There are many courses and organisations, all offering different qualifications and styles of training - this can be very confusing when trying to choose the right Reflexology course for you.
Firstly, ensure that you don't enrol on a distance learning or correspondance course - none of the membership organisations listed on this website will accept these kind of courses.
Secondly, please be aware that there is a huge variety of standards in the level 3 training market (this is why we don't teach it). We even know of a school where you can train on a level 3 course that lasts for just 6 half-day lessons! Most of the level 3 courses now seem to be a combination of distance learning and 5 or 6 days learning practical Reflexology in class. We really don't think you can learn to be a well trained Reflexologist after just 5 or 6 days of lessons.
The IRC is honoured to offer the Agored Cymru Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology, a qualification led and developed by Agored Cymru in collaboration with Reflexology practitioners and sector experts. The qualification was the first Level 5 Reflexology qualification regulated by OFQUAL available in England and Wales.
Find out if the school you are proposing to study with, enables you to join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC - the UK complementary healthcare regulator), via the professional organisation it is linked to. For example, IRC schools are gateway schools for the Association of Reflexologists, the UK's largest and longest running Reflexology Association. Also be aware that some of the level 3 'practitioner diplomas' don't meet the CNHC entry criteria.
A Practitioner Reflexologist is someone who has been trained to the highest standards and can create a treatment protocol for many different conditions. Unfortunately, there are too many people who have taken a short course (sometimes as short as just 2 days!) or un-accredited and then call themselves Reflexologists. As these courses are so short, they cannot possibly equip a therapist to competently treat conditions.
To succeed on this course, it is more about determination and hard work (since the course is intensive), rather than previous qualifications. A GCSE in Biology will be helpful, but it is not essential. You certainly don't need to have studied previously at Further or Higher Education level to successfully qualify on this course.
You do need to be able to speak and write in English, to be able to use Microsoft 'Word' or Apple 'Pages' and submit work via e-mail.
Our courses start at various times each year, depending on the venue chosen. To view the course dates, click on the preferred venue.
For details of the course dates, click on the preferred venue for more information.
Level 5 courses normally run for one academic or calender year. However, some students may require longer. This can be discussed with the tutor as appropriate.
The answer to this does very much depend on the individual. As a rule of thumb, we suggest 12 - 14 hours of home study per week. This does include case studies, assignments and revision of learning from classwork.
On successful completion, you will be awarded the Agored Cymru Level 5 Diploma in Practitioner Reflexology.
No. You do not need to do an entry-level Reflexology course first (such as a level 3 diploma) - this is completely unnecessary.
Course fees range from £3,600 to £3,995 depending on the partner centre, please contact your chosen venue for more information.
All venues ask for a booking deposit up front (refundable only if the course is cancelled by the school), followed by either full payment of the balance at the first lesson, or regular monthly payment options. The details of payment arrangements are individual to each school and so you should consult the relevant school website before enrolling.
All teaching materials and assessment fees, are included in the course costs for the level 5 programme.
Additional Costs:
Yes you can. This is done by Standing Order, is without extra charge and is arranged at the beginning of the course.
Unfortunately not. Although the level of training is the correct level for student loans, because we are private colleges our courses do not qualify for funding. To help spread the cost of the course, extended payments terms are available for the duration of the course. Please liaise with the specific training school.
Each course is booked direct with the venue of your choice. All venues can be seen on our Venues page.
No, this is not possible.
However we welcome anyone who has studied at Level 3 onto the Level 5 course, where you will learn new skills and deepen your understanding of reflexology.
