Course Overview
This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about Pilates and want to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to plan, deliver and evaluate safe and effective matwork sessions, whether working with individuals or groups. As an industry-recognised Level 3 qualification aligned with professional standards, it provides a strong foundation for both those entering the health and fitness sector and experienced practitioners looking to broaden their scope of practice and teaching opportunities.
It is ideal for aspiring Pilates instructors, as well as personal trainers, gym instructors, yoga teachers and other movement professionals who wish to broaden their scope of practice, deliver Pilates sessions to individuals or groups, and achieve an industry-recognised qualification that meets professional standards for Pilates instruction.
You will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan, deliver and evaluate effective Pilates matwork sessions for individuals and groups. You will learn about anatomy and physiology, the principles and fundamentals of Pilates, health and safety, and how to adapt exercises to meet a range of client needs. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on practical sessions, you will practise instructing, receive feedback and build confidence in your teaching ability. Throughout the course, you will complete a range of assessments, including session planning, client-based projects and observed teaching, to demonstrate your competence as a Pilates instructor.
You will be expected to actively engage with both the theoretical and practical elements of the course, demonstrating a commitment to developing your knowledge and teaching skills. This includes participating in practical sessions, undertaking independent study, and completing written assignments and coursework. You will be required to plan, deliver and evaluate Pilates matwork sessions, take part in observed assessments, and reflect on your performance to support your ongoing development. Professional behaviour, consistent attendance, and a willingness to practise and apply feedback are essential to successfully achieving the qualification.
After successfully completing this course, you can progress into employment as a Pilates matwork instructor, delivering sessions in gyms, studios, community settings or on a freelance basis. This industry-recognised qualification meets professional standards, enabling you to gain appropriate insurance and begin teaching clients with confidence. You may also choose to further develop your career by specialising in areas such as pre- and post-natal exercise, lower back pain management or working with clinical populations, or by progressing to additional fitness, wellbeing or advanced instructor qualifications to broaden your expertise and career opportunities.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, making it accessible to a wide range of learners, including those new to the health and fitness industry. However, a genuine interest in Pilates, movement, and health and wellbeing is important, along with a reasonable level of personal fitness to take part in practical sessions. You should be prepared to engage in both theoretical study and physical activity and have good communication skills to support your development as an instructor. A basic understanding of anatomy and physiology or some prior experience of exercise may be beneficial but is not essential, as this knowledge will be developed throughout the course.
This course is designed to support those currently working in the industry or looking to further develop their professional knowledge and skills. Delivery combines on-campus practical sessions with flexible blended learning, allowing you to develop your expertise alongside work and other commitments.
You will be required to attend campus on Saturdays from 09:00 to 16:00 on the following dates: 21 November, 28 November, 9 January, 16 January, 6 March, 13 March, 17 April, 24 April and 25 April. These sessions will include in-person teaching, practical activities and skills development workshops.
A further six hours of learning is timetabled on the remaining Saturdays, plus an additional six hours every Sunday. These sessions will be delivered through a flexible blended approach, which may include live online teaching using a range of communication technologies, workshops, industry-based activities, portfolio development, and on-campus support where required.
