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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124205  Diploma in Somatology 
ORIGINATOR
Camelot International 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Personal Care 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0831/25  2025-04-17  2028-04-17 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-04-17   2034-04-17  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Somatology is to equip learners with knowledge and a specific skill set that is current and on par with the latest trends in the Somatology industry, thereby allowing graduates to achieve competence and professionalism within the Somatology sector as per the intended outcomes.

The qualification will provide South Africa with skilled and competent Somatology graduates who can contribute to improvement within the Beauty sector as well as skilled service delivery, thereby ensuring innovation, progress, and enhanced economic upliftment within the Somatology industry. This can occur through active employment in salons/spas/retail settings and, in addition, can encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship.

The qualification will provide our graduates with employment opportunities that extend past the national scope, i.e. international employment. This will be achieved through training that is on par with international standards and guidelines. In turn, learners will have the opportunity to participate in internationally recognised assessments through external regulatory bodies such as the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) and Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétology (CIDESCO).

After the successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Perform and deliver Somatology treatments within a professional setting whilst always adhering to professional ethics and guidelines for good practice.
  • Select the appropriate treatment for the client after undertaking a comprehensive consultation to determine treatment indications and contraindications.
  • Implement appropriate strategies and relevant treatment plans whilst adhering to the scope of practice.
  • Provide detailed knowledge of theoretical concepts pertaining to Somatology practices.
  • Provide appropriate and client-specific homecare recommendations and/or referrals where applicable.
  • Implement sound sales practices with an emphasis on ethical retail techniques.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is experiencing a critical skills shortage within the Somatology industry. Beauty salons and spas have become a ubiquitous presence within the landscape, as demand is ever-increasing for grooming services. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, the grooming trend in South Africa is expected to intensify. This stems from several factors, including an increasing number of entrants into the job market. There is, therefore, a need for well-trained and professional somatologists. This is strengthened by a strong and growing health wellness, fashion and beauty trends as access to social media and the internet grows. Based on the projected forecast pertaining to the Somatology industry, both internationally and nationally, there has been exponential growth leading to demand for skilled therapists who are able to provide a variety of quality services safely and effectively.

    There are currently a multitude of education providers within the Somatology industry that only provide modular certification. This limits the practical ability and skill set of learners as they are only trained on cherry-picked facets of the Somatology framework. In addition, training generally occurs within a condensed time frame, with limited face-to-face contact. Bearing in mind that this industry is predominantly practical in nature, this can lead to poor service delivery. This, unfortunately, limits the employability of the learners and, in turn, affects their long-term earning potential. The institution has consulted with the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP) via email that they will be our professional body to determine the needs and requirements of the Somatology industry with regards to providing an inclusive qualification that encompasses said needs. Factors that were taken into consideration include a variable skill set specific to the practice of Somatology treatments, formulating and implementing appropriate treatment plans, always maintaining a high standard of professional ethics, homecare recommendations and retail techniques.

    All learners who register with the institution should have an interest in the Somatology Industry. Personal contact with other human beings forms a large part of the principles and practice of this field. It is, therefore, imperative that the individual can deal with close personal contact. The practice of Beauty Therapy requires the individual to be fit and healthy in terms of the physical requirements for the industry. The intended outcome of the course is for learners to become proficient in a variety of somatic treatments via the integration and application of foundational and reflexive learning, ultimately allowing learners to specialize in their chosen majors.

    In terms of employability within the job sector, graduates may gain access to the following:
  • Somatology Therapist
  • Spa Management
  • Product Training
  • Make-Up Artist
  • Educator
  • Assessor and/or Moderator
  • Cosmetic Consultants
  • Cosmetic Brand Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Nail Technician

    The qualification provides learners with tertiary education that is of a premium standard and empowers our learners to enter the workforce with a comprehensive skill set. The qualification comprises of practical and theoretical components and is structured in such a way as to provide learners with a dynamic educational experience. Work integrated learning (WIL) forms an integral component of the learners' educational training, as learners are required to obtain external experiential hours during the three (3) years of diploma study, thus ensuring that they not only obtain scholastic experience, but also practical experience where they are privy to the inner workings of the Somatology industry.

