Diploma in Vitalist Nutrition and Reflexology
The complete professional training in herbal medicine. Four years of study, clinical practice, and apprenticeship, leading to qualification as a Master Herbalist.
A professional training programme combining reflexology with organic plant-based nutrition and vitalistic healing principles. Learn to treat the whole person, not just the symptom.
Course Delivery
Online + 9 Practical Saturdays
Duration
14 Months part-time equivalent
Start Date
21 September 2026. Enrolment now open
Fees
€2,500 (from €875 with funding)
Reflexology has become one of the most popular and accessible natural healing therapies. This diploma goes further than a standard reflexology qualification; it grounds your practice in vitalistic principles, organic plant-based nutrition, and an understanding of the mind-body connection.
Where many reflexology courses teach technique alone, this programme teaches you to understand why symptoms arise, how diet and emotional wellbeing are connected to physical health, and how to support your clients holistically. Graduates leave not just as reflexologists, but as informed natural health practitioners.
The course is suitable for those who want to begin a new career in natural health, and for existing practitioners who want to add reflexology to their existing practice.
Reflexology with a deeper foundation
What students say about the course
Annie Brennan and Lia O'Reilly both completed the Vitalistic Nutrition and Reflexology Diploma at Core College. In this short film, they talk about what surprised them most about the course, how the nutrition component changed the way they think about health, and what they are doing with their qualification now.
The video also includes a demonstration of a reflexology treatment and an explanation of the reflex zones, useful if you are new to reflexology and want to understand what the practical sessions involve.
Online learning with hands-on practical days
The academic content of the course is delivered online through a structured programme of video lessons, podcasts, and guided reading. You are assigned a personal tutor who moderates group discussions and is available to answer questions throughout the year.
We recommend approximately one hour of study per day, based on five days a week. The course is designed to fit around existing work and family commitments.
Online academic content
Video lessons, podcasts, and guided reading are delivered through the Core College platform. Study at your own pace, with tutor support throughout.
Nine practical Saturdays
Full-day practical sessions are held approximately once a month at Core College, Castlecomer. These cover hands-on reflexology technique, treatment sequencing, and condition-specific approaches.
Optional Wednesday evenings
Additional evening sessions are held approximately once a month for students who want extra contact time with tutors and peers. These are optional but recommended.
Personal tutor support
Each student is assigned a personal tutor who moderates group discussions and is available to answer queries throughout the programme.
Saturday practical dates 2026/27
Nine full Saturdays are held at Core College, Castlecomer, approximately once a month throughout the academic year.
The course starts on Monday, 21 September 2026. Practical days are as follows:
Saturday, 3 October 2026
Saturday, 31 October 2026
Saturday, 5 December 2026
2027 dates to be released soon.
Qualification
On successful completion of the programme and its assessments, students are awarded a Diploma in Organic Nutrition and Vitalistic Reflexology by Core College.
This is a professional qualification that prepares graduates for practice as reflexologists. Its holistic approach, covering nutrition, the mind-body connection, and vitalistic principles alongside reflexology techniques, means graduates are equipped to support clients in ways that go beyond standard reflexology practice.
Graduates are eligible to join the Irish Reflexologists' Institute and to apply for professional indemnity insurance.
Irish Reflexologists' Institute
Graduates are eligible for membership
Insurance
Graduates are eligible for professional indemnity insurance
Image Skillnet Funding
Up to 65% funding for eligible students in the Republic of Ireland
In their own words
“We had great fun doing the course, it was therapy, medicine, just, you know, it was so relaxing coming up every day doing it.”
— Annie Brennan. Graduate“I absolutely loved the reflexology course, I really enjoyed it. I learned so much about it, and it's a deeper connection between mind and body. I highly recommend it to everyone.”
— Lia O'Reilly. GraduateNext steps ❋
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On successful completion of the programme and its assessments, students are awarded a Diploma in Organic Nutrition and Vitalistic Reflexology by Core College.
This is a professional qualification that prepares graduates for practice as reflexologists. Its holistic approach, covering nutrition, the mind-body connection, and vitalistic principles alongside reflexology technique, means graduates are equipped to support clients in a way that goes beyond standard reflexology practice.
Graduates are eligible to join the Irish Reflexologists' Institute and to apply for professional indemnity insurance.
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Study fees are €2,500. However, students who are employed and residing in the Republic of Ireland are eligible for 65% funding through the Image Skillnet, reducing their payment to just €875.
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The next course commences on the 21st of September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The course is designed for people who are new to reflexology as well as existing practitioners who want to add it to their practice. No prior qualifications are required.
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Yes. The online content is self-paced and we recommend approximately one hour of study per day, five days a week. The nine practical Saturdays are scheduled in advance so you can plan around them.
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Image Skillnet is a government-supported training network. If you are employed and living in the Republic of Ireland, you may be eligible for up to 65% funding, reducing your fee from €2,500 to €875. We can explain the process on your Discovery Call.
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All practical days are held at Core College, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. Students travelling from outside the area are welcome, the campus is accessible by car, and there is accommodation nearby.
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Graduates practice as reflexologists in private practice, wellness centres, and integrated health settings. The nutrition component also allows graduates to advise clients on diet and lifestyle as part of a holistic treatment approach.
Book a Discovery Call
Not sure if this is the right path for you? A Discovery Call is the best place to start.
A 20-minute Discovery Call gives you the opportunity to ask questions, understand how the course works in practice, and get a clear sense of whether it is the right step for you.
There is no pressure and no obligation. Many students tell us that this conversation simply made the decision feel clear.
You can simply phone the college during office hours to arrange this. The phone number is +353 56 4440254.