Listing Awarding Bodies
WhichCollege.ie provides an overview of awarding bodies operating in Ireland, the UK, and internationally. While many postgraduate qualifications are issued by organisations with statutory authority, a wide range of professional bodies also grant their own awards linked to advanced study. Although most Irish courses lead to qualifications from domestic awarding bodies, some programmes result in international or non‑Irish awards, depending on the institution or field of study.
A number of Irish institutions act both as education providers and as awarding bodies in their own right. This includes the Irish universities and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), which have the authority to confer postgraduate qualifications.
An academic award (whether a degree, diploma, or certificate) is granted when a learner successfully completes a recognised programme of higher education at undergraduate or postgraduate level. These awards are issued by designated awarding bodies and are aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ distinguishes between major and non‑major awards, with the latter covering minor, special‑purpose, and supplemental awards.
Major awards represent the primary qualification type at each NFQ level and correspond to substantial learning achievements. Examples include an Honours Bachelor Degree at Level 8, a Master’s Degree at Level 9, and a Doctoral Degree at Level 10.
Recent legislative changes have streamlined Ireland’s qualifications system, reducing the number of statutory awarding bodies. The responsibilities previously held by organisations such as the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA), the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA), Solas, Teagasc, CERT, and Bord Iascaigh Mhara have been consolidated under the awards councils FETAC and HETAC.
Below, WhichCollege.ie outlines the awarding bodies responsible for certification across Ireland and the UK.
The Amatsu Association of Ireland trains and accredits amatsu practitioners in Ireland.
Amatsu is a modern interpretation of an ancient Japanese physical therapy. Amatsu originated more than 5,000 years ago. Its fundamental principle is that good health requires balance within the body and the mind. In addition, amatsu pays attention to what people eat and drink, and how they interact with the world.
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Dennis Bartram and William Doolan pioneered the development of Amatsu in the West.
William Doolan, who practices in Dun Laoghaire, is one of the foremost Amatsu teachers and practitioners in the Western World. As a result, Ireland is to the forefront of Amatsu therapy in Europe. It is home to one of the few teaching centres outside of Japan.
The Amatsu Association of Ireland represents recognised Amatsu therapists who have completed a comprehensive study, training and experience programme. It is affiliated to the Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations.
Education and Training
The Amatsu Association of Ireland offers amatsu training courses through the Amatsu Institute of Natural Health. This is a part-time course and it takes place over 10 weekends. The Amatsu Association of Ireland accredits this course.
