Course Content
Certificate in Complementary Healthcare (With practitioner status) (CertHE):
All HE level 1 modules of the BSc (Hons) Complementary Healthcare programme are successfully completed for the award of the CertHE.
The CertHE provides foundation skills and knowledge by developing a range of massage skills and techniques to a professional standard (you will also be awarded a professional diploma by the Massage Training Institute) . Reflexology is introduced in the first year (a professional qualification for reflexology can be obtained by completing an additional course). The body work therapies are supported by biomedical learning in anatomy, physiology and nutrition. You will familiarise yourself with other types of complementary and alternative therapies and examine the importance of issues such as regulation and evidence-based medicine. Qualitative research methods will be introduced.
On successful completion of the CertHE you will be able to work as a professionally qualified massage practitioner and will have a basic knowledge of research methods.
Diploma in Complementary Healthcare (With practitioner status) (DipHE): All HE level 1 modules and HE level 2 modules of the BSc (Hons) Complementary Healthcare programme are successfully completed for the award of the DipHE.
In addition to completing all level 1 modules and acquiring the skills and knowledge described above for the CertHE, Diploma students will learn the skills of aromatherapy and complete training in reflexology both to a professional standard. The biomedical theme will continue by developing your understanding of patho-physiology and mechanisms of disease. You will further develop your communication and listening skills. You will also develop skills in quantitative research methods including the use of statistical software, and learn about the use of audit. The business module will enable you to develop your business skills.
On successful completion of the DipHE you will be able to work as a professionally qualified practitioner in massage therapy, reflexology and aromatherapy and will have a more advanced knowledge of research methods.
Both the CertHE and the DipHE can be credited towards obtaining the BSc (Hons) Complementary Healthcare (With practitioner status).
Employability & Careers
Successful completion of the CertHE enables Certificate holders to work as professionally qualified complementary practitioners in holistic massage with some basic knowledge of research methods.
Successful completion of the DipHE enables Diploma holders to work as professionally qualified complementary practitioners in massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy with further knowledge of research methods.
Students can also choose to progress to the final year of the
BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies degree.
Entry Requirements
Applicants wishing to enter the CertHE or the DipHE should have five GCSE passes incl. English, Maths* and Science plus one of the following:
- 280 points from at least 2 A Levels / Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades CC, one to be in a Biological Science
- QCF BTEC Extended Diploma 280 points within a Biological Science
- 280 points within the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers with 3 x B1 grades, one to be in Biology. Higher level subjects considered with a minimum grade C2.
- Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 within a Science subject with sufficient Biology content
- Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered along with 2 A levels or equivalent to include grades CC, one to be in a Biological Science
- Qualifications equivalent to the above
Or ’Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ If your qualification isn't listed above, please refer to the UCAS website. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.
For those applicants who do not meet the English Language requirement, we would require an IELTS score of 6.5.
*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, the ‘Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that will allow you to progress upon successful completion. For further information about the Foundation course, please click here.
Candidates with relevant work experience e.g. in health or social care but without the above qualifications are considered on an individual basis. Evidence of academic study in the past five years is normally required.
Entry onto the courses is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about Cardiff Met's criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.
Key Facts
UCAS Codes, course length, and accreditation:
Certificate in Complementary Healthcare (With practitioner status) (CertHE): B301; one year full-time (accredited by the Massage Training Institute).
Diploma in Complementary Healthcare (With practitioner status) (DipHE): B302 (accredited by the Massage Training Institute; the Association of Reflexologists; and the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists)
The CertHE and Dip HE are also available part-time contact the programme leader for further details.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally based on the receipt of a completed UCAS application and interview. Please note that deferred applications are not considered.
Additional Costs:
For information on additional costs relating to this programme please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/additionalcosts
Part-Time Study:
To make an application please visit our online Self Service system. Guidance on making an application can be found here.
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