    Therefore, once learners have completed their three (3) years of tuition and have obtained their Diploma in Somatology, they will have the dual benefit of being competent as per the educational framework as well as having a working knowledge of their industry. This will allow their learning experience to translate into employment within the related workforce. It would also be possible to further their studies in the applicable field.

    Given the skills shortage within the Somatology industry, the comprehensive qualification will provide learners with in-depth training, which will equip them with an array of skills, thereby increasing employability. Graduates will be able to seek employment in a variety of work settings within the Somatology and Wellness industry. Skilled workers, in turn, contribute to the economy by delivering quality services, which has a direct knock-on effect on the spending power of clients within society. An additional economic benefit is the empowerment of graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit; they may, in turn, generate work opportunities for other appropriately qualified individuals within the industry via the development of their own businesses. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved RPL policy. This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and prior experience as a practitioner in the health and skincare therapy field. Learners are assessed on an individual basis against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. Such procedures and the assessment of the individual cases will be assessed by a subject specialist/educator.

    The institution provides several courses on the modular model, which will assist each learner in achieving recognition for prior learning on a full-time and part-time basis, herewith facilitating lifelong learning. Maintaining equity facilitates access to mobility and progression within everyone's career path. In this way, the institution will assist each learner in increasing the employment opportunities for all. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Occupational Certificate: Beauty, Therapist NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Beauty Therapy, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Occupational Certificate: Beauty Practitioner, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6, totalling 374 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 171 Credits:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I, 17 Credits.
  • Applied Chemistry and Physics I, 5 Credits.
  • Business Administration I, 5 Credits.
  • Research Project, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Communications I, 3 Credits.
  • Hygiene and Sterilization, 3 Credits.
  • First Aid Level I, 9 Credits.
  • Nutrition I, 5 Credits.
  • Skincare Therapy Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Make-up, 4 Credits.
  • Manicures and Pedicures, 4 Credits.
  • Waxing, 4 Credits.
  • Body Therapy Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Case Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Training in a salon/spa (WIL), 20 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology I, 8 Credits.
  • Therapist Development, 3 Credits.
  • Specialized Project, 12 Credits.
  • Experiential Training in a salon/spa (WIL), 20 Credits.
  • Applied Psychology, 7 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 203 Credits:
  • Anatomy and Physiology II, 19 Credits.
  • Applied Chemistry and Physics II, 6 Credits.
  • Business Administration II, 6 Credits.
  • Nutrition II, 9 Credits.
  • Skincare Electrotherapy, 11 Credits.
  • Sugaring, 5 Credits.
  • Swedish Massage Theory and Practical, 4 Credits.
  • Body Electrotherapy, 11 Credits.
  • 3Host Stone Massage Theory and Practical, 3 Credits.
  • Case Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology II, 9 Credits.
  • Business Administration III, 9 Credits.
  • Business Project, 15 Credits.
  • First Aid Level II, 8 Credits.
  • Spa Therapy Theory and Practical, 10 Credits.
  • Shiatsu Theory and Practical, 10 Credits.
  • Sports Massage Theory and Practical, 10 Credits.
  • Hawaiian Massage Theory and Practical, 4 Credits.
  • Bamboo Massage Theory and Practical, 4 Credits.
  • Case Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Experiential Training in a salon/spa (WIL), 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of concepts and themes pertaining to the practice of somatology and wellness treatments within a professional context.
    2. Demonstrate thorough knowledge, conceptualization and application of core content pertaining to the field of health and wellness.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to display an awareness of the ethical and professional dimensions of their workplace.
    4. Display an advanced and integrated level of thinking in terms of the approach to structuring and delivery of treatments. This also applied to client care and relevant recommendations.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate their performance against stipulated criteria during the delivery of Somatology treatments, whilst selecting the appropriate intervention and taking responsibility for the outcome thereof.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to account for their actions in a health and wellness setting whilst taking responsibility for the appropriate use of resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria 1:
  • Analyse, classify and evaluate various concepts and themes pertaining to the practice of somatology and wellness.
  • Critically evaluate own values and ethical conduct as well as those pertaining to professional conduct.
  • Discuss and critically evaluate the various somatic treatments within the context of individualised application and delivery.
  • Reflect on and critically evaluate the values and ethical conduct of professional practice within the health and wellness sphere.
  • Evaluate clients and provide individualised somatic treatments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 2:
  • Discuss a variety of somatic and wellness treatments and safely, effectively, professionally, timeously, and accurately perform somatic and wellness treatments.
    > Plan, implement and evaluate health and wellness treatments pertaining to the face and body, based on a holistic and integrated assessment of the client.
  • Competently use relevant electrical equipment and a minimum of three complete professional skin and body ranges.
  • Competently apply various treatments according to the choice of the relevant majors

