Course Details

• Overview

  Why Choose This Combined Course?

  You’ll begin by mastering the core techniques of Holistic Massage—including effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration—ideal for full-body relaxation and stress relief. Building on that foundation, you’ll dive into Deep Tissue Massage, learning advanced methods like Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Release to treat common muscular issues and chronic tension.
  Next, you’ll gain focused, outcome-driven skills in Sports Massage Therapy, designed to support recovery, prevent injury, and enhance performance—whether your clients are weekend joggers or elite athletes.

  • Earn Two Internationally Recognised Diplomas (ITEC Level 3 in Holistic Massage & Sports Massage Therapy)
  • No prior experience needed—just your passion for helping others
  • Train with expert tutors and real-world insight
  • Graduate with versatile, in-demand skills that open doors in wellness clinics, spas, sports rehab, private practice, and more.

  Why Choose Holistic College Dublin? At Holistic College Dublin, we deliver one of Ireland’s most advanced Sports Massage training programs—open to complete beginners and designed to take you from zero experience to confident, client-ready therapist.

  What You’ll Learn

  • Pre-Event & Post-Event Massage Techniques
  • Holistic Massage, including Face and Scalp massage
  • A conditioning, pain-free approach to deep tissue work
  • Myofascial release to restore muscle function & eliminate adhesion (muscle knots)

  What You’ll Gain

  • Two professionally recognised, highly sought after qualifications
  • Practical skills you can use immediately in clinical, at sports events, or wellness settings
  • A clear path to career progression or further study

  Two Regulated & Recognised Qualifications Awarded by iTEC and regulated by Ofqual (UK), this diploma is:

  • On the RQF and aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
  • Recognised by employers, insurers & associations internationally

  Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

  • Evening & weekend classes in Dublin
  • Access to our custom-built online learning platform
  • 24/7 video lectures, quizzes & downloadable notes

  Start Your Massage Career With Confidence This course gives you the tools, support, and recognition you need to succeed in a fulfilling, hands-on career.

  Locations:  South & North Dublin
  Start Dates: September 2026

  The iTEC Level 3 Diplomas in Holistic & Sports Massage, delivered by HCD are regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual are the UK Office reporting directly to the UK Parliament for qualifications and regulation. Each iTEC/VTCT qualification bears a QAN number, which provides assurance of validity and authenticity and that it is on the RQF – Regulated Qualifications Framework. The UK regulatory framework articulates with the EQF – European Qualifications Framework for recognition of qualifications by international employers, governments and professional associations.

  Always check that your chosen course leads to a recognised qualification from a regulated awarding body, aligned to a national framework and/or European Qualifications framework

• Content

  Course Content

  The Holistic Massage component includes:

  • iUBT 435 – Anatomy and physiology
  • iUBT 432 – Theory of Holistic Massage
  • iUBT 434 – Professional conduct and business awareness.

  The Sports Massage section includes:

  • iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
  • iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
  • iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
  • iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  • iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments

  The advanced techniques used in Sports Massage include:

  • Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)
  • Cross Fiber Friction
  • Myofascial Massage
  • Soft Tissue Release (STR)

  Examinations and Certification

  
  Diplomas awarded by iTEC

  Pre-requisite: None

  Examination for Sports Massage Diploma:

  iUSP 160 Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage
  55 minutes, 50 Multiple Choice Questions
  iUSP 174 Principles of Health and Fitness
  Assignment: explain the principles and components of an active, healthy lifestyle
  iUSP 150 Professional Practice in Sports Massage
  Assignment: explain the significance of maintaining a professional practice in Sports Massage
  iUSP 181 Understand the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  Assignment: Explain the principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
  iUSP 178 Sports Massage Treatments
  Treatment evidence – 10 logged hours and 25 Case Studies, to include:
  Consultation including medical history, treatment details, including pre-event, post-event & maintenance, after/home-care advice, candidates and client signature and treatment date.

