The Honours Degree massage course involves significant training in Massage techniques for registration as a massage therapist. The course consists of applied, active training programmes and the theoretical foundations underpinning the promotion of wellness and optimal body function through massage/bodywork, physical activity, stress management techniques and exercise programming. Students also develop their communication, presentation, social  andsocial and research skills. The massage course engages significantly with local and regional communities to ensure core skills are developed in realistic settings.

The Health and Leisure with Massage course was the first BSc programme in Ireland with significant massage content. The programme emphasises community engagement, relevant massage practice, wellness education, and the importance of a broad skills set. Students can expect to become more confident in professional skills, life skills and in communicating the theoretical basis for concepts in health and leisure. Graduates will have HETAC qualifications, massage therapist registration and may also be eligible for professional fitness instructor registration.

Graduates will be able to operate within a positive strengths approach to promote wellness, and optimal functioning. Graduates will be wellness educators with a specialist knowledge and practice in massage therapy. They will be equipped to work in a variety of settings such as health and leisure centres, health promotion, spa/wellness centres, hotels, mainstream and special-needs schools, community centres, clinical settings,work places and in the private / entrepreneurial area, being competent to specialise in hands-on relaxation massage techniques, aquatic therapy, activity leadership, remedial and orthopaedic massage. Graduates will operate within a positive strengths approach to promote wellness and optimal functioning through the use of: massage/body work; aquatic exercise therapy; exercise programming; posture cultivation, stress management, physical activity and fitness testing.