The NCEF Pilates & Corrective Exercise specialist module is for qualified Fitness Instructors who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills to work as a Pilates & Corrective Exercise Specialist.

You will be qualified to teach Pilates classes within a gym/leisure facility or teach freelance in local community centres, sports halls, studios etc. Pilates Specialists often work one to one with clients or small groups to identify posture conditions and/or rehabilitate injuries through Pilates. Pilates Specialists have extensive anatomical and physiological knowledge and programming skills.

All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL).

• University of Limerick Accredited

• 30 ECTS Credits which can be used towards the Higher Certificate or Diploma or BSc in Exercise and Health Fitness or towards other University qualifications across Europe

• Successful students will receive an NCEF Certificate of Completion

The NCEF Pilates & Corrective Exercise specialist module covers all aspects of teaching a Pilates class, including class/programme planning, personal technique and group instructional skills, advanced Pilates programming, advanced posture assessment, corrective exercises and techniques and the use of Pilates with various special populations.

SS3131 Introduction to Pilates & Corrective Exercise

• History and benefit of Pilates

• Principles of Pilates

• Structural goals

• Lifetime benefits of Pilates

• Pilates for sports performance

• Benefits of Pilates for rehabilitation, disease, ageing

• Roles and functions of the Pilates & Corrective Exercise Specialist

• Placement of Pilates in exercise & health fitness

SS3141 Anatomical and Physiological Aspects of Pilates & Corrective Exercise

• Joints

• Key muscles affecting the neck, shoulder, chest, back, trunk, core, legs, hips, glutes

• Breathing mechanics

• Joint actions

• Core stabilizing muscles, core strength and referral guidelines

SS3151 Methodology & Applications of Pilates & Corrective Exercise

• Programming - Basic principles

• Application of Pilates Method

• Postural conditions

• Posture analysis

• Functional assessment/movement assessment

• Guidelines for corrective exercise

• Motor learning

• Special populations, precautions and contra-indications

SS3161 Programme Development 1

• Programme planning for Pilates classes

• Modifications for posture conditions

• Sample workouts - beginner, intermediate and advanced

• Communication skills

• Warm up exercises

SS3171 Programme Development 2

• Main workout exercises

• Advanced exercises including equipment, Pilates props

Sessions with Master Trainers are also scheduled into the Pilates & Corrective Exercise timetable throughout the semester.

Pilates & Corrective Exercise Module – Fees

The fee for the Pilates & Corrective Exercise, module only, is €1,895.

Payment Options

Option 1: Full Payment

• Pay the full fee of €1,895 on acceptance of your place.

• This includes a non-refundable deposit of €995.

Option 2: Split Payment

• A non-refundable deposit of €995 is due on acceptance of your place.

• The remaining balance of €900 must be paid minimum 6 weeks before the module begins.

If you are completing Pilates & Corrective Exercise as part of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (Year 2), the cost is already included in your full programme fees.

Learner Protection

For your security, and in compliance with Section 65(4)(a) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, Learner Protection arrangements have been secured with Arachas Insurance. This provides cover in the unlikely event that NCEF ceases to deliver the programme before completion.

NCEF Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) Graduates and Current Recertified NCEF Level 1 Graduates:

• Completed online application form

• PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) is a prerequisite for the Pilates & Corrective Exercise specialist module & an industry requirement. All candidates must provide a current FAR certificate on application.

Expired NCEF/PEAI Level 1 holders (1987-2006) or those with equivalent health/fitness/exercise qualifications from other institutions or bodies:

Please apply through the NCEF/UL Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme

Click here for RPL application form

PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) is a prerequisite for the Pilates & Corrective Exercise Specialist module and an industry requirement.

Academic Year 2025/26

Commencing in the University of Limerick on Tuesday, 27th January 2026.

Provisional contact days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm, however as per UL policy, students must be available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm in the event that the timetable changes and classes are rescheduled.

Applications for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years are now open! Click here