Reflexology or Swedish Massage Therapy 
  • You will follow the dates and structure of your chosen therapy module. 
  • Year Two:
  • Complete the remaining therapy module (Reflexology or Massage) 

For detailed content and dates, please refer to the Reflexology and Swedish Massage Therapy pages. 

 

 

Assessment Approach 

  • Continuous Assessment: No final written theory exams. The physiology element is assessed by two essays and feeds into your clinical practice. 
  • Practical Assessments: Conducted at the end of each therapy module 
  • Case Studies: Completed throughout the course to support real-world learning and prepare you for clinical practice 

Our supportive and practical approach ensures you develop into a confident, skilled, and fully qualified complementary therapist. 

 

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic requirements to apply. We welcome students from all backgrounds and assess each applicant individually, focusing on your motivation and suitability for working in a caring profession.

 

Bridging Course

If you already hold a recognised qualification in anatomy and physiology or another relevant therapy discipline, you may be eligible to join via our bridging course. Your prior learning must include sufficient anatomy and physiology content at the appropriate level. Contact us to confirm if your qualification meets the criteria.

 

Support During Illness

If illness or personal circumstances affect your ability to attend, we offer flexible learning. You will have the option to rejoin the course the following year at no extra cost. Missed days can also be made up at one of our other venues.

Course Fees

Part Time Fee Grant for students resident in Scotland

We are approved by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This means eligible students can apply for a non-repayable Part-Time Fee Grant, significantly reducing tuition costs.

Main Eligibility Criteria: 

  • You must be resident in Scotland
  • Have a personal income of £25,000 or less
  • (Your partner’s income is not taken into account)

    The amount awarded is based on the number of credits you study.

    Course Fee Overview 

    All fees include: 

     

    • Tuition
    • Reflexology Training Videos
    • Swedish Massage Videos
    • Reflexology Hand & Foot Chart
    • Comprehensive Handouts
    • Assessment Fees
    • Optional: Tuition support 5 days per week from Melanie

     

     

    ——————————————————————————————————————————————————

    If you receive the part time fee grant (Scottish residents)

    With the Part Time Fee Grant

    It will cost £1825 if paying in full

    If paying by instalments

    It will cost £1885 if paying by instalments.

    ——————————————————————————————————————————————————

    Without the grant – If you are not eligible for the grant.

    Course fee without the grant

    It will cost £3030 if paying in full 

    If paying by instalments

    It will cost £3090 if paying in instalments.

    The deposit is £250 if paying by instalments.

    ——————————————————————————————————————————————————

     

     

     

    Additional Costs 

    These items are not included in the tuition fee: 

    • 3 recommended textbooks
    • Massage couch or Lafuma chair
    • Supplies: Dream Cream, grapeseed oil, wax
    • Optional: Student membership with a professional therapy association

    Note: We provide treatment couches for all training days at our London venue for your convenience.

     

    Invest in Your Future 

    If you’re seeking exceptional training, the most respected qualifications in the UK, and lifelong support from leading professionals, this is the course for you.

    In year one and at your choice you would either follow the dates of the Clinical Reflexology or the Swedish Massage course.

    If you would like to apply for the Practitioner

    Diploma in Complementary Therapies

    Please find the application form below

    Application Form - Practitioner Diploma in Complementary Therapies

    Please select the venue you wish to attend

    The Complementary Therapy Schools Data Privacy Policy must be read before submitting an application. This can be found below the application form.

    The Complementary Therapy Schools Data Privacy Policy

    YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)

    GDPR is bringing in new legal protection for personal information from May 2018.

    This tells you what personal information I gather via my website, and why, and what your rights are.

     

    The Complementary Therapy School

    Address: Barry Business Centre, Main Street, Barry, Scotland, DD7 7RP.

