Course Details

• Overview

  Why Choose This Course?

  • Practical Learning: 90% of the class time focuses on hands-on practice, giving you real-world skills you can use immediately.
  • Online Access: Our bespoke online platform offers 24/7 access to theory lectures, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit concepts as needed.
  • A regulated qualification: Upon completion, you’ll earn an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, a government-recognized qualification regulated by Ofqual. You’ll also receive a HCD certificate in Deep Tissue Massage.
  • Flexible Times: Join us for evening classes in North Dublin or Saturdays in South Dublin.

  North Dublin: Wednesdays, 7-10 PM, starting 30th September 2026

  South Dublin: Saturdays, 10 AM-5 PM, starting 26th September 2026

  Unlock the full potential of massage therapy with our comprehensive training program, blending the art of Holistic Massage with advanced Deep Tissue techniques. Whether you’re looking to provide soothing relaxation or tackle deep muscle tension, this course equips you with the skills to succeed in a variety of settings.
  You’ll begin with mastering the key movements of Holistic Massage, including effleurage, petrissage, tapotment, friction, and vibration. These techniques are essential for offering a relaxing, full-body experience. From there, we introduce powerful Deep Tissue methods such as Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Release, designed to target common problem areas like muscle knots and tension.

  By combining these modalities, our course prepares you for a successful career, whether you’re working in a spa, wellness center, or as an independent therapist.

  Take Your Skills Further

  Looking to expand your qualifications? You have the option to upgrade to dual certifications in Holistic Massage and Sports Massage, broadening your expertise and client base.

  The iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, delivered by HCD is 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.

  *The iTEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, delivered by HCD is regulated by Ofqual with a learning credit value of 41.

• Content

  The theory component includes:

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

  Examinations and Certification

  
  iTEC level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage

  Examination

  Holistic Massage Theory examination:

  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

  Holistic College Dublin results in Holistic Massage exams

  The diploma issued by iTEC lists the student’s overall grade in terms of a pass, credit or distinction. An average of the theory and practical marks is combined to obtain the final grade.

  A pass grade is between 60% – 74%, A merit is between 75% – 89% and a distinction is between 90% – 100%.

  Percentage of our students achieving each grade to date

  • Distinction: 44%
  • Merit: 50%
  • Pass: 6%
  • Fail: 0%

• Fees

  Course Fee: €1,500 + Exam Fee: €150

  Total cost: €1650

  Standard Payment Plan:

  • Deposit of €400 – to secure your place on the course
  • 1st Instalment of €625 – due on the first day of the course
  • 2nd Instalment of €625 – 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.

  *Add the Diploma in Sports Massage for Dual Holistic & Sports Massage Qualifications

• Syllabus

  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

  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

• Requirements

  Each Student Requires

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

  (For class, we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements, e.g. Tracksuit or leggins & T-shirt or polo top)

  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.