Do you see Holistic Therapies as a way to enhance general health and wellbeing? Are you interested in the human body? As a Holistic Therapist you will use  therapies to enhance the mind, body, and soul. Learners explore the diversity of Holistic Therapies. They receive a firm grounding in many therapies, the course will gives practical skills and a detailed understanding of a holistic approach to health therapies. The course provides the professional training that can enable you to pursue a career in a variety of Holistic Therapy settings, and great opportunities to work with our Internationally recognised ITEC qualifications.

View Frequently Asked Questions for this course.

  • Anatomy & Physiology ITEC –  Anatomy is the study of the structures associated with the human body. Physiology is the study of the function of each of these structures. The human body is often thought of as a complicated machine. We study it as part of knowing how the body work in relation to the practical aspect of the holistic therapies.
  • Professional Conduct & Business Awareness ITEC – learn about elements required for the work place and when running a business, subjects include business, health & safety, retail selling, marketing and advertising, finance, professionalism and communication skills.
  • Holistic Massage ITEC – Learn classical Swedish massage techniques to treat physical and psychological problems by manipulating soft tissue/muscles for therapeutic purposes.
  • Reflexology ITEC – Practice a therapy working on the feet to treat the whole body by manipulating reflexes that corresponds with organs of the body, right foot /right side of body, left foot left side of body and learn the theory underpinning the practice of reflexology
  • Sports Massage ITEC – Level 3 Sports Massage enables learners to acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide Massage to enhance sports performance and prevent injury.
  • Aromatherapy ITEC – This  therapy enables the learner  to gain practical and theoretical skills  in order to provide massage using pre blended Aromatherapy  oils. The students learn to choose the correct pre-blended aromatherapy oil to suit the client’s specific treatment  needs and skin type.
  • Stone Therapy ITEC –Stone Therapy Massage is very popular treatment in spas and clinics providing clients with a massage using hot and cold stones. This wonderful treatment provides clients with a very relaxing and calming experience for both mind body and spirit.
  • QQI Level 4 Environmental Sustainability Awareness 4N21810

Additional Training/Workshops

  • First Aid Workshop (online): This First Aid workshop will introduce the learner to the principles of First Aid.  threat to life.  A record of achievement from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion.
  • Manual Handling Training and Certification: Manual handling training is required under Regulation 13 of the 1993 (General Application Regulations) and 1993 Manual Handling Regulations. This training programme is aimed at providing all persons at work with proper techniques when lifting, carrying, loading, pushing and supporting. It provides employees with good work practices such as proper lift Manual Handling Techniques. The course includes being aware of the necessity for safe methods of manual handling to reduce the risk of injury and understanding the need to avoid manual handling by using mechanical aids where possible. Furthermore, assessing the task using the TILE criteria (task, individual, load, environment) and implementing the correct method of lifting ensuring minimal risk to self and co-workers will also be included.  Finally, knowing how to safely execute all relevant workplace manual handling tasks will be demonstrated. A certificate will be issued to learners who successfully complete the course.
  • Mindfulness (online)
  • Ear Candling: Ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is the practice used to improve general health and well-being of the ear with the use of special Bees wax Candles by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.
  • Lomi Lomi: Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the ‘loving hands’ massage. This name helps to explain its principles – the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch.
  • Strapping/Taping

Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4. Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.  An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

  • ITEC Level 3 Award in Education and Training
  • ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Spas, salons, health farms, self-employed professional, cruise ships.

  • Duration: September to May
  • Fees: €847.50. Other fees not payable to the college include approximate material fees of €313 for uniform, kit, towels, paid directly to suppliers. See Payment for details. Please note that all fees shown are for the 2022/2023 academic year and will be updated in the New Year for 2023/2024.
  • Certification:
    • ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage 603/4097/6 (2132)
    • ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology Treatments 603/4093/9 (2130)
    • ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage 603/4501/9 (2192)
    • ITEC Level 3 Award in Massage using Pre-Blended Aromatherapy Oils 603/4066/6 (2190)
    • ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Stone Therapy Massage 603/4084/8 (2141)
  • Work Experience: Students work in the college salon during the year.

Email: holistics@morrisonsislandcampus.ie          Tel: (021) 4223844

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    Finding myself at a point in life where I was free to actively change my career I decided to follow the dream I had for a long time – to improve the wellbeing of others by studying and graduating as a holistic therapist.  As reflexology was included in the curriculum at the Cork College of Commerce, I chose to come here.   The two years here have been life changing for me.  Studying with gusto modules that are of immense interest to me and learning an impressive new skill set.  This was possible because our lecturers are second to none.  Their enthusiasm for and knowledge of their modules brightens each class.  With humour and compassion we were being well prepared not just for our final exams, but for life in our line of work. They really care for each student. So do all the staff at the college – caretakers, administrators, cleaners and the canteen staff.  You will be surprised how their smiles and encouraging words will carry you through stressful periods.  And, finally, when I think of my time here – it is vital to thank our class of 2019.  Throughout the days we gave each other support and encouragement.  Communication in class and over our shared lunches helped us to discover our strengths, helped us to organise getting through the assignments and many, many case studies and persevere our goals.  I think with such love and high regard of each member of my college family.  We still meet when we can.  This is getting increasingly harder – because potential employers know that students of CCoC are trained to the highest standard, will be well organised, give excellent client care and become quickly a valued member of their team – and we therefore are now either employed, have decided to study further, forge out our own business or have passed on to higher fields.  Now back home and working in a Spa in Killarney with joy I find that I absolutely love my work and am so happy that I travelled for two years from Killarney to Cork to get the necessary qualifications.

    Heidi Hilckman, Spa, Killarney

    I finished the Holistic and Physical Therapies course in the College or Commerce and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    During my time in the college I learned practical, theory and social skills. This course prepared me very well for the working environment. I made friends and was able to learn with the help of teachers and other students.

    After leaving the college I got a job for the summer in a 5 star spa in Killarney and I’ve since moved back to cork to another spa.

    The opportunities with this course are amazing and can take you all over the world. I am very thankful for the college for helping me on my journey!

    Carrie Dollner, Spa in Cork

    Last year I did QQI Level 5 Certificate in Office Administration, Medical and Dental Receptionist. I found the College of Commerce most welcoming and the teachers so helpful and encouraging. I gained confidence in myself as a person and found the whole experience helped me in my future career.

    Breda Barry, Medical and Dental Receptionist

    My experience in the Cork College of Commerce was welcoming and professional. I received excellent tuition and there was a very good support structure. I developed a good exam technique and acquired practical skills which are essential for the modern office. I found the staff to be encouraging, supportive, motivating and caring. My colleagues were also helpful and supportive throughout the course. I am currently employed by the HSE and am happy and confident in my work place. Everything I learned in Essential IT for the Office is relevant for my job on a day-to-day basis.

    Sarah RYan, Essential IT for the Office

    I was a student of Level 5 Reception and Customer Care. It was a wonderful course where I gained much confidence.The Cork College of Commerce opened up new paths and the experience was invaluable. Overall I would say that the Cork College of Commerce was a wonderful College.

    Laura Kirwan, Reception and Customer Care