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MSc - Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)

Are you wondering how to become an occupational therapist? Do you want to help others achieve their goals and help improve people's lives? Become a champion for the rights and beliefs of people to take part in the occupations that they need and value.

Our innovative occupational therapy degree is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) as the professional body and approved by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our degree is designed to equip you with the skills and professional qualifications required for you to become an occupational therapist.

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Accredited by:

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) cover image

Course Overview

The MSc Occupational Therapy degree at University of Cumbria provides you with excellent training to become a highly skilled and knowledgeable occupational therapist. We will support you to gain a wide range of up-to-date professional and practical skills so you can help people to do all the occupations they need and want to do. Our degree will enable you to become a part of a hugely diverse and person-centred profession which transforms people’s lives through occupation.  

Our programme offers you varied ways in which to learn with increased practical learning in a range of settings from classrooms, practical skills rooms such as our mock ward and flat. In our impressive simulation facilities, we will work with you to apply your theoretical learning to simulated real-world scenarios. These will enable you to build your confidence and skills in safe and supportive practice environments, before progressing to real-life cases. 

Throughout the two years of your Master's degree we provide you with at least 1,000 hours on placement in a variety of settings with children, adults, and older adults with physical, social, or mental health challenges. We have extensive practice placement providers and so can offer you a broad range of placements in physical, mental health, children’s services and learning disabilities. Travel to your placement may be up to 90 minutes each way, for some placements. Your final placement is elective, this means you can choose where your placement takes place within the United Kingdom or the wider world. Further information about what makes an eligible elective placement will be given at the beginning of the programme.

We are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and our Professional Body is the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). You will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and apply for membership RCOT upon graduation. Our graduates have an outstanding reputation making them sought after by a multitude of employers including the NHS, councils, private, voluntary, and independent sector organisations. 

On this course you will...

Be a member of a close-knit cohort and work in small groups with your peers, with excellent learning support from highly experienced occupational therapists.  
Benefit from our practical approach to teaching and learning in our purpose-built mock wards and flat as well as simulation suits.
Be fully supported by our teaching and student support teams, enabling you to learn your way.
Experience and learn from a range of practice placements which you are well prepared for with pre-placement practical skills and simulation learning.
Have a personal tutor who will support you throughout your time on the programme, providing extra academic and pastoral support.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationCarlisle - Fusehill Street
Institute Institute of Health
Mode of DeliveryFace to face, work integrated learning via practice placements.
Course DurationFull-time: 2 Years
Course Start PointSeptember
AwardMSc
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysCarlisle - Fusehill Street
All

Minimum entry requirements

2:2 or above

Honours degree

Tuition fees

£9,535

UK | Per year

Price is for 2025/6 year, subsequent year fee is subject to inflation.

16,900

International | Per year

Tuition Fees Policy

What our students and graduates say

Don’t worry about your age or seemingly irrelevant experience when it comes to occupational therapy. As long as you’re driven, have a purpose for studying OT, and some relevant experience in healthcare, you will succeed. It’s a career where life experiences enrich your performance as a budding clinician.

Claire Hyland

Claire is a current MSc Occupational Therapy student from Ireland. Having transitioned from an arts degree to occupational therapy, she completed her placement on the Isle of Man working in a reablement team, helping to ensure people stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Read Claire's story to find out more about her placement experiences.

Read Claire's Placement Story
The teaching staff on my MSc in occupational therapy at University of Cumbria were engaging and supportive and the assignments allow flexibility for you to really research and write about the things that you care about in the way that works for you. Based on my undergraduate dissertation, I was dreading this part of the course from the start, however this ended up being my favourite part of the 2 years.

Samantha Bowden

MSc Occupational Therapy Student

Read Samantha's Story
The University of Cumbria provides many opportunities outside our studies and placements to get involved. As a student rep for my cohort, I enjoy ensuring that my cohort's voices are heard and that everyone is enjoying their experiences in their program. Within this role, I can help positively impact the program's direction and my classmates' experiences.

Billy

Billy is currently an MSC Occupational Therapy student from Canada.

Read Billy's Story

Course Structure

What you will learn

The programme will equip you with all the skills you need to practice whether you choose to work in the NHS or the independent sector. This programme is based on the understanding that people are occupational beings who need to engage in a balanced range of personally meaningful occupations to sustain health and wellbeing.