  Practical exam: 1 hour

  Diploma in Holistic Massage Examination

  Theory exams:

  a) Theory of Holistic Massage 1hr multiple choice questions
  b) Anatomy & Physiology 1hr multiple choice questions
  c) Professional Conduct and Business Awareness 1hr multiple choice questions

  20 case studies
  Practical exam: 1 hour

• Fees

  Course Fees

  Course Fee: €1,645 + Exam Fees: €300

  Total cost: €1945

  Standard Payment Plan:

  • Deposit of €595 – to secure your place on the course
  • 1st Instalment of €675 – due on the first day of the course
  • 2nd Instalment of €675 – due two months after the First day of the course

  Pay in Full Discount: Pay the balance (after deposit) in full on or before the first day of your course to avail of a €100 discount.

• Syllabus

  Course Syllabus

  Anatomy and Physiology:

  • The Cell and tissue types
  • Integumentary system, the skin and nails
  • Directional terminology
  • Planes of dissection
  • Joint mobility and range of movement
  • Skeletal system – location, structure and function including bony prominences for muscle attachments
  • Muscular system – muscle properties, muscle function, muscle tone, muscle fatigue
  • Study of muscles (myology) – Including origin, insertion and action of the muscles that move the body
  • Cardiovascular system – systemic and pulmonary circulation
  • Lymphatic system – structure and functions of the lymphatic system
  • Digestive system – location, structure and function of organs and glands of the gastro-intestinal tract
  • Nervous system – structure and function of nerves, C.N.S and peripheral nervous system
  • Endocrine and Reproductive Systems – location , structure and function of the endrocrine glands and reproductive cycle
  • Respiratory system – internal and external respiration
  • Urinary system – components i.e. kidney, ureter and bladder
  • Pathologies associated with each system

  Holistic Massage:

  • History of Massage
  • Preparation / Equipment for Massage
  • Definition of the strokes of Massage [including effleurage, petrissage, tapotment, friction and vibration]
  • Sequence of strokes [Full body, Facial, Scalp and Foot massage]
  • Effects and Benefits of Massage [mechanical; physiological; reflex effects; psychological and energetic effects]
  • Cautions, Contra-indications and Endangerment sites to consider when applying massage techniques.
  • Nutrition – understanding the effects of stress on the client’s nutritional status
  • Care of the therapist – posture, safe application of techniques, body mechanics
  • Care of the client – record keeping, confidentiality, professionalism
  • Business awareness / professionalism – how to establish & promote your massage business
  • First Aid
  • Relaxation – simple techniques for real relaxation. Learn how to contact the healing energy in the body and how to use it when doing massage

  Sports Massage:

  • Pre-event massage (10 minute full body treatment)
  • Between event massage
  • Post-event massage
  • Preventative / conditioning massage
  • Basic corrective massage
  • Sequence of strokes (Full body pre, post and conditioning massage)
  • Cautions, Contra-indications and Endangerment sites to consider when applying massage techniques.
  • Nutrition – understanding the effects of exercise and stress on the client’s nutritional status
  • Signs and symptoms of inflammation:
    • Degree of swelling
    • Variation in tissue temperatures
    • Muscle tone and bulk
    • Adhesions
  • Record Keeping
    • Taking a case history
    • Monitoring treatment outcomes
    • Home care
  • Effects and benefits of stretching
    • Advantages of Active Isolated Stretching
    • Restoring muscle balance
  • Effects and benefits of Sports Massage
    • Methods of application
    • Contraindications
    • Palpation and physical assessment
    • Care of the therapist – posture, safe application of techniques, body mechanics
    • Care of the Client – Home care and rehabilitation exercises
    • Contra indications to Sports Massage

• Requirements

  Course Requirements

  Each Student Requires

  • 2 Pillows
  • 2 Pillow Cases
  • 2 Towels
  • A uniform is required for the practical examination:
    • Black tunic
    • Black trousers
    • Black footwear

  Recommended Books

  • An Introductory Guide to Massage By Louise Tucker
  • An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology (new edition) By Louise Tucker

• Support

  Our detailed, in-person practical class sessions are supported with a full course manual, student handbook and access to our comprehensive online Learning Platform. This provides students with over 40 videos lectures, multiple choice quizzes and practical instructional videos that can be accessed 24/7 to achieve mastery. You can see a sample of one of these videos here.