The IFA Professional Essentials Oils Therapy (PEOT) Diploma Course
with Margaret Pawlaczyk-Karlinski
Why Learn with Margaret
All of Margaret’s courses and workshops are delivered to the highest standards. An inspirational and collaborative educator, she consistently motivates and focuses her students, and her modern learning approach is exciting, interactive and practical.
At every level her courses are well-designed, informative and always relevant. Better still her low student-to-teacher ratio ensures individual attention and feedback are guaranteed. Ultimately students are given everything they need to confidently practice professionally.
The IFA Professional Essentials Oils Therapy Diploma (PEOT) Course
Guided Learning Hours: 275
Self Study Hours: 450
Modules: 4
Level: Equivalent to HE 5 – 6
Prerequisites: Apply
Age Restriction: 18 and above
Fees: Vary – set by approved Centres
Start Date: Vary – set by approved Centres
Location: Vary – at an approved Centre
Purpose
The IFA Professional Essentials Oils Therapy Diploma (PEOT) course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the clinical application of essential oils, and provides the learner with the skills to provide advanced therapeutic treatments within a clinical setting and the skills to create your own product line. Pitched at an advanced level and devised by industry experts, this comprehensive course is unsurpassed by others. It enables you to work confidently with 90 essential oils and 34 carrier oils and how to use scents for emotional and mental benefits, which help in the treatment of illnesses of psychosomatic origins. The aromatherapeutic module details natural ingredients and their uses, base products, ingredients to avoid and how to guide the therapist through making natural remedies in the clinic. Having a thorough understanding of the therapeutic properties of each specific oil, and their methods of application, enables the learner to tailor and formulate blends to individual clients when applying prescriptive aromatherapy.
The IFA’s philosophy is that therapists should understand not only how to perform certain tasks, but also the reason for those tasks, and the principles behind them. This gives you excellent job prospects and the opportunity for career advancement.
Who is this qualification for?
This course is aimed at natural product designers and those who want to incorporate essential oils into a variety of clinical contexts for a multi-discipline approach. The IFA Professional Essential Oils Therapy Diploma is suitable for those who hold a qualification in healthcare or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and will provide a route of progression for those who already hold an aromatherapy or massage qualification, wanting to expand their knowledge and applications of essential oils.
Prerequisite
Learners must hold a qualification in one of the following to be eligible to enrol on this course:
Accepted Prerequisite Qualifications
Acupuncture
Aesthetics
Aromatherapy (minimum level 3)
Biomedical
Chiropractic
Counselling
Herbalism
Homeopathy
Massage
Nutrition
Registered nurse
Osteopathy
Perfumery
Pharmacy
Psychotherapy
Physiotherapy
Psychology
Reiki
Reflexology
Please note this list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if your qualification is suitable please contact us.
What does the course cover?
This course will develop your product formulation skills while expanding your knowledge of essential oils therapy to an advanced level. The course is taught from the IFA syllabus which has clear aims and learning outcomes and incorporates the National Occupational Standards (NOS), Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and surpasses the Aromatherapy Core Curriculum requirements. The course will:
- Enable learners to develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of essential oils therapy from a historical and philosophical perspective.
- Enable learners to explore and develop an in depth understanding of the art and science of 90 essential oils safely and in context; botany, extraction and production, chemistry, potential hazards and toxicity in a range of therapeutic treatments.
- Enable learners to understand the sense of smell and the limbic system; odour characteristics and preferences; essential oils and psycho-emotional benefits and as an aid to cognition.
- Enable learners to identify and evaluate the necessary skills to assess individual needs and the implementation of appropriate treatment based on sound research-based evidence.
- Enable learners to formulate aromatherapeutic and natural remedies for the clinic; study of hydrolats and over 34 carrier/vegetable oils and natural raw ingredients suitable for the essential oil therapy practice.
- Enable learners to understand the art of the perfumer; essential oils odour classification, volatility and the notes systems, blending ratio and dosage.
- Enable learners to utilise reflective practice and the use of personal and professional development within the boundaries of client management and understanding a therapeutic relationship.
- Enable learners to recognise and critically appraise the importance of personal and professional development and the need for lifelong learning in a critical and systematic way.
- Enable learners to identify the factors required to create a safe and appropriate working environment, and to develop an understanding of the ethics, limitations and business requirements of the practice of essential oils therapy.
- Enable learners to develop an awareness of current research into aromatherapy and associated products, methodology to carry out and write research, understanding the relationship and differences between traditional medicine and research based clinical studies.
The IFA Professional Essential Oils Therapy Diploma Prospectus (download pdf)
What could this qualification lead to?
This internationally recognised qualification is designed to lead to employment in a variety of roles, product development and consultancy work, complementary therapy clinics, pharmacy, hospitals, hospices, special care units, private practice or alternatively to enhance the current services you provide for a multi-discipline approach.
This qualification automatically entitles you to apply for PEOT membership with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), the oldest and largest professional body for aromatherapists since 1985 and a listing on the register, for more benefits click here.
Whilst the primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for employment, learners may choose to develop their knowledge and skills further by completing additional specialist qualification in one or more of the following areas:
- IFA Professional Aromatherapy Diploma (which includes massage)
- IFA Aromacare Course
Who supports this qualification?
This qualification was created and is regulated by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and is recognised by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). On completion you can join the IFA PSA Accredited Register. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, is an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament and is referred to by the NHS.
The quality of our courses and training has meant that IFA qualified therapists are referred by recruitment agencies such as target jobs, the guardian newspaper, amongst a whole host of ailment specific charities and NHS hospitals. Graduates have gone on to become leading consultants for brands such as L’Oréal, cited in Vogue magazine and more.
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.
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.
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.