All components of the course are mandatory unless you are eligible for exemption from the Anatomy and Physiology module, click here to download Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy.

The course is taught from the IFA Professional Essential Oils Therapy Diploma Syllabus, which has clear aims and learning outcomes for each unit contained within a module which incorporates the National Occupational Standards (NOS), Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and surpasses the Aromatherapy Core Curriculum requirements. The syllabus also provides sample examination questions at the end of each unit. Learners may purchase the syllabus in the IFA’s shop once they are registered and logged into the website as a student member.

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) provides a structure for all qualification levelling. This qualification is pitched at HE Level 5 and equates to 37 or more credits. The credit value represents the depth and breadth of the teaching and learning content and the time reasonably expected to be consumed in delivery, study, research, revision and completion of tasks and assignments. The qualification includes 4 modules:

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology     65 GLH     150 SSH     10 Credits

Essential Oils Therapy     182 GLH     230 SSH     23 Credits

Professional Practice     21 GLH     50 SSH     03 Credits

Business Studies     07 GLH     20 SSH     01 Credits

Duration
Minimum period of tuition 09 months (1 academic year)
Maximum period of tuition 24 months (2 academic years)

Learners must undertake the IFA external examinations within one (1) year of completing the course.

Delivery
All components of the qualification will be taught during training as prescribed in the prospectus. It is not a requirement by the IFA that the course be delivered in any particular order or in any particular way and each individual Centre may retain their own unique emphasis on certain subjects. The IFA respects that each principal tutor will follow their own methodology and will present subjects in an order that is relevant to the ability and needs of their learners, provided the stated number of guided learning hours and self-study hours is complied with.

The methods of teaching and the number of guided learning hours and self-study hours are stipulated to ensure learners are confident, caring, competent and enthusiastic about their profession. Please observe the following definitions:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH): include an estimate of the time allocated to contact hours with the tutor or other means of structured learning time i.e. directed assignments, skype, assessments or other means of supportive individual study and practice. For each contact teaching hour, 1 to 3 hours are added for self-study hours.

Self-Study Hours (SSH): includes the hours a learner independently studies which include revision, portfolio, research, web search, reflective practice, projects, case studies etc.
Please contact an IFA approved centre directly for terms times and schedules.

Distance Learning
The IFA syllabi involve both theoretical and practical elements. Distance Learning is appropriate for some theoretical modules (for example, Anatomy Physiology and Pathology, Business Studies, Research, Assignments) and certain elements of the practical modules (for example, providing demonstrations, presentation, seminars and lectures via Skype or Facetime, DVD or other similar digital communication mediums). Distance learning may be applied as an element of learning but this will not constitute more than 50% of the overall contact teaching and learning time allocated to the syllabus.

The Centre will use their discretion in terms of the appropriateness of and the elements of information they share via digital communication methods as per the syllabus guidelines and to reflect the needs of their learners.

Please contact an IFA approved centre directly for terms times and schedules.

Learners are required to demonstrate their understanding through formative and summative assessments in order to attain the IFA Professional Essential Oils Therapist Diploma qualification. Each learner is required to submit coursework at the end of each unit, which provide evidence of the learners progress and understanding. On completion of the course learners are required to illustrate their knowledge by undertaking the IFA external theoretical and practical examinations.

Compulsory Assignments

All compulsory assignments below are assessed and verified by your principal tutor before being presented to the IFA Quality Assurance Assessor at the practical examination, which will be externally graded. Learners will present their coursework in a portfolio. The portfolio will also include the learners own course notes, completed internal assessments and assignments set by their tutor to measure performance and any other evidence of other related training and qualifications.

Case Studies Assignment
Learners are required to complete case studies consisting of 60 individual treatments. The case studies must include evaluations and reflective practice. These may consist of, 6 clients receiving 6 individual treatments (36) and 24 individual treatments of applying aromatherapeutic formulations or other methods of application. Case studies provide evidence of the learner’s practical skills and ability to develop and adapt treatment plans and create appropriate remedies.

Business Studies Assignment
Learners are required to create a business plan project 2000 – 2500 words in length. Business projects provide evidence of the learner’s ability to appropriately research, prepare, cost and present a business plan. They demonstrate the learner’s understanding of what is required to set up a successful complementary therapy business and prepare the learner for setting up their own business.

Research Assignment
Learners are required to write a research paper 5000 words in length. Research papers provide evidence of the learner’s ability to audit the efficacy of clinical research trials and seek, review and evaluate information from a variety of sources (books, journals, electronic data bases etc.).

