Program Overview

MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)

Overview

The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) is a postgraduate course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to become a qualified occupational therapist. The course is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Study Options

• Full-time: 2 years
• UK fee: £9,250 per year (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 per year (2024/25)
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Description

The course covers core modules such as:

• Placement 1
• Placement 2
• Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Quality
• Foundations for Professional Practice
• Occupational Beings and Occupational Performance
• Mandatory Training and Practical Skills for Practice
• Assessments and Interventions

Stage One

• Explore the underpinning sciences, philosophies, and theories of Occupational Therapy
• Apply these to real-life situations
• Practice-based learning is a core element of this stage
• Opportunities to integrate theory and practice
• Learn alongside students from other disciplines

Stage Two

• Placement 3
• Public, Global, and Community Health
• Professional Reasoning and Professional Identity
• Independent Scholarship

Careers

• Eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the HCPC
• Opportunities to work in various settings, including:
  • Health services
  • Social services
  • Education
  • Care homes
  • Prison services
  • Charity sector
  • Legal services
  • Social enterprises
  • Schools and community
  • Independent practice

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree qualification or above (in a subject other than a pre-registration Occupational Therapy qualification)
• Ideally, familiar with more than one area in which occupational therapists may work
• Satisfactory reference from an education establishment, a previous employer, or a person of standing
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University
• Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University
• Prior to undertaking Practice-based learning, completion of an immunisation programme

Fees and Funding

• 2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
  • UK: £9,250 per year
  • International: £14,900 per year
• 2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
  • UK: £9,535 per year
  • International: £16,900 per year

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Uniforms
• Name badges and ID holders
• DBS Check
• Health screening and vaccinations
• Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements (approx. £40)
• Local travel in order to access community facilities (approx. £10)
• Materials required for student-facilitated group activities (approx. £10)
• Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library (various prices)
• Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired (approx. 5p per sheet)
• Student BAOT membership (approx. £5 per month)
• Professional HCPC membership required to practice (more details available)

How to Apply

• Apply directly to the University
• English language entry requirements must be achieved and evidenced as part of an application and before an interview can be offered for this programme.