The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork programme is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in learning about human movement studies and anatomy, while also qualifying to teach Pilates from beginner to advanced level.
Qualify to teach mat based Pilates, from beginners to advanced level. The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is open to all individuals, with or without formal training, who have an interest in human movement studies, anatomy and physiology.
This course teaches students the complete repertoire of Joseph Pilates, which includes online access through the NTC Learning Portal to professionaly produced video demonstrations of the full repertoire.
The course includes much more than others including mat based Pilates adaptations from beginners to advanced level, integration of small equipment and adaptations for special populations.
Accredited at European Qualification Framework (EQF) Level 4. This is the highest standard that can be achieved in qualification as a Pilates teacher in Europe, ensuring a high level of professional education within the fitness industry across EU member states.
Some of the many unsolicited testimonials we have received from graduates of the NTC's courses
I would like to extend a special thanks to the teachers of this course. I know that teaching Pilates is an ongoing learning process, but it's remarkable that, after half a year, I feel fully prepared to launch my own Pilates classes. This level of confidence is something I haven't experienced after completing any course before, despite working in this industry for nearly 12 years. The course content is exceptionally comprehensive, offering an ideal blend of in-person teaching, online lectures, and outstanding online and printed materials. Our teachers are not only excellent but also incredibly reliable, always ready to assist us with any topic. This course has provided me with a fresh perspective and mindset. Personally, as a non-native English speaker, it has significantly enriched my vocabulary and transformed my instructing style, making it more fluid and sophisticated. I find these improvements invaluable not only in Pilates but also in all the other fitness classes I currently teach. Thank you!
I enrolled in the National Training Centre Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork in October 2022. The course is a five month course and I attended college every second Saturday with some on-line lectures on Thursday evenings. This course was really well run. The tutors were fabulous - extremely knowledgeable , responsive, accommodating and supportive. The course materials were really well put together in the form of a physical manual and an on-line portal. The portal is really user friendly and with videos and pdf's to help all types of learners. I met a wonderful group of people from all walks of life interested in supporting their health and others through Pilates. I have studied before with the National Training Centre, completing their fitness instructor and personal training course in 2018. It is a wonderful college with a variety of course offerings. All tutors are passionate about health and wellness and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment in the college. I would highly recommend the National Training Centre for the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork or any of the other courses they offer.
I started the NTC Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork in October '22 having enjoyed Pilates for some years and wanted to progress my own knowledge and experience in Pilates. I began the course not really grasping how intensive the course was but really enjoyed it from Day 1 and have not regretted a minute of it (well maybe on mornings of exams but that was forgotten once exam was over). The structure of the course being in-house every second Saturday and then online Theory Lectures on a Thursday night are great. It gives the personal experience as well as the flexibility of online theory. The knowledge of all the tutors is immense, especially Janette and Noeleen who have so much experience and can pass it on in a way that encourages and educates in one. All the tutors (Noeleen, Janette, Kevin, Grainne and Sinead) are so helpful and approachable that it makes the learning so much easier. The course material is very thorough but is broken up well so you can find information very easily. And the online demos of all movements is really great and something I went back to many times - even when just doing my own practice. The course was so informative and fun that I now really want to use the qualification so am planning my teaching career over the next few weeks. The advanced areas such as Pregnancy and Special Populations is so good and brought it right through the course so it is shows its relavance to all areas of Pilates. The other students and the tutors made the course good fun - and everyone was so encouraging. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend doing this course to anyone with an interest in Pilates and wants to take their own interest/practice to another level.
Just a short note to say a very big thank you to you (Noeleen), Janette, Orna and Maeve for all your help, encouragement and support over the last 6 months. When I started the course, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to get there! But with your combined teaching skills, knowledge and support I could feel myself getting there over time. The service you provide offers many people a way to change the direction of their lives and to be able to do that is truly remarkable. It was a really great experience and I will miss you and all the class. Best of luck to you all in your future endeavours!