Reflective Practice Assignment
Learners are required to provide a reflective practice portfolio. Reflective practice portfolios provides evidence of the learner’s ability to evaluate their practice and process; awareness of the scope and limitations of their practice and the importance of attending to their own continuous professional development.

Compulsory External Examinations

In order to be awarded the IFA Professional Essential Oils Therapy Diploma qualification, learners must successfully complete the IFA external examinations. Before entering the IFA examinations the learner must have completed all the compulsory coursework components, as prescribed above, successfully passed the internal mock examinations set by your tutor and have a minimum of 80% attendance record.

There are 3 examinations for this qualification:

• • Essential Oils Therapy Examination Paper – 2 hours
  • Anatomy & Physiology Examination Paper – 1 hour (exemptions may apply)
  • Practical Assessment – 3 hours (includes sampling of 5 aromatherapeutic remedies, interview and review of coursework)

Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted for the Anatomy and Physiology examination only. Click here to download Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy.

An IFA Quality Assurance Assessor will visit the Centre to conduct and invigilate examinations. The Centre tutor will arrange assessment dates with the IFA Head Office who will confirm the date. Please refer to your tutor for all questions relating to examinations.

Below are some frequently asked questions that may assist you with your enquiry. Please click on the arrow to read the answers. If your question is not covered here please view the Learner Handbook which will answer the vast majority of questions you may have. If you require additional specific information please contact an IFA approved Centre directly.

Course Delivery

What if I cannot find an IFA approved provider in my area?
Unfortunately the IFA do not currently have approved Centres in all countries and regions. As this is a new qualification and therefore there is no equivalent on the market we are only able to recommend that for this specific course only, you contact an IFA approved Centre directly. for methods of delivery as it may be delivered partly via distance learning and therefore take less travel time to complete.

Can I complete the course via distance learning?
Distance Learning may be applied as an element of learning but this will not constitute more than 50% of the overall guided learning hours (see course structure). The IFA syllabus involve both theoretical and practical elements. Distance Learning is appropriate for some theoretical modules (for example, Anatomy Physiology and Pathology, Business Studies, Research, Assignments and certain elements of Professional Practice) and certain elements of the practical modules (for example, providing demonstrations, presentation, seminars and lectures via Skype or Facetime, DVD or other similar digital communication mediums). Each Centre will use their discretion in terms of the appropriateness of and the elements of information they share via digital communication methods. Please contact an IFA approved Centre directly for details of methods of delivery.

When does the course start?
Dates and term times are determined by the individual approved Centre, please contact an IFA approved Centre directly.

Exemption and Prior Learning

I have a qualification already – can my qualification be used for APL/RPL?
Please download the IFA’s Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy.

Can I be exempt from IFA examinations?
Please download the IFA’s Recognition of Prior Learning and Exemption Policy.

Examinations

When are examinations?
The IFA will allocate an Examiner (External Quality Assurer) to the Centre to conduct examinations. Your tutor will inform you of the dates for examinations, which will be arranged between your tutor and the IFA. The Centre will inform learners of the date and time of their examinations once the IFA have agreed and confirmed this in writing.

Where are examinations?
Typically examinations will take place at your Centre. Only in exceptional circumstances will the examination take place at a different location or if there is a high volume of exam candidates the IFA may stipulate a centralised location for theory examinations.

Learners may undertake the course in one country and be examined in another, if due to relocation for example. In this instance examinations can take place at another Centre’s venue the same time as the receiving Centre is holding examinations. Learners are responsible for ensuring there is an approved centre located in the area and country you require to take the examination and is feasible to travel to. Please note, however, the IFA cannot insist a Centre receives other Centre’s learners for examinations and it is not always practically possible so this is not guaranteed, however the IFA will do its utmost to assist learners.

See Transfer Policy for more details.

Can I sit the IFA examinations(s) without taking the IFA course?
All candidates entering an examination must apply through an IFA approved Centre and assessed before gaining entrance to an IFA examination. Please download the IFA’s Recognitionof Prior Learning and Exemption Policy.

Can I sit an IFA examination in a different country to the one I am taught in?
Please download Transfer Policy.

Fees

How much is the course?
Fees are set at the discretion of each approved Centre (not the IFA). Please contact an IFA approved Centre directly for costs and payment packages.

Can I pay over a matter of months?
Fees are set at the discretion of each approved Centre (not the IFA). Please contact an IFA approved Centre directly for costs and payment packages.

Qualification

Which countries is the IFA Qualification recognised in?
The IFA currently operates in more than 30 countries and the IFA qualifications are well known and recognised by employers for our high standards of training. However, therapists must contact the visa branch of the embassy of the country you wish to operate within, in order to establish the criteria required to work in your chosen country, as this differs from country to country.