Massage Course Bath

Classes are taught in a relaxed environment using talks, lectures, visuals, and detailed practical demonstrations. Students work closely with the tutor learning not only the techniques but also how to protect themselves from the strain and stress while carrying out body therapy. You will learn the classic techniques of massage – effleurage; petrissage and the percussions including hacking, cupping, beating, pounding, tapotement.  You will also learn frictions and vibrations and deeper massage techniques using forearms and elbows. An important part of training with the college is to trust and develop your intuition and blend massage techniques to suit each individual. Click here for the full VTCT/ITEC syllabus and sample papers.

You will be learning four units:

iUCT34 – Business practice for complementary therapies*

iUCT21 – Principles and practice of complementary therapies*

iUCT24 – Provide body massage for complementary therapies

iUCT38 – Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology for complementary therapies

*Please note: Unit iUCT34 –  The Business practice for complementary therapies and Unit iUCT21 –  Principles and practice of complementary therapies will be taught by guided online learning.

Many people can benefit from some form of massage. Years ago it was only available for the wealthy and seen as a luxury treatment only but these days it is quite readily available, due to all the positive health benefits that can be gained from receiving massage.

Most gyms, clinics, hospitals and even some offices have massage facilities on offer.  At many service stations on the motorways, there is often a massage chair available for a small charge to revitalise you for your onward journey.

Some massages are purely for relaxation, which can have a calming effect and help with the stresses and strains of everyday life, which obviously helps with general well-being.  But massage in general can be used for a variety of other health benefits such as back pain and headaches, including migraines, sports injuries etc and it can help with sleep problems too.

It is often used in conjunction with conventional Western medicine and is frequently used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.

And apart from the numerous health benefits in times of pain or general malaise, it can also be seen to help improve and boost the immune system.  Read more here…

It is important for therapists to understand how the body functions and heals itself. This is a fascinating subject to study. You will learn about the cell, skin, skeletal, muscular, vascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. Students learn through classroom-based tuition and active participation. Regular home study is carefully designed to prepare our students for their examinations.  We find that classroom-based tuition is the easiest and most effective way to learn Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology effectively. You will also learn about professional conduct, ethics, client management, setting up a business, and contraindications. Please follow this link to the VTCT/ITEC syllabus.

Check out all the 5* Google reviews on our Bath Massage College here.

“I have recently finished the ITEC massage course with the college of classical massage in Bath. After spending lots of time researching to find the right course, I was so pleased after the first weekend of training to know that I’d made the right decision. i can’t believe how much my confidence has grown throughout the course and the variety of techniques and skills that we’ve learned. Michael’s wealth of knowledge and years of experience really shines through and I felt well supported and guided throughout the course. Michael creates a professional yet relaxed and calm space for learning that is inclusive & nurturing for various learning styles. After finishing I now feel ready, confident and well equipped to offer unique, bespoke and effective massage treatments due to the variety of skills we learned.”  Lucy Reetoraz, Bath

“This is such a fantastic course. The learning of the anatomy & physiology is perfectly balanced with the hands-on, practical massage tuition. Michael is extremely knowledgeable and explains everything so clearly, always ensuring that when working practically you are taking care of your own body too, with correct stance and posture. You will find that your fellow students soon become friends and are a constant source of support. I worked full time during the whole of this diploma course, yet even when I was at college for the whole of Saturday and Sunday before returning to work on Monday, I felt like I’d been having such a good time I’d had a proper weekend. It helps that for some of that time, you’re getting a great massage! By the time you finish this course, you will be able to work confidently as a massage therapist.”  Beth Dabbs

‘I enrolled in the College of Classical Massage’s ITEC Diploma in Massage course after receiving the best massage of my life from a therapist who studied there.  The course did not disappoint, from the location to convenient class times, to Michael’s excellent knowledge and obvious passion for massage.  After completing the course I felt confident and motivated to make the career change and become a part-time massage therapist.

I cannot recommend this course highly enough for anyone looking for a fun, informative and friendly Diploma in massage therapy… not to mention all the free massages you get during the course!’ Anna, Brighton.

“The College of Classical Massage is like a home from home, a place full of warmth and togetherness. A wonderful antidote for those looking for something a little more than a stale college classroom for their learning environment.   I’m going to miss my regular weekly full body massage when the course finishes in a few weeks time. Through the miracle of mitosis one tutor becomes two when the lovely Anna arrives in the afternoon. Anna did the course with Michael many moons ago so knows what you’re going through. Both Michael and Anna are never far away if you need some advice during the massage and they are always there to offer a good dose of encouragement when it feels most needed. So if you’re thinking of taking this course. All the best to you. I can’t think of a better place to learn massage in the Sussex area. ”  Simon Thorn

“The training with the College of Classical Massage is excellent and I found it very professional and thorough within a relaxed and calming environment. My friends were amazed at how much I learnt and the different techniques that I was using in such a short space of time. The training was invaluable and the tutors inspiring and it has definitely set the foundation for my career in massage, thank you.”  Jade Maloney

“I had been wanting to attend a Massage course for years and it turned out i waited for the right one! Michael and Elaine have together whole heartedly and passionately dedicated them selves to providing an amazing learning experience. Well structured, thorough with a perfect balance of practical and theory based classes. Michael is highly knowledgeable, skilled and provides a safe, fun and energised learning environment. Having qualified with merit I left the course feeling very prepared to take my newly acquired skill out into the community. Highly recommended!” Nathan Synge

“Studying for the ITEC Diploma in Massage at the College of Classical Massage in Brighton was a thoroughly enjoyable and positive experience. Michael has created a relaxed, fun and nurturing learning environment and provides all the encouragement and support needed on what is an intensive but rewarding course. Michael and the other college tutors are all extremely knowledgeable and taught far more than was needed to prepare for the exam, giving me confidence in my practice from day one. I would highly recommend the College of Classical Massage!” Joanna Lines

“The ITEC Diploma in Massage was something that I really wanted to do as I’ve always been interested in massage and the holistic side of things. For such an intensive course, we covered topics on the anatomy and physiology and the practical emphasis of giving a treatment to a client. There is a lot to learn when studying, it tests your ability to absorb information quickly and finding the time to be a therapist in training, with other commitments on the go. The knowledge I’ve gained and the confidence as a therapist is immense. It is a transferable skill that I can use abroad or within the UK.  Michael’s enthusiasm for body massage really came across. It is a stepping stone to further my career and to be amongst others who share a similar passion.  Thank you Michael.”  Isobel Street

“Since joining the ITEC Diploma in Massage class at the beginning of this year, I have been astounded how much I have learned about the human body and systems and energy fields in relation to massage therapy, and all thanks to Michael and Anna (his assistant) who are both experts in their field.  Every single lesson I found to be both enjoyable and instructive.  I recommend Michael and Anna highly as massage therapy tutors.”  Kim Duke

“I qualified as a Holistic Massage Therapist in 2012 following the intensive ITEC Diploma course run by Michael Gibbons. From day one the course was relaxed and informal but with a very professional approach to the learning required. The course is broken into both practical and theory with ample opportunity to be “hands-on” at the start of the course. Michael had the patience of a saint with us all, as we sometimes took a while to grasp what was required of us but he always maintained a great sense of humour! As a result of Michael and the College, I was able to achieve what I believed at the beginning would be the impossible, and am now the proud owner of my own massage business, The Therapy Room. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone.”    Rachel Gosling

“Although very intensive, the ITEC level 3 course in holistic massage was well prepared and thorough, allowing me to start feeling quite confident after only a couple weekends of practice. Michael’s easy-going approach to teaching and his extensive experience, allowed us to learn more than the course requirements in a friendly, family-like atmosphere. As well as practicing a vast number of techniques, we learned the appropriate postures and methods to prevent injury to ourselves. Michael focused our learning on making the techniques our own to each create an individual and unique style of massage. Michael is also full of knowledge and advice about starting up a massage business, which has been invaluable to me as a complete business beginner.” Naomi Pauling

Next course starts October 2025:

October 25th/26th

November 22nd/23rd

December 13th/14th

2026: January 24th/25th

February 21st/22nd

March 21st/22nd

April 25th/26th

Current course dates:

Your VTCT/ITEC examination fee of £150 is payable 6 weeks before the exam date.

If you would like to book a place on this course please complete or download a booking form.

Payment can be made by bank transfer, cash or PayPal.*

To pay by bank transfer, please contact us for bank details.

To pay by cash, please contact us to arrange a convenient time.

There is also an option to pay over 6 equal monthly instalments – please contact us for further details.  This does incur an administrative surcharge of £50.

*Paypal:  please note if paying by PayPal there is a 3.5% surcharge (excluding the registration fee).

These fees include

• massage therapy tuition;
• anatomy, physiology, and pathology classroom-based tuition;
• a copy of our high-quality instructional massage DVD/download
• online professional conduct and business awareness tuition
• online principles and practice of complementary therapies
• a complimentary college polo shirt
• massage course materials and complimentary refreshments also provided. 

You will need to purchase the course textbook: “Anatomy and Physiology for Therapists and Healthcare Professionals” by Ruth Hull et al, for approximately £16. During the course, you will also need to purchase a massage couch.  You will be advised on this during the teaching sessions.  They vary in price starting from approximately £60 upwards to £500 and more.  You will be shown a variety of couches to help your decision.

Ofqual is the regulator of qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. The RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for units (small steps of learning) and enables learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.

The RQF has four main aims: 1. To ensure a wider range of achievements can be recognised within a more inclusive qualifications framework 2. To establish a qualifications system that is more responsive to individual and employer needs 3. To establish a simpler qualifications framework that is easier for all users to understand 4. To reduce the burden of bureaucracy in the accreditation and assessment of qualifications.

Qualifications that use the RQF rules are made up of units. This provides flexible ways to get a qualification. Each unit has a credit value which tells you how many credits are awarded when a unit is completed. The credit value also gives an indication of how long it will normally take you to prepare for a unit or qualification. One credit will usually take you 10 hours of learning. Units build up to qualifications.

There are three different types of qualification in the RQF: Award, Certificate and Diploma. The title of a qualification will tell you its size and level. If a qualification includes a unit that you have already been awarded, you can use the unit you have already taken towards that qualification. Units awarded by different awarding organisations can be combined to build up qualifications.

This course is accredited by VTCT/ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council – www.itecworld.co.uk).  Practitioners can also join IPTI (Independent Professional Therapists International -www.iptiuk.com); FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists); BCMA (British Complementary Medicine Association – www.bcma.co.uk) and CThA (Complementary Therapy Association) on graduation.

No previous experience is necessary to attend this course.  It is recommended that candidates should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A* – C prior to commencing the VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage, however, exemptions may be made for adult returners with experience in the workplace.

If you don’t already have one, you will need to undertake an Emergency First aid course before the end of the training period.  The recommended one is the one day workshop (approximately 6 hours) which gives you a certificate valid for 3 years.

You will need to bring 2 large bath towels all other equipment is provided. You should bring soft shoes/slippers or can work in bare feet. You should be of reasonably good health and not suffering from any current medical conditions which would hinder your ability to give and receive a treatment.  Please let us know if you have any medical conditions you feel we should be aware of.

During the course, you will need to do homeworks for the Anatomy , physiology and pathology.  You will also need to undertake 36 case studies at home.  You will need a massage couch for this – we will give advice on purchasing.

New Oriel Hall, Brookleaze Buildings, Larkhall, BATH  BA1 6RA Link to map

ITEC Diploma in Massage – Student Contract 2024

Please note: We are unable to offer any refunds due to Covid disruption, outside of our normal terms and conditions of our contract. Please view our cancellation policy before booking your course.

Aims of the College

To provide a friendly and secure environment where students can learn the art of classical massage techniques with the support and guidance of experienced tutors.

Session format

Classes will involve lectures, demonstration and students working in pairs under close supervision.  Please arrive promptly.