Hi there, I did my Pilates course with you last year and I would like to leave a testimonial for your page. The more experience I get teaching Pilates and finding out more information about it, the more I realize how great course you taught us. We all know that Pilates is a great form of exercise, but I have to add that your training centre and your teachers Noeleen, Janette, and Maeve are great tutors and I was very lucky to have learned with them. Thank you so much. I think you deliver the best Pilates course in Ireland. Well done - Rosane
(Remember there's even more info in the FAQ section below)
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on building strength, flexibility, and control in the body through precise movements and mindful breathing. It was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and has since become a popular form of exercise practiced around the world.
Pilates is extremely popular with sports people and those involved in the arts with well known exponents including Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Hugh Grant, Cameron Diaz, Sylvester Stallone, Kate Hudson, Tiger Woods, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Lady Gaga, Roger Federer, Reese Witherspoon and David Beckham.
Pilates exercises are designed to target the deep muscles of the body, particularly those of the core, which help to support the spine and improve posture. Pilates movements are typically low-impact and emphasise controlled, flowing movements that engage the whole body.
The practice of Pilates has been shown to improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and overall body awareness, making it a popular form of exercise for individuals of all fitness levels.
Successful completion of this Pilates diploma will offer you the opportunity to work within the health fitness industry (gyms, fitness centres, etc.) or in a self employed capacity as a highly respected, and in high demand, Pilates teacher.
Graduates will have the knowledge, skills and qualification to offer safe and effective Pilates instruction to the general public, on either an individual or group basis, in a safe and effective manner.
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is accredited at European Qualification Framework (EQF) Level 4. This is the highest standard that can be achieved in qualification as a Pilates teacher in Europe.
REPs Ireland has approved NTC following audit and confirmed that the qualification aligns to the REPs Ireland/European Fitness Standards for:
The accreditation directly relates to the sector-specific benchmarks established by Europe Active, aimed at ensuring a high level of professional education within the fitness industry across EU member states.
The programme covers all relevant areas including The complete Joseph Pilates repertoire, Anatomy and Physiology, Pilates small equipment, Pilates group and 1-2-1, Pilates for Special Populations (Pre and post natal, older clients, rehabilitative adaptations, etc.) and more.
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork programme comprehensively covers all aspects of anatomy and physiology relevant to Pilates instruction. Graduates will have the knowledge needed to provide their Pilates clients with safe and effective instruction.
This course teaches students the complete repertoire of Joseph Pilates, which includes online access through the NTC Learning Portal to video demonstrations of the full repertoire. By mastering this repertoire, students will gain the ability to teach the strong and stable core required for improved functional movement and reduced pain.
Students will also learn about static and dynamic posture, which is crucial to promoting healthy and functional movement patterns. In addition to Pilates instruction, the Role of the Pilates Instructor module provides students with an introduction to sales and marketing skills and knowledge, empowering them to build and develop their own successful Pilates business.
The fee for the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork course is €2,450.00.
Places may be booked by payment of a deposit of €750.00 with the balance of €1,700.00 due on the Friday before the course start date.
A discount of €250.00 is available when total fees of €2,200.00 (either in a single payment or by payment of a deposit and balance) are paid at least one calendar month prior to the course start date.
Graduates of the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training and National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy receive a 10% discount off course fees.
The cost of all programme documentation and examination fees are included within the course fee.
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is open to all individuals, with or without formal training, who have an interest in human movement studies, anatomy and physiology.
NTC graduates who have successfully completed the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies or the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy within the last 5 years are eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning for the anatomy and physiology module.
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork programme covers all relevant areas including:
UNIT 1
Exercise and Health Science Knowledge
UNIT 2
Health safety and welfare in a fitness environment
UNIT 3
How to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity
UNIT 4
Principles and fundamentals of mat based Pilates
UNIT 5
Plan and prepare to instruct a progressive mat based Pilates session (group and 1-2-1)
UNIT 6
Instruct, manage, adapt and evaluate a mat Pilates session (group and 1-2-1)
UNIT 7
Integration of small equipment into the matwork repertoire to include:
UNIT 8
Pilates matwork adaptations for special populations to include:
Study is supported through an online Learning Portal with documents and quizzes designed to test each students knowledge as they progress through the course.