    Telephone No: 07961118183

    Email address: melanie@thects.co.uk

    Data Controller Contact Details: Melanie Bell – melanie@thects.co.uk

     

    Purpose of processing Client Data

    We hold and use client data in order to provide you with the best possible learning experience, support and advice.

    We take information via our application form to allow us to make a decision on your suitability for the course. We also ask limited health information to ensure we can offer you the best learning experience.

     

    Lawful Basis for holding and using case study Information

    As a full member of the Association of Reflexologists, I abide by the AoR Code of Practice and Ethics. The lawful basis under which I hold and use your information is my legitimate interests i.e.my requirement to retain the information in order to provide you with the most appropriate training, follow up support, and advice

    When you submit case studies as part of our therapy training course, the client cannot be identified. i.e. you cannot put on the consultation form the client’s name and contact details.

    You are required to get signed privacy statements from any person you keep records on, including case studies. You will be required to submit a copy of this privacy statement along with any case study submitted to your tutor. A copy of this must be produced to the tutor during one of the teaching days.

    As we may hold special category data (i.e. health related information) about you, the Additional Condition under which I hold and use this information is for us to fulfil our role as a Complementary Therapy trainer.

     

    What information I hold and what I do with it

    In order to give professional learning opportunities and follow up support to students the following information will be held:

    • Your contact details

    • Application forms

    • Case studies submitted

    • Course assignments

    • Copies of certificates issued and records of students’ progress. I will NOT share your information with anyone else (other than with:

    • An internal verifier

    • An external verifier

    • The Awarding body

    • Students Awards Agency for Scotland

    • The Association of Reflexologists (if required for quality verification purposes), or as required for legal process, or on your request to confirm that you have completed my course satisfactorily) without explaining why it is necessary, and getting your explicit consent.

    Occasionally, we take pictures of our students in class and share these pictures on social media and other forms of advertising. If you do not want to take part in these pictures, you can opt out of these pictures at any time. It is not compulsory to take part in the pictures.

    ID will be requested from you in person as a means of identification only. It will not be stored and the tutor will view your ID in class.

     

    I may contact you using the contact preferences you give me in relation to

    • Providing you with additional supporting material for the course

    • Other information relevant to the course

    • Reflexology information or information related to health

    • Future training events, special offers and promotions (you may unsubscribe from this at any time)

    Your data will not be transferred outside the EU without your consent.

    Your personal contact details may be shared with the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) on completion of your course. The AoR may contact you to ask you to provide them with feedback on the course. This is part of the criteria for AoR CPD approval.

    The AoR will only keep your information for 6 months and will only contact you in regards to feedback.

     

    How Long I Retain Your Information for

    I will keep your personal information for 3 Years.

     

    Protecting Your Personal Data

    I am committed to ensuring that your personal data is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, I have put in place appropriate technical, physical and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect from you.

     

    Your Rights

    GDPR gives you the following rights:

    • The right to be informed: To know how your information will be held and used (this notice).

    • The right of access: To see your tutor’s records of your personal information, so you know what is held about you and can verify it.

    • The right to rectification: To tell your tutor to make changes to your personal information if it is incorrect or incomplete.

    • The right to erasure (also called “the right to be forgotten”): For you to request your tutor to erase any information they hold about you

    • The right to restrict processing of personal data: You have the right to request limits on how your tutor uses your personal information

    • The right to data portability: under certain circumstances you can request a copy of personal information held electronically so you can reuse it in other systems.

    • The right to object: To be able to tell your tutor you don’t want them to use certain parts of your information, or only to use it for certain purposes.

    • Rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling.

    • The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office: To be able to complain to the ICO if you feel your details are not correct, if they are not being used in a way that you have given permission for, or if they are being stored when they don’t have to be.

    Full details of your rights can be found at https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/individual-rights/.

    If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please use the contact details given above.

    If you are dissatisfied with the response you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office; their contact details are at: www.ico.org.uk

    (Please note the above Privacy Policy must be read and consented to before submitting an Application)