For detailed information including our course timetable, topics covered and assessment criteria please click here.
Our holistic approach to teaching means that equal attention is paid to both the giver and receiver of a massage. We do not teach a series of sterile routines that treat everyone in the same way. At all times the receiver is a whole person, not a collection of components in need of 'repair'. Students are taught how to look after themselves so the treatment can give great benefit to both giver and receiver. There is an emphasis on movement and rhythm, which leaves the giver feeling energised and the receiver with a great sense of relaxation and well being.
The course has a very vibrant approach, giving a sense of depth and richness that is found on very few courses in massage. This is combined with the dynamics and energy of a team of tutors and staff with a variety of skills and background.
It is the aim of the Oxford School of Massage (OSM) to extend massage into everyday life. The healing capacities of massage can help those with special needs such as MS (multiple sclerosis), cancer patients, arthritis sufferers and so on or can be used as a simple and effective means of reducing the ever increasing burden of stress in our modern lifestyles. Most businesses now use masseurs in the workplace, relieving tiredness and strain allowing people to then work more efficiently.
Many people take the OSM course to complement their work in the caring professions, such as nurses, people working in the hospices and with the physically handicapped and those with learning disabilities. Others choose to work for themselves at home, in one of the many clinics now offering massage or in one of the many businesses that now offer massage treatments to their employees.
Our syllabus fully complies with the guidelines set out by the General Council for Massage Therapy, the regulatory body established to make sure that students receive the quality of training necessary to meet the standards required to set themselves up as professional therapists.
Supervised or contact education and training amounts to 160 hours spread over approximately 11 months. Topics covered include:
The holistic approach, including an understanding of how environmental factors, diet & nutrition, emotional and spiritual factors influence our health.
Stress & its many ramifications and effects on the body and mind.
Self-care and personal growth & development; getting to know one’s own body & recognizing areas which need attention.
Full range of practical massage techniques for all body areas; client care; good body use.
Case studies; client handling; listening skills; taking a case history.
Assessing and recording treatments; aftercare; reactions to treatment; the healing crisis.
Client confidentiality and record keeping.
Contraindications to massage; when to seek GP advice; when to suggest other alternative treatments.
Understanding of other complementary therapies.
Anatomy & physiology of all the main human systems of life and how they are integrated and maintained.
Pathologies of the same.
Health & safety in the workplace.
First aid & emergency procedures for the practicing therapist.
Setting up a treatment room; health & safety.
Marketing & business awareness.
Ethics and good practice.
As part of the OSM diploma, the student is required to complete 36 case study treatments. Extensive support and help is given while completing these. It is valuable experience for students to work in a continuing, real, situation with clients of different types and with different concerns. The case studies will need to reflect the student's growth as a therapist and show thoughtfulness and concern for their client throughout.
An individual progress assessment with the principal is generally scheduled about midway through the course with additional follow-ups, should they be needed.
In addition to the above hours, students should be fully aware that considerable home study is required. The hours required will be determined by the student's ability and commitment, but are unlikely to be less than 250 during the training as a whole.
Courses are limited to 12 students to ensure that each everybody receives the individual time and attention they need. As a result places are in high demand.
The course takes place primarily on a Thursday evening between 7.30pm - 10.30pm although there is a period between Christmas and Easter where you will be required to attend on a Tuesday evening as well.
A £150.00 deposit is required once you have been accepted onto the course. The remainder being paid in 9 monthly installments of £150.00. You will be entitled to a discount of £100.00 if course fees are paid up front in full.
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