General & Enrolment

• How do I apply for a course at HCD?

  You can apply directly through the relevant course page on the HCD website. Choose your preferred course and location and select the Apply Now option to enrol. All courses

• What are the entry requirements for HCD?

  Our foundation-level courses are suitable for complete beginners and do not require prior massage qualifications or experience. Advanced courses have specific entry requirements, which are listed on the relevant course page. All courses

• Is there a minimum age for doing these courses?

  Yes. You must be at least 17 years of age on or before the first day of your course.

• What level of English language is required?

  A good standard of spoken and written English is required to successfully complete the course and examinations. A minimum English language proficiency of B1 on the CEFR scale is required, with B2 preferable. If English is not your first language and you are unsure of your level, we recommend completing an appropriate English language competency assessment. Ielts English language test

• Can I apply with international qualifications?

  Yes. No prior qualifications or experience are required for our foundation-level courses. For advanced courses where a prior qualification is an entry requirement, qualifications obtained outside Ireland will need to be mapped against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). You can do this using NARIC Ireland’s free Foreign Qualifications Database.

  Check your qualification with NARIC Ireland

• Can I pay by instalments?

  Yes. HCD offers payment plans on its diploma courses. The exact deposit and instalment schedule varies by course and is shown on the relevant course page. Pay an instalment

• Can I access funding?

  Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance towards your course through the Training Support Grant (TSG). The TSG is administered through Intreo and can provide funding of up to €1,000 towards eligible training where the course supports your progression into employment. Eligibility and approval are assessed individually by an Intreo Employment Personal Adviser or Job Coach. HCD students have successfully received TSG funding in the past; however, funding is not guaranteed and must be approved by Intreo before commencing the training. We recommend contacting your local Intreo Centre to discuss your circumstances and eligibility.

  Find out more about the Training Support Grant

• Can I get a student visa to study at HCD?

  HCD courses are delivered on a part-time basis and therefore do not qualify, on their own, for an Irish student visa. Irish student immigration permission requires enrolment on an eligible full-time daytime programme. However, if you are already legally entitled to live and study in Ireland under an existing visa, immigration permission or other residency status, you may be able to enrol on an HCD course, subject to the conditions of your particular permission. If you are planning to come to Ireland specifically to study with HCD, please be aware that our part-time courses do not meet the requirements for student immigration permission.

  Irish Immigration guidance for students

• What is your refund policy?

  HCD’s refund and cancellation terms are set out in our Terms & Conditions and may vary depending on the course. These terms cover matters such as deposits, cancellations, transfers and withdrawal after a course has begun.

  View HCD Terms & Conditions

• Are the examination fees included in the course fee?

  Where external examination fees apply, they are listed separately from the HCD course fee on the relevant course page. Exam fees are included in the course instalment plans. Please check the individual course page for the current examination fee and total cost. All courses

• Can I find out more about this course?

  Absolutely. If you would like to find out more about the course, or whether a career in massage therapy is right for you, there are several options:

  • Attend one of our Virtual Information Evenings – learn more about the course and have your questions answered.
  • Read our Is a Career in Massage Therapy Right for You? Career Guide.
  • Take our short Is a Career in Massage Therapy Right for You? Quiz.
  • Ready to get started? Enrol through the relevant course page.

  HCD Information Evenings and course information

• Can I speak to a course tutor or College Director about this course?

  Yes. We run regular live Information Evenings on Zoom, where you can meet a course tutor or College Director, learn more about the course and ask any questions you may have in person.

  View upcoming Information Evenings

• Is this the right course for me?

  If you’re interested in a rewarding, people-focused career where you can make a genuine difference to how people feel, massage therapy could be an excellent choice. It can offer considerable flexibility. Many therapists choose to become self-employed, giving them greater control over their working hours and the opportunity to build a career around their lifestyle. Massage therapy is also a highly portable, hands-on skill, with opportunities to work in many different settings and countries around the world. HCD courses are designed to fit around work and family commitments. Practical classes are part-time, while the online theory component can be completed in your own time. You can begin your online learning as soon as you enrol, even before your practical classes commence.