You will respond to current local, national and global needs and priorities relevant to individuals and populations. For example, you will explore lifestyle factors affecting health and wellbeing and the necessity for health promoting strategies to support positive change both nationally and internationally.

By the end of the programme, you will not only be able to practice safely and effectively but will be able to offer creative solutions to complex issues in practice through engaging with current evidence and reflecting on your practice placement experience. A key element in our programme design has been to create an effective, dynamic learning environment in which you are an active participant in directing your learning and developing your emerging professional identity.

The programme runs for almost two calendar years and offers an integrated timetable with periods of academic work interspersed with practice placements. In addition to the Occupational Therapy-specific modules, you will consider the social and political drivers influencing healthcare. An annual student research conference gives you an opportunity to hear and interact with your peers and also to present your own dissertation research.

Year one

The first year of the programme is designed to give you the key and core skills you need for supported practice. There is an expectation that you will have an existing level of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology or psychology from your first degree or occupation.

Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice
The aim of this module is for you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, role and practice of Occupational Therapy. You will develop knowledge of occupational science and basic human sciences to understand humans as occupational beings from national and global perspectives to promote inclusive practice. You will develop an understanding of the skills and professional requirements for safe and effective practice from both a delivery and professional conduct perspective.
Project Design
The aim of this module is to give you an advanced understanding of project design and selected research methods. You will recognise a range of research methodologies relevant to the role of an Occupational Therapist and the value of research in the critical evaluation of practice. You will have the opportunity to design and justify a small-scale study, which can contribute to the profession’s evidence base.
Applied Occupational Therapy
The aim of this module is to integrate theoretical knowledge of life science and human occupation into practice contexts of Occupational Therapy. The focus will be on applying the Occupational Therapy process to deliver best practice.
Practice based simulation placement
The aim of this module is to support your preparation for face-to-face practice. You will begin to consider different types of communication needed within practice settings and it will introduce you to core practical skills.
Occupational Therapy in Practice 1
This unit is your first practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).
Occupational Therapy in Practice 2
This unit is your second practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).

Year two

Contemporary and Sustainable Occupational Therapy Practice
This module will help you develop knowledge and skills to promote sustainability of the occupational therapy profession and to respond to cultural, societal and global changes which influence health and wellbeing. The focus of this module will be to encourage you to apply and demonstrate digital, contemporary and professional leadership skills ready for practice.
Future Leaders in Practice
This aim of this module is to enable and empower you to recognise and embrace your leadership potential within the occupational therapy profession. You will consolidate your developing knowledge and understanding of how occupational therapy relates to leadership in readiness for practice. The module aims to equip you with relevant knowledge and skills needed to practice in high pressurised and complex environments relevant to current practice.
Occupational and Digital Design
The aim of this module is for you to work in small groups to design, implement and evaluate an Occupational Therapy intervention. This intervention will recognise and include, where appropriate local, national and global needs and priorities. You will develop and apply digital, business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to become a contemporary, innovative and digitally enhanced practitioner.
Research Project
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop a critical awareness of research design through conducting a research project, engaging service users as relevant, in a topic relevant to your professional practice and evidence your research skill development. You will demonstrate awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process. You will critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform your practice.
Occupational Therapy in Practice 3
This unit is your third practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).
Occupational Therapy in Practice 4
This unit is your fourth practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The content of the programme is based on national and international standards for pre-registration education, including those developed by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (RCOT 2019; WFOT 2016). This ensures a global perspective and you will be supported to access international placements if this is your particular interest. Global perspectives of Occupational Therapy are embedded into the module content throughout the duration of the programme and you will develop your knowledge of population needs and priorities on an international level. Additionally, the departmental enrichment programme provides opportunities for you to learn about international perspectives and Occupational Therapy practice.

This programme incorporates blended learning strategies, which will develop mastery of pedagogy, as well as mastery of professional skills. As a graduate, you arrive with existing graduate skills and abilities which we will enhance on this master’s programme so that you display a mastery of occupational therapy knowledge by the end of the programme. Both flipped classroom and team-based learning approaches promote deep learning and are utilised in this programme to engage student learning.