    Associated Assessment Criteria 3:
  • Critically evaluate own values and ethical conduct pertaining to professional ethics and conduct. treatments encompassing client-specific homecare recommendations.
  • Adhere to professional ethics and attributes during specific treatments in a professional setting.
  • Apply quality control and crisis management to employers, peers, and client interactions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 4:
  • Discuss, interpret, and critically evaluate the delivery of the appropriate somatology treatments within a specific context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 5:
  • Critically evaluate the importance of accountability at the workplace.
  • Accurately identify and address their task-specific learning needs within a given context.
  • Provide guidance/support to the learning needs of fellow learners where appropriate.
  • Critically reflect on own experience at the workplace, reflect on the competencies already achieved, as well as areas that require improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 6:
  • Demonstrate efficacy and respect for others during the delivery of health and wellness treatments.
  • Work effectively in a team or group and take responsibility for the decisions and actions of themselves and others. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Two international membership bodies within the Somatology and Wellness industry provide assessment criteria, content and guidelines for good practice. They are the Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétology (CIDESCO) and International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). These two professional bodies provide the international standard in terms of aligning qualifications, as they provide external assessment and accreditation worldwide.

    The Diploma in Somatology and Wellness is in line with the international membership bodies' requirements. This allows for a degree of standardisation in terms of international comparability with similar qualifications worldwide. An example of an international qualification that is similar to the Diploma in Somatology is including spa treatments offered by the following institutions.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London School of Beauty and Make-Up.
    Qualification Title: VTCT level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma
    Minimum Credits: 58
    Duration: One year
    Entry requirements: +Level 2 qualification in beauty therapy and/or a successful skills test and interview.

    Purpose:
    The VTCT Level 3 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Diploma in Beauty Therapy is a substantial vocational qualification that will confirm competence as a beauty therapist. This qualification is available through education and training providers who can offer this course in a real salon environment and provide learners with the opportunity to learn beauty therapy skills whilst working on real clients. The qualification will allow learners to learn in a real working environment, particularly because this qualification leads to employment in such a client-centred and service-orientated sector. It includes all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist, including mandatory units covering the following: facial and body electrical, body massage, electrical epilation, monitoring procedures in the salon and contributing to the planning of a promotional event.

    After completing this qualification, graduates will qualify for employment as a beauty therapist. They will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a beauty therapist. Career opportunities as a beauty therapist exist in a variety of contexts, including:
  • Working in commercial beauty salons
  • Working in destination and day spas
  • Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings

    Whilst this qualification's primary purpose is to prepare you for employment as a beauty therapist, they may choose to develop skills further by undertaking qualifications in beauty therapy at Level 4, including:
  • VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Permanent Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation.
  • VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments.
  • VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy.
  • VTCT Level 4 Award in Skin Blemish Removal.
  • VTCT Level 4 Award in Physiology for Advanced Beauty Therapy.
  • VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management.