You can also access the complete original Joseph Pilates repertoire in video format through the Portal. A sample video is shown below.
Information about schedules, locations and start dates for the course
National Training Centre, Dublin 7
Saturday Course
SEPTEMBER 14th 2024National Training Centre, Dublin 7
Saturday Course
SEPTEMBER 28th 2024Only fully qualified tutors deliver the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork, with each tutor having recognised industry and educational experience in their individual fields.
Gráinne is a dedicated fitness professional who has been actively involved in the industry since the mid-90s when she trained with NTC and qualified as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Although her career took a detour, her passion for exercise and fitness never waned. In 2014, she returned to NTC to renew her qualifications and, motivated by her desire to deepen her knowledge, subsequently completed the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork.
Driven to excel in her field, Gráinne continued her education with BASI, a leading provider of Pilates teacher training, where she attended various workshops and pursued further education under the tutelage of world-renowned instructors such as Rael Isacowitz, Susan Church, Michael King, and Anula Maiberg. Gráinne’s commitment to education and continuous learning has enabled her to remain at the forefront of the fitness industry, keeping her skills and knowledge current and relevant.
In addition to her Pilates training, Gráinne is also a qualified yoga teacher, which has given her a well-rounded and holistic approach to fitness. Her passion for health and fitness led her to start her own business, Grá For Fitness, in 2016. Through her business, Gráinne offers public and corporate classes and works with individuals to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. Her approach is tailored to the individual needs of her clients, and her experience and knowledge enable her to provide customised and effective programs.
Furthermore, Gráinne has taken her passion for Pilates to the next level and is now an instructor on the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork program at NTC. This role allows her to share her knowledge and expertise with future generations of fitness professionals and help to shape the next generation of the industry.
Overall, Gráinne’s commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for fitness and wellness have made her a respected and sought-after professional in the industry. Her dedication to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals is a testament to her expertise and experience, and she continues to inspire and educate others in her role as a Pilates instructor and fitness professional.
Kevin graduated from St. Mary’s University College with a Bachelor of Education degree and has spent the last 18 years working as a Primary School teacher.
In 2013, he embarked on a different path, pursuing his interest in Health & Fitness, by gaining a qualification in Sports Science and Conditioning from the Open University.
Having used Pilates in his own sporting endeavours to aid performance, Kevin furthered his Pilates knowledge and experience by qualifying from the NTC in 2016 with the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork.
Since then, he has developed his passion of using Pilates for rehabilitation and performance by working with elite G.A.A. clubs as well as Inter County teams.
Kevin has also created a school specific digital well-being programme for the Primary and Post-Primary school sector; ‘Primary Pilates & Mindfulness’.
He is a tutor on the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork in NTC.
Sinéad qualified from NTC in 2013 with the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork and previously completed the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training.
Sinéad began working for herself in 2014. Through her business, SNC Pilates, she has been teaching group and private Pilates classes and corporate wellness sessions.
Since graduating from NTC, Sinéad has also received qualifications in Mat and Reformer Pilates and is a qualified Yoga instructor.
Val Keeley is the NTC’s Internal Quality Assurer (IQA).
Val has been involved in the fitness industry for three decades first as a club owner before developing her career as a tutor, assessor, IQA and an External Quality Assurer for leading awarding bodies.
She has been instrumental in developing course content and materials for fitness courses both in the UK, Reps India, Reps UAE, and Reps Ireland.
Val is passionate about quality assurance and supporting individuals and business in meeting external quality assurance and compliance expectations
The National Training Centre have been delivering respected educational programmes since 1985 and during that time we have had many questions asked by potential students before registration. Here you can find the answers to the questions we receive most often.
