Sports Massage Therapy Course
National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy

Location:

Kildare

Duration:

3 Months

Accreditation:

NSC, Focus Awards, Sports Therapy Ireland
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ABOUT THIS COURSE

The National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy has been designed to provide learners with the requisite knowledge, understanding and skills to work with non pathological (noninjured) muscle tissue. This course of study will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theory underpinning the practice of sports massage therapy, including Anatomy & Physiology, Principles of Health & Fitness and Soft Tissue Dysfunction.  In addition, you will develop the understanding, skills and techniques to plan, prepare for and apply a range of sports massage methods to both athletic and non-athletic clients. You will also enhance your skills to evaluate massage strategies and methods to inform future practice.

This qualification is accredited by Focus Awards / OFQUAL / Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) UK and endorsed by Sports Therapy Ireland, comparable to Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland. On successful completion of this qualification, you will be equipped to work in an unsupervised capacity as a sports massage therapist throughout the sport and active leisure industry.

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Course Information

Find all the information you need on this course. For questions, please contact us at info@nsc.ie .

See Course Dates & Options
Anatomy & Physiology for Sports Massage
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Skin and Nervous System.
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Skeletal System and Joints.
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Muscular System.
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Endocrine and Lymphatic systems.
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Cardio-Respiratory System.
  • Understand the Structure and Functions of the Digestive and Urinary Systems.
  • Understand the Effects of Sports Massage on the Body Systems
Principles of Health & Fitness
  • Understand the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
  • Understand the effects of exercise on the body.
  • Know the components of fitness and principles of training.
  • Understand the importance of healthy eating.
Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction and Injury
  • Understand Soft Tissue Dysfunction.
  • Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation - Degree of Swelling, Tissue Temperature.
  • Understand the Process of Repair of Soft Tissue.
  • Cautions, Contraindications and Endangerment Sites while Applying Sports Massage.
Professional Practice in Sports Massage
  • Understand Legislation and Scope of Practice regarding Sports Massage Practice.
  • Understand the Standards relevant to the Sports Massage Profession.
  • Understand the Principles of Professional Practice in Sports Massage.
  • Palpation and Physical Assessment.
  • Care of the Therapist (Posture, Safe Techniques and Body Mechanics).
  • Understand how to Produce, Maintain and Store Client Records.
  • Taking a Case History, Monitoring Treatment Outcomes, Home Care.
Providing Different Sports Massage Treatments
  • Understand Massage and Different Treatment Therapies.
  • Pre-Event Massage, Post-Event Massage, Preventative/Conditioning Massage.
  • Sequence of Strokes (Full Body, Pre/Post Event).
  • Understand the Environment and Resources required for Sports Massage Treatments.
  • Understand how to Assess and Screen Clients for Sports Massage Treatments.
  • Be able to Carry Out Client Assessments and Devise Treatment Plans.
  • Stretching and Restoring Muscle Balance.
  • Understand and be able to Evaluate Sports Massage Treatments

This course has approx. 180 practical contact hours, 100 online study hours, 100 recorded practice hours and 50 course assignment hours. Contact Days are 10am to 4pm).

Some theory, research and assignments are completed outside of practical training days via recorded online lectures and video tutorials. All practical training days occur at our college location in Kildare.

Weekend Course Dates

Day 1: September 19th Day 6: October 18th
Day 2: September 20th Day 7: November 14th
Day 3: October 3rd Day 8: November 15th
Day 4: October 4th Day 9: December 5th
Day 5: October 17th Day 10: December 6th

If you are a Post-Leaving Cert or Third Level College we can offer bespoke programmes for your students throughout the year.  Please contact NSC Administration - info@nsc.ie / 085 800 1221.

Course Fee Option 1: Early Bird Tuition Fee = €1,595 (€200 discount).

Deposit = €195 (refundable up until August 1st, 2026). 

Final Tuition Payment of €1,400 paid before your course start date.

International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 is due on week 4 of the course.

Course Fee Option 2: Standard Tuition Fee = €1,795.

Deposit = €195 (refundable up until August 1st, 2026). 

4 Payments of €400 paid over 4 months.

International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 is due on week 4 of the course.

Eligibility

The National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is open to applicants who have a keen interest in working with athletes and the general public, performing sports massage treatments.  This primary programme of education is suitable for individuals with or without any prior qualifications. The content is delivered to facilitate adult learners of mixed ability.  Course learners must be computer literate and have access to a computer with broadband availability.  Course notes, power-points, video tutorials, e-books and assignments are only available online. Completed assignments are also required to be uploaded online.

