Complementary & Wellbeing Therapies

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

Our VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies is an occupational qualification that provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as an employed and/or self-employed complementary therapist. Learners who complete this course are eligible to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which is the government backed voluntary regulator for the sector. CNHC registration is compulsory for all complementary therapists who work in the NHS.

All learners will be required to always wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whilst in the salons and clinic. Full uniform, to be purchased by learner. This includes tunic, trousers and flat enclosed shoes.

The following will be supplied by college:

  • Face Mask

  • Visor

  • Plastic Apron

  • Surgical Gloves

What you will study

This qualification includes aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, business principles, principles and practice of complementary therapies including health and safety and anatomy, physiology and pathology. Students will be supervised by staff and assessed on their competence both theoretically and practically.  They will also be assessed by a number of methods which include continuous assessment, practical competence, case studies, E-portfolio, external exams and essential skills portfolio.

Additional areas that will be covered include:

EDI, Welsh, Essential Skills in Digital Literacy and Employability.
Learners will have the opportunity to work within a busy commercial environment in order to develop their vocational skills and competence.

Additional Fees include: £30.00 Salon fee plus Kit and Uniform - TBC

Course fee per year

Salon Fees: £30.00

Entry requirements

A minimum of 3 GCSE's Grades A to D including English or Level 2 qualification or equivalent Entry is subject to interview. Please note: we will need to see your qualification results and certificates before you can enrol. 1 reference (if a school leaver or current student a course tutor reference is required)

Teaching and assessment

  • Continuous assessment including practical assessments and exams

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

HBCC3F80
L3

Qualification

Complementary Therapies
design
vtct

More...

What our students say

"l enjoy my course because it’s an actual real-life salon so there is real work experience and there are plenty of facilities here."

Beauty
Freya Rees
Former Level 2 and 3 Beauty student

Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

The industry generates almost £7.7billion for the UK Economy. NHF (2018).

Career opportunities as a complementary therapist exist in a variety of contexts, including beauty salons, spas, self-employed, cruise liners and care homes. Whilst this qualification’s primary purpose is to prepare learners for employment as a complementary therapist, learners may choose to continue on to our HND in Complementary Healthcare.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE