Massage courses in Plymouth
Learn massage from scratch, or add specialist skills such as pregnancy, lymphatic drainage and hot stone massage, with all practical training in Estover, Plymouth.
About our courses: Plymouth Holistic Training is a satellite centre of Holistic Therapies Training Academy Ltd (HTTA). The courses are written by HTTA and you study the theory online through their student portal, with all your practical training with us in our training rooms at Plymouth Wellbeing Centre, Lynher House, Estover, Plymouth. When you are ready to book, the Book buttons take you to the HTTA website.
Whether you are brand new to massage, working towards a VTCT qualification or a qualified therapist looking for CPD, there is a course here for you. Groups are small (6 to 8 students at most), friendly and inclusive, and payment plans are available on every course.
Looking for a massage course near you? Our training rooms are at Plymouth Wellbeing Centre, Lynher House, Estover, Plymouth, near Derriford, and we welcome students from across Devon and Cornwall, including Saltash, Ivybridge and Tavistock.
Got a question? Send us a WhatsApp message or voice note, or drop us an email.
Our massage courses at a glance
Scroll down for full details on each course, or tap a course in the table to jump straight to it. 👇
| Course | Price | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage | £1,395 | Rolling start dates | About Level 3 |
| Accredited Swedish massage (2 days) | £435 | Option 1: Thursday 29 October and Wednesday 4 November 2026 Option 2: Saturday 28 November and Saturday 5 December 2026 Option 3: Saturday 20 February and Saturday 27 February 2027 | About Swedish massage |
| Accredited pregnancy massage | £215 | Thursday 19 November 2026 | About pregnancy massage |
| Accredited lymphatic drainage massage | £215 | Monday 2 November 2026 Saturday 23 January 2027 Saturday 27 March 2027 | About lymphatic drainage |
| Accredited advanced massage (2 days) | £435 | Monday 9 November and Monday 23 November 2026 | About advanced massage |
| Accredited hot stone massage | £215 | Friday 4 December 2026 Saturday 6 February 2027 | About hot stone massage |
| Accredited aromatherapy massage (2 days) | £435 | Get in touch for dates | About aromatherapy massage |
| Accredited Indian head massage | £215 | Saturday 21 November 2026 Saturday 9 January 2027 Saturday 13 March 2027 | About Indian head massage |
| Accredited seated acupressure massage | £215 | Monday 14 December 2026 | About seated acupressure |
| Accredited acupressure massage | £215 | Wednesday 25 November 2026 | About acupressure |
| Accredited warm bamboo massage | £215 | Monday 11 January 2027 | About warm bamboo massage |
| Accredited Thai foot massage | £215 | Thursday 28 January 2027 | About Thai foot massage |
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage
A VTCT Level 3 qualification covering full-body Swedish massage and seated back massage.
- Who can join: anyone. No experience needed.
- How it runs: 7 practical days in Plymouth for training, assessments and exams, plus online learning, with video calls for coursework support whenever you need them.
- Price and dates: £1,395, rolling start dates, payment plans available.
See everything this qualification covers on our VTCT qualifications page.
Accredited Swedish massage, 2 days
An accredited full-body Swedish massage course that gives you a complete treatment you can offer clients. The perfect place to start if you are new to massage.
- Who can join: beginners welcome, no massage experience needed. You need an anatomy and physiology qualification, which you can study alongside with our online anatomy and physiology course.
- What you will learn: the five Swedish massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration), consultation, contraindications, client positioning and draping, therapist posture, adapting treatments, a full-body routine and aftercare.
- How it runs: 2 practical days in Plymouth plus online learning, then 5 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a treatment couch for your case studies, and your own massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for training and case studies.
- Price and dates: £435. Option 1: Thursday 29 October and Wednesday 4 November 2026. Option 2: Saturday 28 November and Saturday 5 December 2026. Option 3: Saturday 20 February and Saturday 27 February 2027.
Accredited pregnancy massage, 1 day
Learn to give safe, nurturing massage to clients during pregnancy.
- Who can join: qualified massage therapists.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a treatment couch and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for your case studies.
- Price and date: £215, Thursday 19 November 2026.
