If you want a rewarding career as an occupational therapist, one who confidently enhances the lives and wellbeing of people facing physical, mental or social challenges, then our course is for you.
This course is fully accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and designed to equip you with all the academic know-how and valuable hands-on skills you will need to become a qualified professional in this field.
You will learn the profession-specific practice which meet the needs of employers and you will achieve this through academic, hands-on learning and a range of clinical practice. This includes working in a variety of settings with children and people with physical, social or mental health issues.
The experience you will get working alongside qualified professionals will bolster your CV and give you the essential, specialist experience that will set you apart from the crowd in interviews.
Why Choose University of Cumbria
- Eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - a prerequisite to practice in the UK by doing more than 1,000 hours of work-based practice, as part of your course, to secure your accreditation
- Academic tutors have professional experience as occupational therapists and have worked in fields, including neurology and forensics, and will bring their experience to their teaching
- Work alongside and be guided by qualified therapists. Plus, we bring in specialist practitioners who will impart their knowledge, experience and research to help you enhance your own practice
- Our good links with NHS Trusts, third sector and health and social care organisations provide you with good placement and job prospects
- Gain crucial experience of working with other healthcare students, including physiotherapy, social work and nursing, as you would in a professional role
- Small class sizes mean we get to know you as an individual and support you closely through your studies
- Take part in enrichment events, such as our recent Neuro Day where students heard from real service users
- Opportunity to complete a research project in an area of occupational therapy which interests you
- Practice placements can be within NHS, county council, private, voluntary and independent sector organisations and in a range of settings from hospitals, health and day centres, care homes or places of work.
- Take you final practice either in the UK or abroad, giving you the opportunity to experience working as an occupational therapist internationally*
Great transport links from Carlisle to major cities - including Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester, make it easier for you to travel to our campus, which is within easy reach of the stunning Lake District National Park – now a UNESCO World Heritage site, so if you are staying in this vibrant city, you will never be stuck for something to do outside of your studies.
Our course is structured to make it easier for you to travel and study, should you need to, so you will spend two days being taught and the rest of your week will be self-directed study.
With all that we do, we have earned an excellent reputation for educating occupational therapists and our students are sought after by employers in the NHS and, increasingly, in the social care and private voluntary and independent sector.
So, our MSc in Occupational Therapy will enable you to research, discover and develop to become a confident and professional occupational therapist.
For queries about this course, please contact occupationaltherapy@cumbria.ac.uk.
Follow @OTCumbria on Twitter to see how our students are developing as Occupational Therapists.
*Student-funded
Postgraduate Loyalty Award
Complete your undergraduate degree with us and we'll waive your postgraduate fees!
Postgraduate Loyalty Award
Get an extra qualification for free
We’ve waived the fees for many postgraduate courses* for students like you planning to start a degree with us to help you extend your education.
Graduate destinations
You will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, leading to work in the NHS, private and voluntary sectors, or overseas work, and membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Expansion of the role has led to exciting new developments and opportunities.
Course outline
Course summary
This is an accelerated programme that requires high levels of motivation and commitment. We provide a mix of traditional learning methods and eLearning resources, including lectures, seminars and group work, as well as placement opportunities. Much of the study is self-directed and done outside timetabled hours, allowing you to take responsibility for your own learning needs.
Each module is credit rated. You are assessed in various ways including coursework presentations, reflective writing, vivas and reports. Assessment of clinical placements do not form part of the masters level assessed credits, but does contribute to your qualification and you will be graded to give you an indication of your performance.
Modules
Year one
- Observation Practice Placement
- Life Sciences and Occupational Therapy
- Practice Placement 1
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Practice Placement 2
- Scholarship and Research Methods
- Applied Occupational Therapy 1
Year two
- Applied Occupational Therapy 2
- Practice Placement 3
- Occupational Design
- Dissertation
- Practice Placement 4
- Developing Occupational Therapy Practice
Programme Specification
Programme Specification
For a detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
1st or 2nd class honours degree - to include GCSE in English Language at grade C or above.
Selection criteria
We strongly recommend you visit an Occupational Therapy department or talk to at least one Occupational Therapist prior to 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
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
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.
Postgraduate Loyalty Award
Complete your undergraduate degree with us and we'll waive your postgraduate fees!
Postgraduate Loyalty Award
Get an extra qualification for free
We’ve waived the fees for many postgraduate courses* for students like you planning to start a degree with us to help you extend your education.
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:
Tuition fees for UK students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Taught Degrees
Download the 2018-19 fees list (PDF)
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2019-20
Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Research Degrees (PhD)
Fees for 2018-19 academic year (PDF)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Alumni Discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate in the last 5 years and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
Financial support
There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.
Student Loans
Postgraduate master's loan
If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs. For MSc Physiotherapy and MSc Occupational Therapy, please see the NHS Master's Courses below.
What you’ll get
| Academic year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £10,906 |
Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.