  Still unsure? Attend an Information Evening, read our Career Guide or take our Career Quiz.

  View upcoming Information Evenings

• Who are the tutors on the course?

  HCD courses are taught by experienced massage therapists and educators, including College Directors Alison Kavanagh and Aubrey Gowing. Tutor information is available on the HCD website and may vary depending on the course and location. See our about us page.

• What experience do the tutors have?

  HCD’s senior tutors have decades of clinical and teaching experience in massage therapy, bodywork and complementary therapies. Full tutor biographies and qualifications are available on our About page.

  Meet the HCD team

Theory Component

• What units does the course contain?

  The units depend on the qualification you choose. Each course page lists the units included in that qualification. For example, Level 3 Sports Massage includes anatomy and physiology, principles of health and fitness, professional practice, principles of soft tissue dysfunction and sports massage treatments.

• What syllabus does the course cover?

  Each course page contains a detailed syllabus. Depending on the qualification, this may include anatomy and physiology, massage theory, professional practice, client assessment, massage techniques, contraindications, record keeping, stretching, rehabilitation and client care.

• What resources are available for this course?

  Students receive access to HCD’s comprehensive online learning platform, together with the course materials required for their programme. Online resources include video lectures, Digital Textbook, practical demonstrations, quizzes and supporting learning materials that can be accessed 24/7.

• What learning styles are catered for on this course?

  HCD courses use a multimodal approach to learning, combining visual, auditory, read/write and kinaesthetic learning activities.

  • Watch video lectures and practical demonstrations.
  • Listen to lectures and explanations from experienced tutors.
  • Read and write through course materials, quizzes, assignments and case studies.
  • Learn by doing through extensive hands-on practical training in class.

  This combination of online learning, written materials and face-to-face practical training provides a varied and engaging learning experience and gives students multiple ways to understand, reinforce and apply what they are learning.

• How are the units assessed?

  Assessment depends on the individual unit and qualification and may include multiple-choice theory examinations, written assignments, case studies or treatment evidence, and practical examinations. The exact assessment method is listed on the relevant course page.

Practical Component

• What do I bring to class?

  Students should bring two pillows with pillowcases and two large bath-sheet-sized towels to every practical class. Sports Massage students should also bring suitable shorts for practical work. Because every class includes practical work, these items should be brought to class each day.

• What do I wear to class?

  We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, as practical massage work requires a good range of movement. Suitable clothing includes tracksuit bottoms, comfortable trousers or shorts, with a T-shirt or polo shirt and flat, comfortable shoes or trainers. It’s also a good idea to bring a hoodie, jumper or cardigan, particularly for practical classes, as you may feel cooler when you are receiving rather than giving a treatment. There is no need for specialist clothing for your regular classes – comfort and freedom of movement are the most important considerations.

• What equipment do I need for the course?

  For practical classes, students need two pillows with pillowcases and two large bath-sheet-sized towels. Sports Massage students should also have suitable shorts for practical work. Any additional course-specific equipment or recommended books are listed on the relevant course page.

• What is provided by the College for practical classes?

  HCD provides all of the main equipment required for your practical classes, including therapy tables, wipeable table covers and disposable supplies such as hand sanitiser and tissues. At the beginning of the course, each student is also provided with their own personal bottle of massage oil for use during practical classes.

  Students are required to bring the following to every class, as each class includes practical work:

  • Two pillows with pillowcases
  • Two large bath-sheet-sized towels (approximately 100 x 150 cm / 40 x 59 inches)

  We do not specify any particular colour for towels or pillowcases. However, mid-tones tend to be the most practical, such as navy, terracotta or yellow. White can show marks and staining more easily, while black tends to show lint, so these colours may be less practical for regular use.

  Your pillows and towels can generally be compressed into a small carry-on bag or backpack, making them relatively easy to transport. Please remember to bring them to every class, as all classes include practical work.

• How are the final examinations carried out?

  All HCD iTEC qualifications are independently assessed. iTEC sets the theory examinations and appoints an independent external examiner to conduct the practical examinations in person.

  The exact assessment format depends on the qualification and may include a combination of multiple-choice theory examinations, written assignments, case studies and a practical examination.