*Please note: Unit iUCT34 –  The Business practice for complementary therapies and Unit iUCT21 –  Principles and practice of complementary therapies will be taught by guided online learning.

Uniform – students should wear navy blue/grey/white or black joggers/bottoms and tunic/polo shirt when doing practical work. Trainers may be worn within the college practical session.

We will be providing you with a complimentary College polo shirt once the course starts.

Please note for VTCT/ITEC exams you will need to adhere to the strict dress code for the practical exam which has some adaptions from what we recommend above.  You will be informed of this nearer the time.

All jewellery to be removed during massage sessions, long nails should be cut short.

What you need to bring/purchase

You will need to purchase the course text book: “Anatomy and Physiology for Therapists and Healthcare Professionals” by Ruth Hull et al, approximately £16. During the course, you will also need to purchase a massage couch.  You will be advised on this during the teaching sessions.  They vary in price starting from approximately £60 upwards to £500 and more.  You will be shown a variety of couches to help your decision.

Two extra large towels.  We recommend a dark colour, which doesn’t show oil marks too much.  You must bring your freshly laundered towels to each session.

A pen and notepad/ course text books should be brought to each session.

Course information

Absences – Students will be allowed to miss a maximum of two days course time.  Students will have to make efforts to catch up on any areas they have missed.  If you require extra tuition, this will be available at £50 per hour.

Students who are unable to complete the course due to illness, or any other circumstances, may, on the production of a doctor’s certificate, transfer onto the next available course   – however, this will be at the discretion of the college and a supplementary fee may be applicable.

Please note, if you choose to defer your place and a course is no longer taught at the College, you will not be eligible for any refund, and the college holds no responsibility for any financial losses.

All coursework and 36 case studies will have to be completed before you take the VTCT/ITEC exam.  If work is not completed under VTCT/ITEC regulations, you will not be able to be entered for the exam.  If students do not wish to take the exam, a certificate of attendance will be awarded, which will not qualify the holder for professional practice.  There is no reduction on course fees even if you do not wish to sit the exam.

College Conditions

All students should treat each other with due care and respect.  A member of staff will deal with any abusive, threatening or derogatory behaviour.  If the matter cannot be resolved, the student will be asked to leave the course.  In this circumstance, no refund will be available.

Students should respect all property and equipment.  Students found causing damage to property or equipment through negligence or intent, will be liable to costs.

Before the end of the course, you will need to complete a one day first aid course, for which you will need to provide evidence.  This is called an Emergency First Aid course and is valid for 3 years.

Course fees

The registration fee is non-refundable.  No refunds will be given on course fees from six weeks before the course commences.  Payments of fees should be made in full on the dates specified by the college on its website or given in writing.  Failure to do so will result in the student being removed from the course and action taken to recover the outstanding amount.

Examinations

Your ITEC/VTCT examination fee of £150 is payable 6 weeks before the exam date.  All coursework has to be completed before you take the exam no exceptions. The date for the exam will be organised with the VTCT/ITEC board.  Students will be informed of examination regulations and procedures.  Any student failing an exam, or unable to attend will be given the opportunity to resit the exam only if we are able to accommodate this with a later exam that is already booked or scheduled to be booked. Please note we normally have practical exams booked several times a year but transferring to another exam booking will incur a supplementary fee and is normally at the discretion of the college.

Appeals and Complaints

Should you wish to address an appeal or complaint to the college, please do so as soon as possible, and in the first instance to the course tutor.  Alternatively, please do so in writing/email.  We will try to respond to your request as quickly as we can within normal office hours.

Should you feel we have been unable to help you with your appeal or complaint you may contact VTCT/ITEC through the student page on their website www.itecworld.co.uk.

Equal Opportunities

The College of Classical Massage is an equal opportunity employer and education provider. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities, fairness of treatment, dignity, work-life balance and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace for all staff and students. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We have adopted this policy as a means of helping to achieve these aims.

By booking on to this course and sending your registration fee you agree to abide by our terms and conditions in this contract.

Please view our cancellation policy before booking your course.