NHS master's courses
Student loan
MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Physiotherapy students who live in England will be able to apply for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 from the Student Loans Company. This can be used as part payment (MSc Physiotherapy) or full payment (MSc Occupational Therapy) of tuition fees.
Your loan application is likely to take around 2 months to finalise so it is important to complete your application as soon as possible. We recommend completing your application by the end of May (new students) or June (continuing students) to avoid any delays in receiving your funding.
Maintenance loan
You can apply for a maintenance loan to assist with meeting living costs such as food, accommodation and travel expenses. These are normally paid in three instalments throughout the university year directly to your bank account.
Depending on household income, students may be able to apply for the following amounts in 2019/20:
| Living at Home | Up to £7,529 |
| Living away from home (outside of London) | Up to £8,944 |
| Living away from home (in London) | Up to £11,672 |
You can work out how much of a loan you are entitled to apply for using the Student Finance Calculator.
Learning Support Fund
To support students while undertaking the clinical placement element of their studies, the government is providing non-repayable grants which can be accessed through the Learning Support Fund. The Learning Support Fund, administered through the NHS Business Services Authority, makes available:
- £1000 Child Dependants Allowance
- Up to £3000 for exceptional hardship
- Reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel to clinical placements
Note: there are differences in the way students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are funded. If you don’t live in England, information can be accessed here.
For further information about these changes, visit the Healthcare education funding for postgraduate, dental hygiene and dental therapy students policy.
Postgraduate doctoral loan
If you’re studying a doctoral degree, you could get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £25,700 |
Repaying your loan
The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:
- the first April after you leave your course
- April 4 years after the course started
Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.
How much you’ll repay
You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.
Example
You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.
If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.
You must repay any undergraduate student loans you have at the same time.
Repayment terms are different if you normally live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Scholarships and bursaries
Social Work bursary
MA Social Work students may be eligible for a grant up to £3,362.50 and a means tested maintenance grant up to £2,721. Full details are available on the NHSBSA website.
The number of people who can get a bursary is limited (or capped). This means that there is no guarantee that if you take up an offer of a place on the MA Social Work course, you will receive a bursary. The university will provide a shortlist of students to the NHSBSA who will then assess bursary applications.
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Ltd is offering 13 bursaries across a number of subject areas. The bursaries are worth £500 each and are open to students from anywhere in the world.
To apply for a Postgrad Solutions bursary, visit their website.
Alternative funding
For other courses not covered by either the Masters Loan or specialist funding, we advise you to do some research as early as possible into what funding is available to you.
Click on the links below for information on potentially available funding.
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.
- Medical Research Council
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- Professional and career development loans
- Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries - bursaries of £500 towards fees in various subjects.
- Family Action's Educational Grants Fund - £200 - £500 grants for families and individuals on low incomes.
- The Wellcome Trust - funding for biomedical research and medical humanities
- The Leverhulme Trust - scholarships for research and education
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright Commission - US exchange programme
- IEFA - a searchable database of scholarship and bursary information
- Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation - the largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women
- Scholarship search
Check out the websites below for more information about applying for postgraduate funding.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
Read more
Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.
Paying your accommodation fees
At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.
Tuition fees for EU students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
Taught Degrees
Download the 2018-19 fees (PDF)
Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Research Degrees (PhD)
Fees for 2018-19 academic year (PDF)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Alumni discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
Financial support
There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.
Student Loans
Postgraduate master's loan
If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start date | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2018/19 | £10,609 |
| 2019/20 | £10,906 |
Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.
Postgraduate doctoral loan
If you’re starting a doctoral degree on or after 1 August 2018, you could get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2018/19 | £25,000 |
| 2019/20 | £25,700 |
Some courses, for example Social Work and some Health Professions Masters degrees do attract some funding. Contact us for more information.
Repaying your loan
The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:
- the first April after you leave your course
- April 4 years after the course started
Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.
How much you’ll repay
You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.
Example
You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.
If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.
You must repay any undergraduate student loans you have at the same time.
Repayment terms are different if you normally live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Ltd is offering 13 bursaries across a number of subject areas. The bursaries are worth £500 each and are open to students from anywhere in the world.
To apply for a Postgrad Solutions bursary, visit their website.
Alternative funding
For other courses not covered by either the Masters Loan or specialist funding, we advise you to do some research as early as possible into what funding is available to you.
Click on the links below for information on potentially available funding.
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.
- Medical Research Council
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- Professional and career development loans
- Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries - bursaries of £500 towards fees in various subjects.
- Family Action's Educational Grants Fund - £200 - £500 grants for families and individuals on low incomes.
- The Wellcome Trust - funding for biomedical research and medical humanities
- The Leverhulme Trust - scholarships for research and education
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright Commission - US exchange programme
- IEFA - a searchable database of scholarship and bursary information
- Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation - the largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women
- Scholarship search
Check out the websites below for more information about applying for postgraduate funding.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
Read more
Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.
Paying your accommodation fees
At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.
Tuition fees for international students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
Taught Degrees
Fees for the 2018-19 academic year (PDF)
The tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year will be confirmed soon.