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No. As the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork course is a primary qualification it is open to all individuals.
Yes. The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is accredited by REPs Ireland, which independently verifies exercise professional qualifications to the international standards that have been developed and published by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
REPs Ireland operates independently of all Education Providers and facilities and works to maintain professional standards in the industry.
All approved REPs Ireland Education Providers are independently audited every 2 years and adhere to agreed terms and standards.
Yes. The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is fully accredited by REPs Ireland which allows for international recognition via the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPS) which is an international partnership between bodies around the world that register exercise professionals.
On successful completion you will be able to offer Pilates classes to the general public or integrate Pilates principles and methodologies in therapy and wellness if you are already qualified in that area.
Demand for Pilates is increasing all the time with many popular classes fully booked weeks or months in advance. Your earning potential will be determined by the number of classes you offer and the number of participants in each class. It is not unusual for qualified Pilates instructors to earn in excess of €1,000 per week.
The number of classes you decide to offer each week will be determined by your own commitment.
One of the best things about qualifying as a Pilates teacher is that you can decide how many hours a day you want to work and therefore regulate your own earning potential.
Pilates teachers generally offer their classes directly to the public or within fitness centres.
There are many opportunities for qualified teachers as the popularity of Pilates increases rapidly with many of those in the public eye proclaiming the benefits they have received and with many professional sporting teams and organisations adopting Pilates as a core element of their conditioning regime.
It should be noted that as with all professional qualifications at all levels, individual success will be result driven and will be in proportion to the time, effort and dedication you are prepared to offer the profession. Many National Training Centre graduates have started their careers on a part-time basis and have seen this aspect of their professional life overtake their full time career to become their primary or only occupation and source of income.
The course is available in Dublin, at the National Training Centre and in Waterford City at Waterford Marine Search and Rescue.
The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is delivered over a six month period with onsite classes taking place two Saturdays per month and online lectures delivered on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
No – there is no installment payment option for the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork. Course fees must be fully paid by the course start date.
Students of the National Training Centre regularly receive part funding through the Department of Social Protection’s Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) scheme.
Individual students will need to contact their Local Employment Services (LES) facilitator to establish their eligibility.
For those who hold a recognised fitness instructor qualification which is recognised by REPs Ireland are eligible for up to 25% funding through the Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.
For assistance please contact the NTC office of administration on 01 882 7777.
Students of the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork course are assessed through both written and practical examination at the end of each course.
Students must also complete and submit various tasks contained within the Learner Workbook over the duration of the programme.
Work experience is not compulsory on the Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork course.
Students who do wish to participate in work experience are actively encouraged and supported administratively as much as possible.
80% – to 90% of students participating on the course will successfully complete all of their final examinations on the first attempt. Of the remainder most will need to repeat one exam with a small number having to repeat more than one exam.
Every individual’s ability to succeed will be in direct proportion to the number of tutorials attended and the commitment and time and effort they are prepared to commit to their studies.
The National Training Centre’s code of ethics requires that all NTC graduates who are actively working with the public, hold a professional indemnity insurance policy which covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was received by following the graduate’s professional advice. Graduates who are working on private premises may also need to hold public liability insurance if such cover is not held by the owners of the premises.
The National Training Centre have a customised insurance scheme with discounted rates available exclusively to those who have qualified with NTC. The policy is one of the broadest available including many important features that other policies may not offer.
The policy has been arranged through Balens Ltd and the insurer for the scheme is the Zurich and DAS Legal Expenses.
Balens are a very well established, fourth generation family-run business dedicated to looking after health professionals. They are built on solid roots going back to 1950 and are pioneers in the development of top quality cover for all types of health professionals with special rates and industry leading cover that has been developing and improving over 22 years in this speciality.
The scheme will cover thousands of other therapies/activities you may require cover for and many at no extra premium subject to suitable qualification held.
