Yes. We have an arrangement so that diploma course fees can be paid in instalments without any interest charges. Workshops fees are to be paid in full one week before the date of the workshop.

You can come back on a later course, finish off the sessions you missed and gain your diploma. The only extra cost involved in doing this is payment of a new registration fee. If you want to repeat any of the sessions you have already attended you are welcome to do so - at 50% of the usual fees.

Many professional bodies recommend a maximum student/tutor ratio of 12:1. We believe that with a very 'hands-on' subject like massage, it is essential that students have very close supervision and tutoring. To ensure this we aim to work with a maximum of eight students to one tutor.

No previous knowledge or experience is necessary to start. The Swedish Massage diploma course is the first step in a massage career and assumes no prior knowledge from the students. Other courses and workshops are specifically designed for therapists who already have qualifications in the field (for example: the required entry qualification for the Remedial & Sports Diploma course is a Diploma in Swedish Massage or equivalent).

As teachers we try to be very aware of the different challenges that students have. Starting a course if you haven't studied for a while can seem a daunting experience but we do everything we can to help each student - regardless of their background. People learn better when they are enjoying the process. At the Western we focus on making the learning experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. On the first weekend we spend time examining the process of learning and study, looking at time-proven methods which can enhance the way we learn, understand and recall all the interesting pieces of knowledge that we need as therapists. Also we're available on the phone to discuss any challenges and to help out whenever possible.

You must be at least eighteen years of age to participate on courses at the Western School. There is no upper age limit. Classes tend to represent a wide variety of ages - from eighteen to over seventy in some instances.

While we strongly urge students to attend all sessions of any course at the Western, it is not a showstopper if you have to miss a weekend. The minimum attendance requirement is 80% - which equates to missing three days (1½ weekends) on a nine month course.

'Receiving massage is contra-indicated during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy but giving a massage is not, provided there have been no problems with the pregnancy. In later pregnancy massage can be really beneficial for the pregnant woman, who may be experiencing low back pain.

Only the minimum amount of clothing is removed for any massage sequence. For example, if someone is receiving a full-body Swedish massage, they will still be wearing their underwear and only the part of the body currently being massaged (e.g. one leg) will be exposed. Towels are used to protect the client's modesty by covering all appropriate body parts which are not being treated.

Once a student graduates from the Swedish Massage course they are able to obtain professional indemnity insurance and join a professional body. They can then set up immediately in practice and start their own therapy business. Graduates of other courses will probably already be running their own practice or working in a clinic, health club, etc.

One of the aims of the school is that each course provides not only an excellent therapeutic qualification, but also supplies the graduate with a 'toolbox' full of all the 'tools' they need to achieve success with their qualification. For example, on the Swedish Massage course we cover topics such as business promotion and marketing, keeping accounts, insurance, giving talks, setting goals and strategies and so on.

This can vary enormously depending on where you work or if you work for yourself or a clinic, etc. As an approximation, a one-hour Swedish Massage might earn the therapist around £30 - £35.

Yes, the school courses form a route to progress through the various stages and types of massage - giving a comprehensive career structure.

Absolutely!

Yes we do. We have been delighted to help a number of students with particular needs, such as dyslexia or blindness, through our courses in the past and are committed to continuing to do so in future. The premises used for Western courses at Glasgow Caledonian University have full disabled access.

Everything, such as course notes, exam fees, First Aid course (part of the Swedish Course), etc. is included in the course fee. The notes supplied by the school are more than adequate for all your studies, but we can recommend books for your own interest - for example on the Swedish Massage course we suggest two specific books - total price around £20. These, however, are entirely optional and not a requirement.