Accredited lymphatic drainage massage, 1 day
A gentle, rhythmic massage that supports the lymphatic system, for therapists who want to add it to their treatments.
- Who can join: qualified therapists with a massage qualification, such as massage, beauty, holistic and complementary therapists.
- What you will learn: how the lymphatic system works, the main lymph pathways and nodes, consultation, contraindications, techniques for the face, abdomen and limbs, a full routine and aftercare.
- Please note: this is not post-surgery training, so it does not cover clients recovering from operations.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a treatment couch and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for your case studies.
- Price and dates: £215. Monday 2 November 2026, Saturday 23 January 2027 or Saturday 27 March 2027.
Accredited advanced massage, 2 days
Advanced soft tissue techniques for qualified massage therapists who want to work more deeply and effectively with their clients.
- Who can join: qualified massage therapists.
- What you will learn: soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques, connective tissue massage and trigger point therapy.
- How it runs: 2 practical days in Plymouth.
- Price and dates: £435, Monday 9 November and Monday 23 November 2026.
Accredited hot stone massage, 1 day
Add warmth and deep relaxation to your massage treatments with heated stones.
- Who can join: qualified massage therapists with a body massage qualification, such as Swedish massage.
- What you will learn: the benefits and contraindications of hot stone therapy, safe heating, handling and cleaning of the stones, stone placement, a full-body hot stone routine, consultation, aftercare and treatment planning.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a hot stone kit and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, plus a treatment couch for your case studies.
- Price and dates: £215. Friday 4 December 2026 or Saturday 6 February 2027.
Accredited aromatherapy massage, 2 days
Learn to blend essential oils and give a full aromatherapy massage.
- Who can join: beginners welcome. You need an anatomy and physiology qualification, which you can study alongside with our online anatomy and physiology course.
- What you will learn: blending essential oils with carrier oils, using blended oils safely, and giving a full aromatherapy massage, with detailed profiles of 42 essential oils and 19 carrier oils.
- How it runs: 2 practical days in Plymouth plus online learning, then 5 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: your own essential oils and carrier oils, a measuring jug, a pipette and a mixing bowl, plus a treatment couch for your case studies.
- Price and dates: £435, get in touch for dates.
Accredited Indian head massage, 1 day
A relaxing seated treatment for the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face, which you can give with or without oil.
- Who can join: anyone, no experience needed, although a massage qualification is helpful.
- What you will learn: the history and principles of Indian head massage, its benefits, consultation, contraindications, adapting treatments, client positioning and posture, techniques for the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp, head and face, a full treatment sequence and aftercare.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a low-backed chair and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for your case studies.
- Price and dates: £215. Saturday 21 November 2026, Saturday 9 January 2027 or Saturday 13 March 2027.
Accredited seated acupressure massage, 1 day
A seated massage combining Swedish and acupressure techniques, which you can give on a massage chair or adapt for a standard chair.
- Who can join: beginners welcome. You need an anatomy and physiology qualification, which you can study alongside with our online anatomy and physiology course.
- What you will learn: workplace safety, client care and communication, the anatomy and physiology you need, Swedish and acupressure techniques, and how to adapt the treatment for a standard chair.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT and PBD) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a massage chair and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for your case studies.
- Price and date: £215, Monday 14 December 2026.
Accredited acupressure massage, 1 day
Add acupressure to your massage treatments, working with pressure points and the flow of energy through the body.
- Who can join: qualified massage therapists.
- What you will learn: acupressure techniques and points, yin and yang energy balancing, meridians and energy flow, consultation and client care, and health, safety and hygiene.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a treatment couch and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, for your case studies.
- Price and date: £215, Wednesday 25 November 2026.
Accredited warm bamboo massage, 1 day
Use heated bamboo tools to give a deeply relaxing, flowing massage.
- Who can join: qualified massage therapists.
- What you will learn: the principles and benefits of warm bamboo massage, health and safety, contraindications, choosing and heating bamboo tools, rolling, kneading and pressure techniques, building a flowing treatment, consultation and aftercare.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT and PBD) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a bamboo massage kit and massage oil, such as grapeseed oil, plus a treatment couch for your case studies.
- Price and date: £215, Monday 11 January 2027.
