Yoga Foundation Course
This accredited online yoga foundation course is designed for those who already practice yoga, or those who wish to begin and have little knowledge of the origin, philosophy and different teachings of yoga. It is an ideal starting point for those who wish to learn more on their path to becoming a teacher. A home study course that will broaden one's understanding of the basic principles and, upon completion, enable a new way of thinking, bringing a deeper awareness and perhaps a new way of life.
Units: 1-8
Study Hours: 200
Credits: 20
Time: Estimated 12 months (timing up to you)
Enrolment period: 2 years (with option to extend)
Book: The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
Certification: Foundation Diploma in Yoga
Study Options: Correspondence (paper) or e-learning (online)
What is involved with this course?
You learn from home about the philosophy, principles and methodologies that underpin yoga, to deepen your understanding of the practice and complement any classes you may already be attending.
After enrolling, each student receives a printed course manual in an easy to use ring binder and a course textbook. You will also be assigned your own personal tutor who will mark your assignments and support you along the way.
The Yoga Foundation Course is made up of 8 units:
Unit 1
An introduction to Yoga
What is Yoga?
A Brief History of Yoga
The Many Paths of yoga
The Contemporary Schools of Yoga
The Foundations of Yoga Practice
Unit 2
An introduction to human anatomy, physiology and nutrition in relation to the practice of yoga
The relevance of modern anatomy & physiology to yoga
Our subtle anatomy and physiology
The importance of good nutrition for an aspiring yogi!
Unit 3
The practice of asana
How should we practice asana?
What are the similarities between different asana?
Establishing your own daily asana practice
Studying specific asana
Creating your own asana sequences for personal practice
Unit 4
The breathing practices of yoga
Establishing a natural effortless breath
Your practice of pranayama
Introducing the bandhas
Unit 5
The art of relaxation
The importance of relaxation for everyone
Practicing relaxation
Unit 6
Yoga Theory & Philosophy
The Theory and Philosophy of Classical Yoga
An introduction to Vedanta
Unit 7
The Inner Practices of Classical Yoga
The Theory of Moving into Meditation
Your Meditation Practice
An introduction to Mantra
Unit 8
Course review and looking to the future
Quiz
Designing your own personal practice
Progressing in your studies
Accredited
Our Yoga Foundation Course is accredited by the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) and upon graduation you can register with the CMA. Established in 1993, the CMA is an international recognised association. Its primary aim is to promote ethical, responsible, professional complementary medicine to the public and the medical profession. The CMA is the largest register of natural therapists in the UK.
What will this course do for me?
Studying yoga can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience and with this home study course you can relax, take your time and learn at a pace to suit you. In this distance learning course you will learn many different aspects to yoga, including the basics of anatomy and physiology and the importance of nutrition and meditation, all of which play an important part in learning yoga. A brilliant ending to this course shows you how to fit yoga into your busy schedule and how you can incorporate its teachings into your daily routine, and maybe change your lifestyle for the better.
Learning yoga can also be beneficial to your health in numerous ways:
- Learn to let go of physical and mental tension
- Rehabilitate a back problem
- Alleviate habitual insomnia
- Increase physical strength and flexibility
- Help circulation
- Improve your immune system
- Alleviate respiratory problems
- Lower blood pressure
- Balance hormones
- Improve digestion
- Increase your feeling of wellbeing.
This course doesn't just have health benefits. Go further and learn the meanings behind the techniques, learn where it all started and how it is still growing and open your mind to the spiritual benefits of this ancient practice.
Who can do the course?
This course is open to anyone with a sincere interest to learn more about yoga. No prior knowledge is needed. The course is distance learning, therefore you can integrate it into your own life in a way to suit you. There are no exams so there’s no pressure. Feedback on your progress is given via your own personal tutor and continual assessment - it’s a stress free learning experience. We play a supporting role, here to guide you through the process if you feel you need help.
Course materials
When you enrol on one of our courses you get a lot more than a course sent in the post, you get movie lectures, your own personal tutor, support from the head office and tutorials. You will also have access to the Online Learning System and Student groups plus the two essential textbooks for the course.
Course manual
This study program has 8 units, each has learning outcomes at the beginning, so you can see what you will learn from each section before you begin. You will also find reading references throughout and a list of recommended books. There are also self-assessment questions with each unit so you can test your learning as you go. At the end of each unit there are one to two assignment questions to complete and send to your tutor for mentoring.
Personal tutor
When you enrol you will be assigned your personal tutor. All our tutors come from the world of natural health and have a strong passion for the holistic way of life, plus they are selected for their nurturing qualities. They will support you through your study answering any questions that arise and marking your activities. The faculty in the head office are also available to assist as and when required. We are here to help and you can ask for support whenever you need it.
Tutorials
The course includes a Skype or phone tutorial with your personal tutor. The tutorial is 20 minutes long and is scheduled 3-4 months after you enrol onto the course.
Movie & Audio lectures
A key part of your study material are the recorded lectures. These specially recorded live lectures with course author Amy Dadachanji provide a stimulating means of learning about the subject and help to bring the material to life.
Online Learning System
You will be able to access your course from anywhere at any time via the School’s Online Learning System. In the secure sign-in area you can view the course materials, watch the movie lectures, upload assignments and keep track of your study. You can also set and alter your study deadlines and contact other students via maps, teaching groups or instant chat.
Course Books
The course book has been specially selected as it contains a considerable body of information regarding the theory and practice of yoga and is an excellent text for understanding what yoga is all about.
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
T.K.V. Desikachar · ISBN 9780892817641
Desikachar is the son and student of Sri Krishnamacharya, who is said to be one of the greatest yogis of the modern era. B.K.S Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois and Indra Devi all studied with him in their early years. Desikachar himself lived and studied with his father until Krishnamacharya’s death in 1989.
In The Heart of Yoga Desikachar offers a distillation of his father’s teachings as well as his own personal approach. In particular, Desikachar focuses upon making yoga accessible to all individuals whatever their culture, sex, religion or state of health and so the style of yoga presented is very inclusive. The text covers a good spectrum of material, ranging from the theory behind many of the practical aspects of yoga to the more theoretical and philosophical. At the back of the book there is also a good translation of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which are central to a yogic way of living.
NUS Cards
As a registered member of the National Union of Students, UK students who enrol on this course can apply for a Totum card This provides discounts for many things such as travel, food shopping, electrical goods, cinema tickets, fashion etc. Just ask about this when you enrol with us and we can send you the details.
More information
We hope you choose to enrol with us. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Yoga Foundatiion Course please contact us, we are here to help.
Course fees & enrolling
You can enrol and pay online through the enrol section on the website.
Benefits of this course
- CMA accredited
- Adopt a new way of thinking
- Broaden the mind
- Improve your health and overall well being by practicing the poses
- Learn how to meditate
- Learn relaxation techniques to relieve stress and anxiety
- Improve flexibility
- Provides a solid foundation if further teacher training is wanted
- Clearly presented, easy to follow and thorough in content
- Personal tutors give guidance and feedback
- Highest level of support by post or email
- Study can be started and finished at any time
- Work at your own pace – timetable to suit you
- There are no exams
- Stress free learning experience
- Certificates are awarded on completing the course
- NUS extra student discount card for UK students
For further information please contact us and one of our team will be happy to help.