Diploma in Alexander Technique

Modules Module 1: The musculoskeletal system and sensory perception

The first module will cover the musculoskeletal system and sensory perception in much detail. More importantly it will provide students with a solid anatomical and physiological basis to build on and develop throughout the course. Within this module students will look briefly at what can go wrong with above systems in terms of relevance to the Alexander Technique practitioner:

• Bones and bone formation
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Movement: how we move and the skeletal framework
• Sensory perception
• The five senses
• How we perceive special concepts and relate this to movement

Module 2: The evolution and relevance of the Alexander Technique

The technique has evolved over time and it is critical that students develop at least a basic understanding of how it has become what it is today. This section will go right back to its origin and explains how it has emerged through history to its present state. There will also be discussion about the relevance of the concepts within the technique and how it applies to modern life.

• F. M. Alexander and the origins of the Alexander Technique
• The use of the 'self' and taking responsibility for one's own health and wellbeing
• Raising awareness of the 'self' and re-education in order to embed new concepts and behaviour
• Changing behaviour, reinforcement and cognitive processes including looking at psychology associated with these concepts, and how behaviour changes are facilitated and maintained relevant to the technique
• The psychology of the 'self' and how concepts of change relate to it

Module 3: Inhibition, thinking and breathing

The manner in which everybody breathes can affect the posture of any individual. In order to maintain good posture, good breathing is crucial and also for self-awareness. Specific breathing techniques and patterns can be adopted to promote a cycle of non-harm to ultimately achieve that good posture that is desired and raise physical awareness.

• Breathing, and the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and breathing process; how oxygen absorption is relevant to muscle and movement
• Natural or unconscious inhibition
• Conscious inhibition
• Thinking and being
• Tension release
• Learning direction

Module 4: Basic movement and normal postures

We all have a range of everyday movements and postures which we engage in without thought. In this module we look at these movements and examine the rationale behind some of their applications. This section introduces students to the beginning of seeing where the Alexander Technique 'fits' into a 'remedial' cycle and also how it can be relevant to promotion of a positive process of movement and harm prevention. It will look at the following subject areas and how they can affect it:

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Various activities such as driving, reaching for things, sitting at a desk, working on a computer, carrying shopping, sitting on a sofa etc.

Module 5: Stress reduction and tension release

Stress can take many forms and can have both positive and negative effects on individuals. Many theorists have come up with ways to define what stress is and the list of events that cause it is endless. Stress is a major problem in everyday modern life and can be minor such as feeling pressure at work to actually taking time off and receiving medication.

Tense muscles can result in harmful posture and movement of the body. In order to reduce stress we first have to understand the physiology or 'mechanics' behind the process and then look at the adjustments and changes necessary to reduce and relive this cycle.

• What is stress? We look at the physiology behind the stress response and the link between right and left side of the brain relevant to the Alexander Technique
• We look at how increasing levels of stress elicits tension thus affecting movement and posture
• We demonstrate and discuss exercises to promote self-awareness and reduce stress
• We demonstrate and discuss the semi-supine position and how this promotes tension release and stress reduction
• We demonstrate and discuss standing from the semi-supine position

Module 6: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 1

This is the first of three modules where specific postures and techniques are described and discussed in much detail. Each posture and technique will be explained in full and instruction on how to convey the posture and ensure correct application will also be given to give the best results.

Students will also be given information on the teaching and lesson process from both a practitioner and client perspective in all 3 lessons. This module will contain drawings, images and graphical representations as aids to study and best enhance the students learning capabilities. You may also need to practice the postures yourself and/or engage a volunteer in order to gain more from the experience.

Module 7: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 2

This is the second of three modules where specific postures and techniques are described and discussed, and it will follow on logically from module 6, building a comprehensive library from which the student can develop their practical skills.

Module 8: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 3

This is the third and final module where specific postures and techniques will be described and discussed. This module will also present a 'generic' lesson format which is intended to give the student practitioner/teacher a working example.

Module 9: Alexander Technique applications

In this module students will look at specific applications or situational context in which the Alexander Technique may be used in isolation, or as part of a collaborative programme:

• Sports and fitness: this may be in order to achieve better level of fitness or for amateur or professional athletes wishing to develop correct posture and movement skills relevant to sports performance
• Pregnancy and birth
• Performers such as musicians and singers: here, for example the correct posture and breathing can prevent injury and pain, in addition to which will be a positive tool to enhance performance
• Health care workers: here for example, correct posture will help prevention of injuries due to lifting etc.
• Individuals with musculoskeletal conditions: management of painful conditions, pain management and improved function
• Other relevant applications

Module 10: Practitioner responsibilities

In the last module, students deals with when working with the general public. In any context, it is important that you have knowledge of specific legislation and frameworks relevant to practitioner responsibility, public liability and therapeutic environments to ensure the safety of all parties involved with the technique. This module seeks to address some of these issues, giving the student practitioner the basic knowledge of how to set up an Alexander Technique practice.

• Ethical considerations such as data protection, issues of confidentiality etc.
• Professional codes of conduct
• Professional bodies and affiliation
• Training and professional development Business considerations such as public liability, premises legislation, record keeping and documentation, fees and client contracts etc.

Entry Requirements

All students must be 16 years of age and above.

Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.

Study Hours

Approximately 20 hours per unit

Assessment Method

Final online multiple choice examination.

Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.

Award

Diploma in Alexander Technique

This course is Quality Assured by the Quality Licence Scheme

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the details of all the units the learner has completed as part of the course). Please note that this ABC certificate is only available to students enrolling on or after 01.04.15.

The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Oxford Learning College has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet certain quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to an Ofqual regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills towards regulated qualifications in the future.

The unit summary can be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this sector. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The course itself has been designed by Oxford Learning College to meet specific learners' and/or employers' requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. ABC Awards endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

ABC Awards is a leading national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, and the Welsh Government. It has a long-established reputation for developing and awarding high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. As a registered charity, ABC Awards combines 180 years of expertise but also implements a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers. Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards also offers Ofqual regulated qualifications for all ages and abilities post-14; all are developed with the support of relevant stakeholders to ensure that they meet the needs and standards of employers across the UK.

How can I progress

For more information on how to progress after completing this course, please click here

Additional Information

You will receive a certificate from the College. A digital version is included in the price and will be emailed to you within 5 days of taking your online exam.

Should you require an embossed hard copy of your certificate to be sent to you by Special Delivery post, you can order this separately after taking your exam.

The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

To view the differences between our qualifications, please click HERE

What's Included

Online study materials to enable the student to successfully complete the Diploma. Support is provided by the tutor department for the duration of the course (1 year). Certification upon completion. All examination fees.