Experiential learning is a key part of the learning process. This is carried out on practice placements, as well as within the classroom, learning sets and independent learning activities. By sharing practice placement experiences, case studies, simulated work experiences and role-play scenarios, you will be able to practice professional skills, apply theory to practice and evidence-based practice, as well as develop critical thinking, reflection and problem-solving skills. These learning strategies are crucial for the development of professional socialisation and preparing you for the workplace. Professional values are an integral part of developing a professional identity and this is also embedded within the learning and teaching approach used.

Further opportunities to prepare you for practice are provided by inter-professional learning sessions, where you will be working with other health professional students to explore professional roles and settings. This will be done through joint enrichment sessions, shared research modules, practice placement preparation, designated block weeks and one-off days, to enhance your understanding and learning.

How you will be assessed

Summative and Formative Assessment

The assessments have been designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme. The aim is to assess not only academic level but to also include authentic assessments that demonstrate the professional skills required for practice. This provides a range of engaging and increasingly challenging opportunities, which not only test the validity of the programme learning outcomes but are also relevant to the needs of the workplace.

All written assessments will be marked anonymously, and feedback will be provided within 20 working days. This allows you time to consolidate your feedback, prior to beginning the next semester's modules, and enables your success. This also avoids the bunching of submission deadlines.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments are developmental and aim to support learning and help prepare you for the summative assessment. In all cases, this will be an integral part of the assessment process and will provide feedback for you to build upon. Some examples are provided below:

Reviewing an essay plan with tutor and peers.
Discussion of the outline plan for a 30-minute summative oral presentation of a business plan.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment aims to enable students to demonstrate their learning at the end of each module and must be passed to complete the programme. The summative assessments have been organised in such a way as to provide a practicable workload. The focus will be on two modules per semester, which will be developmental in nature. The first two modules in the first year will be introductory, the second two modules will develop the concepts further. In the second year, you will become increasingly independent and creative in your thinking and this is reflected in the assessment process.

Examples of 1st Year Assessments

A progressive three-part essay which allows you to develop your MSc Level 7 writing skills with regular tutor feedback.
An individual presentation where you present a case study from a practice placement. This emulates practice situations where Occupational Therapists may need to answer questions, justify their decisions, and demonstrate professional communication skills. From an academic perspective, this encourages you to practice discussing work in a critical way, consideration of the evidence, which supports your clinical reasoning, as well as meeting level 7 requirements. This also develops the skills expected of graduates as outlined by the professional body (COT, 2016).

Examples of 2nd Year Assessments

An oral presentation of a business plan for an emerging Occupational Therapy service. This will develop your critical thinking, ability to articulate the role of the Occupational Therapist, and ability to cost the service. It will also increase your awareness of leadership, change management and management skills. Research has suggested that business and management skills are crucial for the future development of the profession (Jackson, 2015; Rastrick 2017). This has also been emphasised by the professional body (COT, 2016). This type of assessment is therefore authentic and relevant to the needs of the workplace and allows you to practice essential skills for the future.
You will be required to work in a group to design, plan, implement and evaluate an Occupational Therapy intervention for a defined client group. Different aspects of the intervention will be assessed, including the planning stage. There will also be an individual 1500-word portfolio to evaluate the group working process. This module encourages professional skills such as team working, communication, evidence based practice, decision-making, problem solving, reflection, developing a professional identity, leadership and management skills. It also requires critical discussion and critical thinking both collaboratively and independently, which helps to develop mastery of the learning process (QAA, 2010).

Overview

1st or 2nd class honours degree - to include GCSE in English Language at grade C or above.

For information about Medical Clearance and vaccination requirements (including Covid-19 Vaccines) click here.

Selection criteria

We strongly recommend you thoroughly research the role of an Occupational Therapist, speak to an Occupational Therapist or meet an Occupational Therapist prior to your interview as you will be asked about your understanding of their role.

In addition to a degree, candidates should have a GCSE grade C or above in English Language. If you have an unrelated first degree, but have experience in occupational therapy, your application will be considered. Applicants unable to meet the formal academic entry requirements, but who hold other relevant professional qualifications such as a diploma in physiotherapy, nursing, chiropody or podiatry are welcome to apply.

Candidates will need to show post-qualification academic performance, a range of continuing professional development (CPD), and relevant professional experience. We look for a clear understanding of the work of an occupational therapist, so it is useful if you have undertaken some work experience or shadowing. The programme is intensive and you need to be a committed, independent learner.