    This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC), as being fit for purpose to confirm competence as a beauty therapist. Holders of this qualification are eligible to become professional members of BABTAC.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules, 42 credits
  • Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon, 4 credits
  • Client care and communication in beauty-related industries, 3 credits
  • Working in beauty-related industries, 4 credits
  • Provide body massage, 9 credits
  • Provide facial electrotherapy treatments, 11 credits
  • Provide body electrotherapy treatments, 11 credits

    Elective Modules (Select modules to a minimum of 16 credits):
  • Provide massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils, 7 credits
  • Provide electrical epilation, 11 credits
  • Apply individual permanent lashes, 4 credits
  • Intimate waxing for male clients, 4 credits
  • Intimate waxing for female clients, 4 credits.
  • Provide self-tanning, 3 credits.
  • Nail enhancements and advanced hand and nail art techniques, 7 credits.
  • IT and data handling in the hair and beauty sector, 5 credits.
  • Contribute to the effective running of business, 3 credits.
  • Provide Indian head massage, 6 credits.
  • Apply micro dermabrasion, 4 credits.
  • Apply stone therapy massage, 9 credits.
  • Explore technological developments within the hair beauty and associated areas 7 credits.

    Similarities:
  • The London School of Beauty and Make-Up (LSBM) and the South African (SA) share similar learning outcomes and qualifications of equipping learners with skills that are in demand across the beauty industry.
  • Graduates may pursue career opportunities such as beauty therapists, spa attendants, or skincare consultants in salons, spas, or wellness centres.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over three years full time whereas the LSBM qualification is offered over one year full-time.
  • The LSBM qualification is registered at NVQ Level 3 with 58 credits, whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 6 with 360 credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National College of Beauty
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice
    Credits: 80 credit points
    Duration: 1 Year full-time
    Entry requirements:
  • Year 12 Australian secondary school certificate or equivalent
    Or
  • Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4) or above
    Or
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5, 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6 or above, or equivalent

    Purpose:
    The Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice is designed to provide learners with essential skills in beauty therapy, spa treatments, and client management. This qualification covers various aspects, ensuring learners gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge to succeed in the beauty and spa industry.

    Learners will enjoy a collaborative learning environment to maximize engagement. Graduates of this qualification will be capable of incorporating new technologies and innovations into their professional practice and making a meaningful contribution to the industry. By studying the Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice, learners will have the option, upon completion, to upgrade their qualification to a bachelor's degree. The Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) is an innovative qualification that delivers high-quality training and provides a strong foundation in health science, coupled with a clinical focus on preventative anti-ageing and wellness protocols.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of salon practice, industry trends, business fundamentals, and professional ethics concerning the Beauty/Spa industry.
  • Demonstrate the practical application of skills and capabilities required to provide a range of Beauty/Spa treatments to an accepted industry standard.
  • Identify and respond to a range of treatment variations requiring solution-based thinking and discretion in approach.

    Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles as beauty therapists, spa/salon managers, spa therapists, make-up artists, wellness consultants, or salon owners and spa therapists. Opportunities exist in spas, salons, hotels, and wellness centres, allowing learners to leverage skills in multiple settings.

    Modules:
    The qualification is delivered both on campus and online, comprises seven compulsory modules, each subject requiring 10 hours of study per week: three hours facilitated and seven self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes. There are no formal exams.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Foundations of Aesthetics
  • Beauty and Spa Practice I
  • Professional Clinic Practice I
  • Aesthetic Electrotherapy I
  • Aesthetic Practice with Technology I
  • Manual Aesthetic Techniques
  • Beauty and Spa Practice II

    Similarities:
  • The Australian National College of Beauty (ANCB) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept applicants who completed the secondary school qualification or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications will provide learners with the foundational knowledge and skills to apply a range of beauty therapy treatments and techniques. Graduate with the expertise to use the most up-to-date technologies and innovations in professional practice to help clients look and feel their best.
  • The ANCB and SA qualifications will equip learners with a thorough understanding of beauty and spa technologies, treatments and practices and gain hands-on experience through work-integrated learning.
  • Graduates from ANCB and SA qualifications will progress vertically to a bachelor's degree in a cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The ANCB qualification takes one year full-time to complete, whereas the SA qualification takes three years full-time to complete.
  • The SA qualification has 360 credits, whereas the ANCB qualification has 80 credit points. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Wellness Recreation Management, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Somatic Therapy, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Aromatherapy, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Massage, NQF level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, NQF level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics, NQF level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Somatic Therapy, NQF level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Somatology, NQF level 7.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.