Course summary

The programme is designed to enable students to graduate as highly skilled, professionally accredited therapists who are able to apply their critical appreciation of the evidence base to the development of complementary healthcare provision and research. The strong emphasis on clinical work based learning opportunities, entrepreneurship, employability skills and higher education core skills prepares students for progression to study at Level 6, self-employment or employment in a clinical healthcare setting whilst also laying the foundations for life-long learning and continuing professional development. The HND will focus on progressing students’ therapy skills and allow them to gain two Professional qualifications, in holistic massage (MTI) and clinical aromatherapy (IFPA). Students also develop their skills in clinical reflexology and by gaining the HND qualification, students are eligible for Association of Reflexologists (AoR) membership. Students will undertake a well-balanced mix of theory and practice delivered via a range of teaching methods across the programme including lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, supervised clinics, group tasks and presentations. The programme helps to prepare students for employment in a number of different areas such as; complementary healthcare clinics, private practice as self-employed practitioners, the NHS and management of the complementary therapy provision at hospices or in the community. Students who successfully complete the HND programme can progress onto Year 3 of the BSc(Hons) in Complementary Healthcare with Practitioner Status at Cardiff Metropolitan University.