HND in Complementary Healthcare (with Practitioner Status)

L5 Level 5
Full Time
10 September 2025 — 19 May 2027
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

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.

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

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. You will study the following modules;

Year 1:

· Human anatomy & physiology

· Holistic massage 1

· Holistic massage Advanced 2

· Reflexology 1

· Introductory Key Skills

· Inter-personal Education

· Communication & listening skills

Year 2:

· Psychology of Wellbeing and Health

· Clinical reflexology 2

· Research methods

· Clinical aromatherapy 1

· Clinical aromatherapy 2

· Professional and clinical practice

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.

As part of the course, you are required to attend a placement and complete 100 placement hours. The placements include City Hospice, Cardiff and University Hospital Wales, Haematology Wards. Here students will gain valuable experience and insight in to treated Patients with life limiting illness.

Learners will be required to receive 10 treatments from a qualified practitioner and obtain Professional Liability Insurance at their own cost. Professional Liability Insurance will cost approximately £40 per year. This qualification is credit awarded and moderated through Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £7,500.00

Entry requirements

A level three qualification. Additionally applicants should have five GCSE passes at C grade or above. A successful interview demonstrating commitment to study and academic potential may also be required.

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

10 September 2025

End date

19 May 2027

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

16 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

HBHE5F02
L5

Qualification

HND in Complementary Healthcare (with Practitioner Status)
met

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What our students say

Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

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

Successful candidates have the opportunity to progress onto the third year of the BSc (Hons) Complementary Healthcare Top-up Year within the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE