MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

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

Unfortunately, we are now closed to overseas applicants for September 2021 entry.

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 another relevant professional qualification 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.

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

Overseas students and language requirements

We welcome applications from overseas students. If English is not your first language we also require one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS - an overall mark of 7 with no less than 6.5 in any one component

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

Fitness to practise and health requirements

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.

Application information

Making your application

Applications should be made online directly to the university using the apply now button above. For more details and guidance, please contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.

What makes a good application?

We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential - evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.

Make sure you include:

• Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
• A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
• A good personal statement.

Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.

What next?

When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either - an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or - an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.

And if I accept?

The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.

Deferred entry

We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.

International students

Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English Language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.

From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa.

UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.

See the following websites for further details:

• www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
• www.ukcisa.org.uk