Some of the features covered in the policy consist of Medical Malpractice, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Product Liability, Loss of Reputation, Breach of Intellectual Property, Client Confidentiality Protection, Loss of Documents cover, First Aid cover as well as Good Samaritan Acts.
The indemnity limit is €4,000,000 per claim for the Republic of Ireland.
Unlike some other policies on the market, an unlimited number of claims may be made for any year and unlimited legal defence costs are also included.
Also included, at no extra charge, is retroactive cover to pick up any previous insured work.
Temporary cover abroad (excluding USA/Canada which is available on request) is available with no time restrictions and at no additional premium as long as you are a UK/Ireland resident.
If you cease to practice Balens include unlimited run off cover which means the policy will always be in place if a claim was made after you stop the policy running and this is also free of charge.
For further information or proposal form, please contact Balens directly on 00441684 580771 or e-mail- info@balens.co.uk
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ONSITE LESSONS
Practical classes take place either at NTC or SPORTSCO, Ringsend, Dublin 4
Saturday from 10:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm
October 2024 – 12th♦, 19th, 26th
November 2024 – 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th
December 2024 – 7th, 14th
January 2025 – 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th♦
February 2025 – 1st, 8th♦, 15th, 22nd
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦
ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
(Recordings available afterwards)
October 2024 – 15th, 17th, 22nd, 29th, 31st
November 2024 – 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th
December 2024 – 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th
January 2025 – 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th
PROVISIONAL PRACTICAL EXAMINATION DATES
February 2025 – 23rd March 2025 – 1st, 2nd
(Individual and group times will be issued by the NTC examination’s office)
OPTIONAL FREE COURSE
National Qualification in Kettlebell Training
January 19th, 2025 – Sunday from 10:00-17:00
ON SITE LESSONS
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
September 2024 – 14th, 28th
October 2024 – 12th
November 2024 – 2nd, 16th, 30th
December 2024 – 14th
January 2025 – 4th, 18th
February 2025 – 1st, 22nd (Summative Assessment)
ONLINE LESSONS
Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
September 2024 – 19th, 26th
October 2024 – 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
November 2024 – 7th, 14th
December 2024 – 5th, 12th
January 2025 – 23rd
ON SITE LESSONS
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
September 2024 – 28th
October 2024 – 12th, 26th
November 2024 – 9th, 23rd
December 2024 – 7th
January 2025 – 4th, 18th
February 2025 – 1st, 15th
March 2025 – 1st (Summative Assessment)
ONLINE LESSONS
Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
October 2024 – 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
November 2024 – 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
January 2025 – 9th, 16th, 23rd
ON SITE LESSONS
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
January 2025 – 25th
February 2025 – 8th, 22nd
March 2025 – 8th, 22nd
April 2025 – 5th, 26th
May 2025 – 10th, 24th
June 2025 – 7th
June 2024 – 21st (Summative Assessment)
ONLINE LESSONS
Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
January 2025 – 30th
February 2025 – 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
March 2025 – 8th, 22nd
April 2025 – 24th
May 2025 – 1st, 22nd
ON SITE LESSONS
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
May 2025 – 17th, 31st
June 2025 – 14th, 28th
July 2025 – 12th, 26th
August 2025 – 9th, 23rd
September 2025 – 6th, 20th
October 2025 – 4th (Summative Assessment)
ONLINE LESSONS
Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
May 2025 – 22nd, 29th
June 2025 – 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
July 2025 – 3rd, 10th
August 2025 – 7th, 14th
September 2025 – 11th
ON SITE LESSONS
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
September 2025 – 6th, 20th
October 2025 – 11th, 25th
November 2025 – 8th, 29th
December 2025 – 13th
January 2026 – 10th, 24th
February 2026 – 7th, 21st (Summative Assessment)
ONLINE LESSONS
Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
September 2025 – 11th, 18th, 25th
October 2025 – 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
November 2025 – 6th, 27th
December 2025 – 4th
January 2026 – 29th