Somatology is the study of body treatments and skin care, covering aesthetics, therapeutic massage and spa therapies. In South Africa it is offered mainly as a diploma or degree at universities of technology and private colleges, and entry requirements are considerably lower than for clinical health science programmes.
Somatology is not regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa in the way that physiotherapy or radiography are. Practitioners commonly register with industry associations instead, and requirements depend on the qualification and the treatments offered.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is assessed on the following.
- A diploma pass for diploma routes, or a bachelor pass for degree routes
- Life Sciences, required or strongly preferred at most institutions
- A mathematics subject, with Mathematical Literacy commonly accepted
- English at the level the institution requires
- A medical or health screening report at some institutions
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Programmes are offered as diplomas and degrees at universities of technology and as diplomas and certificates at private colleges. Entry requirements differ substantially between the two, with private colleges generally more accessible.
Because somatology is not a council-registered profession, the value of the qualification rests heavily on its accreditation and on the reputation of the provider. Verify that the qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework before paying.
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required before you may practise, and community service applies to most health science professions after qualifying. Only a qualification from an accredited programme leads to registration, so confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Life Sciences supports the anatomy, physiology and skin science content and is required or strongly preferred at most institutions.
Mathematical Literacy is commonly accepted, which makes somatology accessible to applicants excluded from clinical health science programmes. Physical Sciences is useful for the chemistry of products but is rarely required.
Points are calculated by each institution own method, and because intakes are limited by clinical placement capacity, the score that actually secures a place is set by competition rather than by the published minimum.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A medical or health screening report and a police clearance certificate, required before clinical placement
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Admission is generally less competitive than for clinical programmes, though university of technology places are limited and private college intakes fill.
If you intend to work abroad or to offer particular treatments, check what qualification and insurance the destination or the treatment requires, since these vary and some advanced aesthetic procedures fall under medical regulation rather than somatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is somatology regulated by the HPCSA?
No. It is not a council-registered profession in the way physiotherapy or radiography are. Practitioners commonly register with industry associations.
Do I need Life Sciences?
It is required or strongly preferred at most institutions, because the qualification covers anatomy, physiology and skin science.
Can I study somatology with Mathematical Literacy?
Commonly yes, which makes it accessible to applicants excluded from clinical health science programmes.
How do I check a private college is legitimate?
Confirm that the qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework and ask for its SAQA identification number before paying.
Verify NQF registration and provider accreditation before paying, and check what any advanced treatment you intend to offer legally requires. Confirm programme accreditation and registration requirements with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.