BWY Teacher Training Diploma Course

This 500-hour national occupational course can take between two and four years to complete. Students explore a practical and theoretical syllabus that covers: anatomy and physiology (including common medical conditions), pranayama, history and philosophy of yoga and class management.

Unit 1 introduces anatomy and physiology and areas of caution in posture work. Various asanas are studied in depth and each student teacher prepares and teaches a simple breathing exercise and a relaxation. Also each student teacher delivers a talk on a Unit 1 related topic. Stress management is integral to this unit.

In Unit 2 the theory of prana and pranayama and subtle energy is studied in conjunction with the set book the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. More asanas are studied along with Shatkarmas (cleansing techniques), Mudras and Bandhas and lesson plans are studied, the latter in readiness for a first teaching practice. Each student teacher prepares and delivers a session on pranyama and mudra or bandha.

Meditation is studied in Unit 3 along with the other 3 set books—Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. More asanas are studied in depth and student teachers are now encouraged to teach a yoga session of between 45 minutes and 1 hour to their peers. They also prepare a talk on an aspect of Yoga philosophy and also teach a session on meditation. A second teaching practice is prepared and delivered. At this point in the course the student teachers are encouraged to begin teaching.

Unit 4 focuses on course plans and student teachers continue teaching their Yoga sessions and prepare and deliver a final class to be assessed. The course is in the process of being updated and will then consist of 3 units. Pilot courses are being run at present. The Anatomy and Physiology will be a separate part of the course.

Each Diploma course Tutor will teach in a slightly different way but adhering to the syllabus. There is some written work in each unit.

To be accepted onto a BWY Teaching Diploma course students will have practised yoga for over two years and will often have completed the BWY Foundation Course as well. They will have attended an introductory day.

Diploma Course Tutors
in Wales

  •  phone icon
    runs courses near Chester
  •  phone icon
    runs courses in Maesteg, South Wales
  •  phone icon
    runs courses in Maesteg, South Wales

There are no planned BWY Teacher Training Diploma Courses in Wales at the present time.

You may find other courses listed on the BWY national website(opens new window), or contact the Diploma Course Tutors (see top right) for more information.

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