Please note that fees for modules and programmes may increase due to inflation.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Research Degrees (PhD)
Fees for 2018-19 academic year (PDF)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year will be confirmed soon.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Alumni Discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
International scholarship
The University of Cumbria is delighted to announce the launch of a new international scholarship programme for 2019 entrants. We have a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students to the value of 50% of the full tuition fee.
Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis for outstanding academic achievement, assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions.
How to apply
Who is eligible?
University of Cumbria international applicants who hold an unconditional offer and have accepted their place are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships are available in the following subject areas:
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Law
- Science
- Literature
- Sport
- Outdoor
- Social Sciences
Scholarships are not available for NHS-funded courses (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Social Work etc.) or for degrees leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). To check whether or not your course participates in the scholarship programme, please email scholarships@cumbria.ac.uk
How to apply
Please read the terms and conditions carefully and complete the International Scholarship application form. The application deadline is Friday 5 July 2019 at 5pm.
Terms and conditions
These terms and conditions apply to all International Student Scholarships offered at University of Cumbria.
Applicants must hold an offer of a place of study on an eligible full-time bachelor’s degree, top-up degree or a taught master’s degree (180 credits) at the University of Cumbria. For students enrolling on programmes lasting more than one year the scholarship is awarded for the first year of the programme only.
- All scholarship applicants/recipients must be self-funding students with overseas fee status.
- Applicants must hold an unconditional offer for their place of study and must have accepted their offer.
- Applicants must have applied for a place of study directly with the University, not through an agency.
- Applicants must have no outstanding offer conditions attached to their place of study except for the tuition fee deposit and passport photocopy.
- All scholarship applicants/recipients must provide evidence of funds to cover the remaining tuition fee balance and living costs, as per Home Office requirements, for one academic year in the UK.
- The balance of tuition fee is due at or before registration.
- Scholarship applicants must complete the scholarship application form.
- The closing date for applications is 5:00pm (GMT) Friday 5th July 2019; scholarship applications received after this date will not be considered.
- Applications should be submitted by email to scholarships@cumbria.ac.uk.
- Scholarship applications will be considered and assessed by a Scholarship Award Panel. The Panel may take into account the following aspects: academic performance, English language, merit of personal statement and the short essay.
- The Scholarship Award Panels decision will be finalised during the last two weeks of July 2019 and applicants will be notified of the decision on their application by email by the end of July 2019.
- The decision of the Scholarship Award Panel is final - the university will not provide feedback or enter into any correspondence with unsuccessful candidates regarding their decision.
- Successful scholarship applicants must meet any outstanding conditions (i.e. tuition fee deposit / passport photocopy) by 5.00pm (GMT) on 2nd August 2019 to receive the scholarship.
- Scholarships can only be taken for the academic year 2019-2020 and may not be deferred to any other period
- Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants in receipt of a scholarship from any other source
- By accepting the scholarship, it is expected that scholars will assist the university with internationalisation events and provide a photograph and statement to be included in our publicity
- Courses which are eligible for scholarship awards are in the following areas of study: creative arts, business, law, science, literature, sports, outdoor and social sciences. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check that their chosen course is eligible for scholarship applications before an application is submitted (please email scholarships@cumbria.ac.uk if you require clarification)
The Award
- The scholarships will not be paid in cash. Scholarships will be deducted from the first year's tuition fees on registration at the University of Cumbria.
- Scholarship winners will be asked to provide a case study which may be used in university publications or on the website.
- This award cannot be held in conjunction with any other university awards or discounts.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
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Paying for your accommodation
If you choose to stay in univerisity accommodation you will be required to make a pre-payment of £250, and a pre-payment of £100 towards catering packages.
After you have made the pre-payment(s), and the contract has been returned, the balance of your contract will be due. Payment must be made by registration. Instalments are not available.
Please note that you do have the option to pay for the accommodation and catering in full with the contract.
Payment must be made in pounds sterling. You will be given the option online to convert your currency when making a payment.
If you’re having trouble paying online or have any questions, please contact your admissions officer who can give you advice about paying by bank transfer.
Additional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Additional costsWhat our students say
"I chose to study the MSc accelerated route in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cumbria because of the welcoming atmosphere on the interview day, the friendly tutors and the fact that you are so close to the Lake District. The programme offered me the chance to learn in a small cohort where you could get to know others well through group work, seminars and practical workshops. The tutors were always approachable and helpful, and provided support with both academic work and any personal issues.
"During the programme I had the chance to integrate all the work at university in to a variety of real practice contexts; from acute hospital placements, to a neuro-rehabilitation setting, to a placement in adult social care in the community... The support services that are offered from the university were invaluable and staff were on hand throughout the programme when needed. Completing the MSc programme requires complete commitment and motivation throughout the two years, but it enabled me to feel well prepared for my first post. Following my final exam, I soon applied for my first post, and was successful in my first interview and offered a rotational post within the local area."
-Sarah Morgan
