Occupational Therapy MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): January 2025 / January 2026
- Duration: Two years
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / January start (Postgraduate)
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Occupational Therapy help people to live meaningful and independent lives, supporting people to do what is important to them. Present in hospitals, communities, schools, workplaces, prisons, care homes and many other settings, Occupational Therapists provide help to individuals to support them to overcome barriers and carry out activities that are meaningful to them.
Occupational Therapy is a career that offers many exciting opportunities, and this course will ensure you gain the knowledge and real-world experience, skills and confidence to embark on a successful career and develop a strong professional identity as an Occupational Therapist.
This MSc is a stimulating and rewarding course, and choosing to study at Masters level, you'll get to conduct in-depth research, hone your leadership skills, and really focus on developing your identity as a professional, and as an Occupational Therapist.
Why you should choose Occupational Therapy at NTU:
-
Study with us on an accelerated two-year course with 45 weeks of teaching per year. -
Complete four placements during the course totalling over 1,100 hours of experiential learning as an Occupational Therapist. -
Study at our state-of-the-art Health and Allied Professions Centre at our Clifton Campus, alongside student nurses and paramedics. -
Embrace a focus on sustainability as an Occupational Therapist to understand how environmental issues impact people and their communities.
What you’ll study
Optimising Occupational Performance
This module enables you to apply knowledge of human sciences and a range of pathologies to apply skills of Activity/Occupational Analysis. Building on this learning you will investigate assessment and intervention stage of the Occupational Therapy Process across the Lifespan, including application of detailed professional reasoning to enable learners to develop skills in articulating decision making. This module will run concurrently with Occupation for Health and Wellbeing and Professional and Scholarly Skills, where learning can be applied across modules for a more in depth learning approach.
Occupation for Health and Wellbeing
On commencing this module learners will have gained knowledge about the history and evolution of Occupational Therapy and will continue to build an in-depth critical knowledge about the core philosophy and theoretical base of the profession. You will examine Occupational Science and apply knowledge across a range of varied practice areas. Whilst gaining a strong professional identity and examining a unique occupation focused lens, you will critically reflect on the role of other professions in health and social care, alongside understanding of the context in which they work. This module will equip you with theoretical knowledge that can be further applied in the Optimising Occupational Performance which will run concurrently across the academic year.
The Evidence-Based Occupational Therapist
This module will build on knowledge and skills of scientific enquiry, enabling you to rigorously evaluate the evidence base and contribute to evidence based practice. You will further skills and knowledge in critical appraisal, synthesis of evidence and interpretation through assessment in aspects of the research process.
Professional and Scholarly Skills in Occupational Therapy
This module introduces an understanding of the key values, behaviours and skills that Occupational Therapists use across practice. This will include analysis of the role of the Occupational Therapist in safe and effective practice as well as understanding the legal and ethical boundaries you may encounter. You will have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning in key skills, where you can utilise knowledge around reflection and both written and verbal communication.
Practice Placements 1 and 2
During the course you will undertake four placements. Two of these placements will be in your first year.
Global to Local Perspectives in Occupational Therapy
This module will enrich your theoretical understanding of occupational wellness and prevention of ill health from a global to local perspective. Focusing on a community and population approach, you will develop an extensive knowledge and skill set that enables you to respond to occupational issues that are impacted from social and health inequalities, diversity and human rights issues.
Occupational Therapist as Researcher
This module enables you to use originality and intellectual independence to explore a topic within Occupational Therapy of your choosing. Knowledge and skills gained in the Evidence based Occupational Therapist module is built upon, and allows you to use your initiative within the research field. You will create a research proposal, and go on to create a research question, research design, literature review and supporting documents that would need to be included if submitted to ethics committee.
Practice Placements 3 and 4
During the course you will undertake four placements. Two of these placements will be in your second year.
How you’re taught
The MSc Occupational Therapy is a two year accelerated course, divided into 45 weeks of teaching per year.
The nature of the teaching is collaborative, with sharing and development of ideas. As a student you will build on leadership skills both through practice based learning and within the course, developing knowledge to promote a positive culture in your future roles. You will be part of a larger department with peers from Nursing, Paramedicine and Public Health, enabling interprofessional opportunities to give a wider perspective. The course has been created alongside people with lived experience, Occupational Therapists in practice, and learners from other programmes within the department.