  • Course tuition fee includes access to our online classroom, course notes, online teaching materials, e-books and the access to equipment and materials for practical sessions (massage beds, towels, oils, taping and strapping materials). 
  • Course tuition fees and external registration/examination fees must be paid in full prior to final assessments and grading of assignments.

Major Awards

  • National Diploma in Sports Massage (NSC/Sports Therapy Ireland)
  • UKL3/IRL5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sports (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)

The Focus Awards qualification is comparable to Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland and has international recognition.  NSC/Focus Awards qualifications allow graduates to obtain professional indemnity insurance to practice in Ireland, the UK and across Europe.  The National Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy consists of 5 modules, taught part-time through blended learning and completed over a 3 month period.  This is a blended learning programme which involves online lectures, tutorials and written assignments, coupled with practical in-person sessions.

Course Options

ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Kildare

WEEKEND COURSE - SEPTEMBER 2026

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Why Study with us?

The National Sports College is one of Ireland’s leading providers of professional qualifications in fitness, coaching, and massage therapy. Known for our high-quality, practical training and industry-recognised certifications.

Experience

Established in 2000, NSC has over 25 years of experience delivering fitness courses, earning a reputation as industry leaders committed to excellence in education within the sports, fitness and massage therapy industry.

Accreditation

Our courses are internationally accredited by Focus Awards and recognised by OFQUAL. They are also aligned with the NFQ and EQF Frameworks. Additionally, our programs are proudly endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), Sports Therapy Ireland, and Coaching Ireland.

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Support

We are dedicated to providing ongoing support throughout your journy. Our tutors are always available to answer questions, clarify concepts, and offer guidance. We provide expert advice to help you succeed.

LEARN ABOUT OUR COLLEGE$
What our students say

Don’t just take our word! Hear what our students have to say about our courses!

I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go back to studying, but it was actually very manageable. George and Allison know their stuff inside out. Now I'm working part-time in a local gym and starting to build my own client base. The confidence it gave me was great.

Emma K.

Previous Gym Instructor Student

Took the Strength & Conditioning course after qualifying as a PT, and it was a serious step up. Covered way more detail than I expected, especially around periodisation and coaching. Was able to apply it straight away with the lads I train.

Collin Byrne

Previous Strength & Conditioning Student

I already had a sports science degree but needed a specific massage qualification to get insured and start seeing clients properly. The course was exactly what I needed. Honestly, it filled gaps I didn’t realise were missing from my degree. Delighted I did it.

James D.

Previous Sports Massage Student
Meet the Head Instructor
George Martin, BSc. PGDip. MSc. MTEd.

Founder, Academic Director & Lecturer

Call at 085 800 1221 or email info@nsc.ie.

George Martin oversees all academic qualifications offered through the National Sports College.  He also lectures in Anatomy & Physiology, Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Personal Training, Gym Instruction, Exercise to Music, Sports Massage and Business Management.  George has over 25 years experience in the sport/health fitness industry as an instructor, coach, tutor, therapist and manager.

Education:

  • BSc. (Hons) in Sport Science (QQI Level 8)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
  • MSc. in Strength & Conditioning (QQI Level 9)
  • Master of Arts in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
  • International Certificate in Exercise & Health Studies
  • National Qualification in Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy
  • Certified Tutor Coach (Coaching Ireland)
  • Train the Trainer Certified (QQI Level 6)
  • Certificate in Management Processes (QQI Level 6)
  • Certificate in Information Technology & Computer Studies
  • Registered Sport & Active Leisure Assessor

Frequently Asked Fitness Course Questions

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Is this qualification accredited?

Yes. This course is accredited by Focus Awards (who are regulated by OFQUAL). This course is also endorsed by CIMSPA and Coaching Ireland. Lastly, it is recognised by QQI (Quality Qualifications Ireland) and comparable to Level on the National Framework of Qualifications (Ireland).

Is this qualification accepted internationally?

Yes. Due to it’s high accreditation, this qualification can be used internationally.

Can I pay by instalments?

Yes. We offer multiple payment options.

Can I get a grant for course fees?

Yes. Some participants on our courses can avail of government grants when applying for our courses. We can assist in this process.

How will I be assessed?

Students are assessed with practical work along with a written exam.

What do I have to do outside class times?

Work outside class consists of studying and completing course assignments.

What is the success rate?

The vast majority of our students pass all examinations first time with few needing to repeat the exam.

What age group participates in this course?

The age range of members on our courses ranges from 18 to 55 years old. Anyone can do it!

Will I need to get insurance?

We strongly recommend all students hold a professional indemnity insurance policy. This covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was caused by following the student’s professional advice.