Diploma Level Course
Certified by Yoga Alliance (500 Hour)
Applications open, next course November 2013
This course is suitable for those who have already received a 200 hour qualification through Yoga Alliance either here at BCY or elsewhere. The course is effectively a continuation of the 200 hour training, by adding an additional 300 hours study time you gain the full 500 hour diploma.
The 500 hour course allows you to expand and develop your existing knowledge with highly experienced teachers in a small group setting, leading to the highest possible level of certification by Yoga Alliance (500-hr level). This course supports your personal yoga journey, giving you the opportunity to explore yoga methods that particularly appeal to you. On completion of this course you will be able to teach Hatha Yoga plus two other "methods" or "traditions" of yoga of your choice e.g. Children's Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga etc. The course at this level gives you the opportunity to deepen and explore your own practice as a basis for your teaching AND the theory and methodology of teaching in the traditions of your choice. Moreover you will partake in an apprenticeship especially designed to meet your needs and bridge the gap between the yoga teacher training and your path as a yoga teacher.
This course is composed of
- 4 intensive 4-day study weekends (Thursday-Sunday) at BCY
- A 3 day Yoga retreat
- Minimum TWO intensives in specialist subjects of your choice - additional cost for the courses *
- An apprenticeship with a teacher of your choice or at BCY
- A one day assessment and examination covering all aspects of the course
- You will also complete some written assignments, undertake research and give presentations to your fellow students, and be asked to review/ reflect on your teaching experiences
Intensives include:*
Scaravelli, Ashtanga, Pregnancy, Mum-Baby/Postnatal, Childrens, Vinyasa Flow, or other suitable short course of your choice
Course Outline
See below for the "weekend" modules and please remember to also check your intensive dates and plan your apprenticeship dates in.
Module 1:
Dates: November 2013
Subjects:
- Teaching Yoga: Ethics and Lifestyle
- Pranayama practice and teaching methods
- Yoga Nidra- practice and teaching
- Hip opening postures
- Sequencing yoga asanas for intermediate students
- The History and Literature of Yoga- including The Yoga Sutras (chapters 3 & 4), Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Upanishads, The Vedas- introducing key texts for the course
Module 2
Dates: December 2013
Subjects:
- Further asana techniques for backbends and inversions
- Anatomy of the spine and common ailments
- Teaching techniques to heal shoulder, neck and backpain
- Overview of the nervous system and the positive effects of a yoga practice
- Deepening awareness of psychological and physiological aspects of breath and the Respiratory System
- Asana techniques for pregnancy
- Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
- Exploration of the physical, mental and emotional needs during pregnancy
- Techniques to incorporate pregnant women into a class
- Post-natal asana practice
- Pranayama practice and teaching methods
- Further Marketing
Module 3
Dates: March 2014
Subjects:
- Setting up and teaching yoga workshops & retreats
- Asana sequencing
- Deepening the forward bend- bringing intermediate students deeper into their practice
- Review of teaching methods
- Mindfulness practice and incorporating mindfulness into class
- Key texts and concepts of yoga including presentations from trainees
- Pranayama practice and teaching methods
Module 4
Dates: April 2014
Subjects:
- Teaching Hatha Flow & Vinyasa Flow classes
- Prana- connecting to the life-force class, the energetics of the practice and managing class energy
- Ujjayi breath & bandhas for lightness in the physical body, for core strength and for increasing prana
- You will learn to teach both beginners- with modification to make the practice accessible for them and intermediate students
- Sequences covered will include:
-Releasing to the forward bend
-Heart opening and backbends
-Working with stability in standing postures
-Incorporating Inversions to the flow
-Shoulders and hips
-Balance and bandha
-We will include some slow, held postures as a way of starting a class with a deeper level of release
NB this course may also be taken by students and trainees not on the whole 500 hour course
Module 5
Dates tbc in 2014
Subjects: A personal practice retreat taught by Laura Gilmore
- Living Dharma - integrating practice & teaching into life
- A summary- key teachings of yoga philosophy
- Deepening your own practice: intensive asana and pranayama workshop
- Review of asana, pranayama and meditation techniques
- Pranayama practice and teaching methods
- Review and reflection on the retreat process
Module 6
Dates April 2014
Exam & Teaching Assessment
Closing ceremony:
Date tbc, we will close the course with a ceremony and meal together.
In addition to the weekend modules you will:
- Complete two intensives chosen from the electives below: (separate cost specified for each intensive)
Ashtanga Yoga Level 1
Ashtanga Yoga Level 2
Children’s Yoga (details tbc)
Pregnancy Yoga
Postnatal / Mum-baby Yoga (not at BCY venue)
Vinyasa Flow
Scaravelli Intensive (this course is no longer run at BCY but we can provide details of courses elsewhere in the UK)
- And partake in an Apprenticeship to be arranged through your tutor with teacher(s) of your choice to cover areas of experience you and your tutor feel you need.
Other Dates:
Intensives take place at different times throughout the year. Trainees on the diploma level course must take 2 intensives, please check online for the intensives you prefer, apply for these intensives and keep the dates free.
Dates for apprenticeships will need to be confirmed independently with the teacher(s) you are working with.
How to apply - please click here for details of how to apply!
Applicants for the 500 hour course must ALREADY have the 200 hour qualification either from BCY or from elsewhere. You may then follow the application procedure outlined here.
BCY teacher trainees should apply by email to Laura Gilmore at
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on acceptance please pay your deposit promptly to hold the place.
Additional information
Payment:
Cost £1750, plus intensives
Intensive payments are made separately at time of booking.
If you have any queries contact us on 0117 924 4414 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dianne