Learners will be allocated an individual personal tutor from the Occupational Therapy academic team. Learners will be placed within a Personal Tutor Group and be offered group personal tutor sessions throughout the course at key points in the academic year, for example, soon after the course starting, during placement. Learners will be able to also contact their personal tutor for an individual meeting.
At NTU we also offer a BSc Occupational Therapy course, creating a community of learners, preparing for the exciting opportunities ahead. A range of simulation teaching spaces such as our brand new therapeutic kitchen, domestic suite, ward, consulting room, virtual reality suite and access to green space for outdoor teaching, allows for experiential learning, in a safe friendly environment.
The Institute of Allied and Health Professions in which the Occupational Therapy course is situated has international links and the MSc course takes a global focus to enrich our learning and thus provide a more inclusive experience to our students and to the people we work with. Our aim is that you feel empowered through the journey of becoming an Occupational Therapist and that you take that experience to empower the people you will have the privilege to work with both within placement and as a registered Occupational Therapist.
How you’re assessed
Assessment types include:
- Essays
- Reflective accounts
- Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
- Presentations
- Academic posters
- Professional discussion
- Group exercises
Assessment is also included in the four Practice Based Learning modules and you will need to pass all placements in order to be eligible to apply for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council.
Careers and employability
Successful completion of the course will provide eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under the protected title of Occupational Therapist.
Occupational Therapy is a career that can provide many exciting opportunities, working with individuals, groups and communities across public, private and third sector organisations. Our course will prepare you through the development of strong links to East Midlands NHS Trusts, Schools and private sector organisations.
As a student you will experience practice based learning across a number of settings, meaning you gain real life experience to ensure you have the confidence, knowledge and skills within Occupational Therapy to embark on a successful career. The provision of four placements enables the opportunity for role emerging placements, which promote the value of Occupational Therapy in new areas of health and social care. These placements enable learners to develop a strong professional identity as an Occupational Therapists.
Some students may also be choose to continue on to further study such as a PhD.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
You’ll be taught at our self-contained Clifton Campus which provides an ideal learning environment to complement your studies.
Our purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre on our Clifton Campus is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- An undergraduate degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy at 2.2 or above, and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above).
Other requirements
- a 300 – 500 word written statement in which you should outline reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Occupational Therapy. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on:
- A demonstrated desire to study Occupational Therapy
- An understanding of the Occupational Therapy role
- Transferable skills that may include academic study, volunteering, or work experience
- A consideration of professional values such as trustworthiness and integrity
- How your study experience will prepare you for Masters-level study.
- Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to attend a selection activity involving an interview with academics, occupational therapy practitioners, or service users. This will explore candidates' values in line with the HCPC Code of Ethics, and Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) professional standards, alongside your knowledge and commitment to the profession.
- If you have been offered a place, you will also be expected to complete a good-health check through health screening and attend a follow-up occupational health review as required.
- Successful candidates will also be required to complete an Enhanced-Level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process for assessing and, as appropriate, recognising prior experiential learning or prior certificated learning for academic purposes. Each application for RPL is taken on a case by case basis and will be considered by the programme admissions tutor.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
- An undergraduate degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy at 2.2 or above, and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above).
Other requirements
- a 300 – 500 word written statement in which you should outline reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Occupational Therapy. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on:
- A demonstrated desire to study Occupational Therapy
- An understanding of the Occupational Therapy role
- Transferable skills that may include academic study, volunteering, or work experience
- A consideration of professional values such as trustworthiness and integrity
- How your study experience will prepare you for Masters-level study.
- Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to attend a selection activity involving an interview with academics, occupational therapy practitioners, or service users. This will explore candidates' values in line with the HCPC Code of Ethics, and Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) professional standards, alongside your knowledge and commitment to the profession.
- If you have been offered a place, you will also be expected to complete a good-health check through health screening and attend a follow-up occupational health review as required.
- Successful candidates will also be required to complete an Enhanced-Level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process for assessing and, as appropriate, recognising prior experiential learning or prior certificated learning for academic purposes. Each application for RPL is taken on a case by case basis and will be considered by the programme admissions tutor.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
Students whose first language is not English will be required to meet the English language requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council. In anticipation of development towards the requirements of the HCPC on completion, applicants whose first language is not English will be required to produce evidence of proficiency in written and spoken English to level 7 (with no component less than 6.5) using IELTS scale.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for January 2025
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 |
Fees for January 2026
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
You can also find out more about funding available from the government for healthcare students.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, we award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for January 2026
| Study route | International / EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,500 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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