All places are offered subject to a successful interview, as well as Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS formerly CRB), medical fitness to practise and proof of qualifications.

*If applicants don't have recent study within the last three years, they may still be considered if they have appropriate work/life experience.

Language Requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fitness to practise and health requirements

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. Further information will be provided following the offer of a place.

Please note that Professional Bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) have certain requirements regarding health and character status of applicants and their ability to meet the required core professional competencies and to practise safely without direct supervision. Please read the HCPC information to find out more. Please ask us for advice and/or support as early as possible in the application process if you have any questions about this requirement.

For more information about core competencies and medical fitness to train please click here. There are fitness standards provided here for most programmes of study: health professions, social work and teaching.

In some instances, an applicant may be invited to attend a professional practice panel to discuss any recommended reasonable adjustments, and whether or not core professional competencies are achievable.

In order to be admitted and continue on the course, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. If you have any concerns about a health condition/issue and its impact on your ability to undertake the course please contact the Occupational Health Department as early as possible in the application process.

Industrial Diagnostics Company (IDC)
Phone: 01530 239 190
Email: occupationalhealth@industrial-diagnostics.com

Disclosure and Barring Service check

If you are offered a place we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check. Please see our DBS Policy for more details.

Values Based Recruitment

*From 1 April 2015, all Higher Education Institutions delivering NHS funded training programmes are required to assess students for their values using the core requirements set out in the Values Based Recruitment (VBR) framework. This assessment will take place as part of our recruitment process.

Language requirements

GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
IELTS - an overall mark of 7 with no less than 6.5 in any one component

Applicants whose first language is not English and who are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of their proficiency must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

£9,535 - UK
16,900 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

You may also be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

If you're eligible, you can get access to:

A Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year
Parental Support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs
Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses
Exceptional Support Fund (Students experiencing financial hardship)

For more information on the Learning Support Fund please visit the Learning Support Fund Page.

For further funding information, please visit our .

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Students need to spend approximately £100-£200 a year on textbooks and scripts although this cost can be reduced considerably by sourcing second-hand copies of books. Texts we will be using in Semester 1 include some of the following, but you do not need to purchase these prior to commencing the programme. Tutors will make recommendations about buying books within module sessions at the commencement of Semester 1. Boyd, D. & Bee, H.L. (2015) Lifespan development /. Seventh edition, Global edition. Boston, [Massachusetts] :, Pearson,. Christiansen, C. & Townsend, E.A. (2014) Introduction to occupation [electronic resource] : the art of science and living /. Second edition. Harlow :, Pearson Education,. Cole, M.B. (2012) Group dynamics in occupational therapy : the theoretical basis and practice application of group intervention /. 4th ed. Thorofare, N.J. :, Slack. College of Occupational Therapists (2015) Code of ethics and professional conduct. [Online].

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

The University provides 3 tunics/polo shirts, 2 pairs of trousers and 1 fleece. If you require additional pieces of uniform, you will need to purchase this yourself. Some placements require specific footwear such as black lace-up shoes and some require you to wear smart casual clothing and not uniforms. You will be required to take part in practical sessions at university and will need clothing suitable for these. They require loose clothing that you can move easily in but ensure that you remain covered including a Tracksuit or jogging bottoms, a plain polo shirt or t-shirt, trainers or shoes with non-slip soles.

Field Trips

You may wish to attend a conference (optional not part of the course) again the costs vary and depend on whether you go to a one day or several days events, the costs will vary depending on where the venues are and the cost of accommodation you choose. With conference fees, travel and accommodation you will need to budget from anywhere between £250 and £750.

Other

Practice Placements will incur costs and you need to plan for this in your annual budget. Typically, these costs are for travel and, if necessary, accommodation to access placement. Costs of several hundred pounds can be expected and on exception over £1000 per year. You may claim placement travel expenses, and costs towards any additional accommodation that may be required to access placements. Currently, the NHS provides some reimbursement of additional placement costs to eligible students through the learning support fund. More information about this can be found at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/learning-support-fund/about-learning-support-fund If you are required to stay away from home overnight to access placements you will have to pay for this in advance although some accommodation expenses can be reclaimed. The cost will depend on the site of the placement and if on-site hospital accommodation is available.

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Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
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MSc - Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)