  During the practical examination, students are required to demonstrate the appropriate consultation, assessment and treatment skills under examination conditions, with the external iTEC examiner assessing performance against the qualification criteria.

Schedule & Course Completion

• When does the course start?

  Your studies can begin from the moment you enrol. Once you sign up, you receive access to HCD’s online learning platform and can begin working through your theory studies straight away, at your own pace. Our in-person practical classes have two main intakes each year, in April and September. Your practical classes will begin with the next available intake for the course and location you have selected. HCD’s blended-learning approach gives you 24/7 access to online lectures, quizzes and learning resources, allowing you to get started immediately and work through your theory studies at times that suit you.

• How long is the course?

  Course duration depends on the qualification and the class format selected. HCD’s Level 3 programmes typically run for approximately five to six months, depending on whether you attend the weekly evening or weekend format. The exact timetable is shown on the relevant course page.

• What happens if I miss time on the course?

  Our awarding body, iTEC, requires students to maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% in order to be eligible to sit their final examinations.

  We understand that occasionally students may need to miss a class due to illness, work or other unavoidable circumstances. However, because our courses involve extensive hands-on practical training, regular attendance is essential to ensure you develop the required practical skills and competencies.

  If you know you are going to miss a class, please let your tutor know as soon as possible. Additional allowances may be considered in exceptional circumstances, subject to the conditions outlined in our course Terms & Conditions.

  View HCD Course Terms & Conditions

Qualifications & Recognition

• What qualification will I receive?

  The qualification depends on the course you choose. HCD offers iTEC regulated qualifications as well as HCD certificates on selected programmes. The exact award or qualification(s) you will receive are listed on the relevant course page.

• Will I be able to work with this qualification?

  Yes. HCD’s professional massage qualifications are designed to prepare graduates for professional practice. Depending on the course completed, graduates can work in settings such as massage and wellness clinics, sports environments, spas, gyms or private practice.

• Where can I work with this qualification?

  Career opportunities vary depending on your qualification and experience. Graduates may work in massage or wellness clinics, sports settings, spas, gyms and hotels, or establish their own private practice. Massage therapy is also a portable skill that can provide opportunities in many countries around the world, subject to local requirements.

• What can I earn with this qualification?

  Earnings as a massage therapist can vary considerably depending on where you work, your experience, the type of treatments you provide and whether you are employed or self-employed.

  For therapists working in private practice, current treatment rates commonly fall in the region of €60-€85 for a one-hour treatment, although rates can be lower or considerably higher depending on location and the setting in which the treatment is provided.

  Therapists working in premium hotels, spas or city-centre clinics may charge more, while treatment rates in smaller towns or rural areas can be lower.

  If you are self-employed, you also have the flexibility to set your own treatment fees and working hours. Your actual income will depend on factors such as the number of clients you treat, your operating costs and how successfully you build your practice.

• What professional association can I join?

  Graduates of HCD’s iTEC qualifications may apply for membership of professional associations including the Irish Massage Therapists Association (IMTA) and the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA). Membership is subject to the individual association’s current eligibility and membership requirements.

  Irish Massage Therapists Association (IMTA)
  Complementary Therapists Association (CThA)

• Will I be able to get insurance to practise?

  Yes. Once you have successfully completed your qualification, you can obtain the professional indemnity and public liability insurance required to practise professionally as a massage therapist. HCD graduates can apply for specialist therapist insurance through Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers (BMIB), who provide cover for massage, holistic and complementary therapists throughout Ireland.

  Brian Mullins Insurance Brokers – Holistic Therapist Insurance

• Will my clients be able to claim back from their private health insurance?

  The simple answer is yes, although this is a complex area and reimbursement depends on the client’s individual health insurance policy.

  As an iTEC qualification holder, you can apply for membership of the Irish Massage Therapists Association (IMTA). IMTA-registered massage therapists are currently recognised by Irish Life Health, allowing clients with eligible Irish Life Health policies to claim back a portion of the cost of their massage treatments.

  The amount that can be claimed varies according to the client’s individual policy and level of cover, so clients should always check the terms of their own health insurance plan.