Accredited Thai foot massage, 1 day
A traditional treatment for the feet and lower legs using thumb, knuckle and stretching techniques and a Thai massage stick.
- Who can join: anyone. No massage experience needed.
- What you will learn: the history and principles of Thai foot massage, sen energy lines, the anatomy of the feet and lower legs, consultation, contraindications, foot and lower leg massage, thumb and knuckle work, acupressure-style movements and stretches, using a traditional Thai massage stick, a full routine and aftercare.
- How it runs: 1 practical day in Plymouth plus online learning, then 3 case study treatments.
- What you get: an accredited certificate (IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA) once your case studies are complete.
- You will need: a Thai massage stick, massage oil and muslin cloths, plus a treatment couch for your case studies.
- Price and date: £215, Thursday 28 January 2027.
Good to know
- All practical training takes place in our training rooms at Plymouth Wellbeing Centre, Estover, a few minutes from Derriford, with free parking outside.
- Courses are written by our partner, Holistic Therapies Training Academy. When you book, you pay securely through their website and get full access to their online learning portal.
- Need an anatomy and physiology qualification? You can study our online anatomy and physiology course alongside your massage training.
- Please check with your insurer before booking. Student insurance is recommended while you practise and do your case studies, and existing therapist insurance can often be extended to cover a new treatment.
- Payment plans are available on every course.
- Not sure which course suits you? Get in touch and we will talk it through.
Massage course questions
Do I need experience to do a massage course?
No. Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage, seated acupressure, Thai foot massage and the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage are all open to beginners (Swedish, aromatherapy and seated acupressure need an anatomy and physiology qualification, which you can study alongside). Our other courses are for qualified massage therapists.
Which massage course should I start with?
You can start with the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage, our accredited Swedish massage course or our accredited Indian head massage course. Once you are qualified, you can add pregnancy, lymphatic drainage, hot stone, advanced massage and more.
How much does a massage course cost in Plymouth?
Our 1-day accredited massage courses are £215, the 2-day Swedish, aromatherapy and advanced massage courses are £435, and the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage is £1,395. Payment plans are available on every course.
Are the courses accredited?
Yes. The Level 3 Diploma in Massage is a VTCT qualification regulated by Ofqual. Our short courses are accredited by bodies including IPHM, ABT, PBD and the CMA. Please check with your insurer that they cover the treatment before you book.
Where is the training?
All practical training takes place at Plymouth Wellbeing Centre, Lynher House, Bush Park, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7RG, a few minutes from Derriford, with free parking outside.
What our students say
Karen has a wealth of knowledge looking forward to my next course thank you so much xx
If your looking to up skill or learn something new, Plymouth Holistic Training is the place to go. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The course material is well set out, accessible, and comprehensive.
Exams and assessments are as unstressful as possible.
Five stars from me, and a great big thank you!
I can not recommend this course highly enough.
They are always available to answer any questions, and I had amazing help when I was struggling to revise my anatomy, physiology, and pathology. I learnt new techniques that gave me a real belief in myself.
I have changed as a person through their training. This is a really special place to be a part of!
She is extremely knowledgable, friendly and down to earth.
Her 'hands on approach' to training makes it so easy to learn and her willingness to always help and support you (even after the course) is something I have valued very much.
Karen is clearly a natural when it comes to teaching and makes the lessons enjoyable and informative but at the same time in a relaxed environment where you feel totally at ease asking as many questions as necessary without feeling awkward.
Definitely recommend Karen for all holistic courses.
She is extremely knowledgable, friendly and down to earth.
Her 'hands on approach' to training makes it so easy to learn and her willingness to always help and support you (even after the course) is something I have valued very much.
Karen is clearly a natural when it comes to teaching and makes the lessons enjoyable and informative but at the same time in a relaxed environment where you feel totally at ease asking as many questions as necessary without feeling awkward.
Definitely recommend Karen for all holistic courses.
Thanks again Karen! X
Questions? Get in touch
WhatsApp is the easiest way to reach us: send a message or a voice note and we will get back to you. You can also email us at training@wellbeingplymouth.co.uk. We are usually with students and hard to get hold of by phone, so if you would like a chat, drop us a message to book a call.
Looking for reflexology, aromatherapy or facial training too? See all our holistic therapy courses in Plymouth.