PgCert Sensory Integration

Program Overview

PgCert Sensory Integration

Online Occupational therapy

Learn the scientific and theoretical foundations of sensory processing and integration, and develop the clinical skills required to work as a sensory integration practitioner.

Course summary

• Join a course run in partnership with Sensory Integration Education (SIE).
• Study the neuroscience underpinning sensory integration and processing.
• Understand the theory and application of Ayres Sensory Integration.
• Explore sensory integration and processing throughout the lifespan with a range of individuals.

This course is available to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to practise as a sensory integration practitioner.

How you learn

Each module ensures the perspective of the person and their family (the service user) is at the heart of the learning. You’ll have your own module e-mentor who supports your individual learning needs – plus an online study group offering peer learning support.

You learn through:

• online presentations and lectures
• module e-mentor facilitated forum discussions
• quizzes and practical activities
• independent study tasks
• online activities
• clinical hours and reflection

Applied learning

Work placements

The postgraduate certificate includes 40 clinical hours, which can be completed in your own workplace – or you can arrange to complete them in another suitable environment.

You’re also supported by mentoring sessions, facilitated by a mentor of your choosing from the SIE register of clinical mentors. In these sessions you’ll develop both your clinical reasoning and intervention skills.

Networking opportunities

You’ll also become a member of Sensory Integration Education’s community of best practice when you start your studies – the Association of Sensory Integration Practitioners (ASIP).

Course leaders and tutors

Colette Beecher

Senior Lecturer In Occupational Therapy

Colette Qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1990 and is a Specialist Occupational Therapist in Neurology. Her previous work history has involved working in neu … Read more

Modules

Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Year 1

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Sensory Integration 1: Foundations And Neuroscience (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Sensory Integration 2: Clinical Reasoning In Sensory Integration: Assessment (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Sensory Integration 3: Clinical Reasoning And Practice In Sensory Integration: Intervention (40 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• healthcare
• social care
• education
• third sector organisations
• private practice

You could also go on to further study – with either a postgraduate diploma in sensory integration (along with Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner status awarded by SIE) or a Masters in sensory integration.

Equipment and facilities

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Where will I study?

You study this course online from any location

Entry requirements

All students

• Normally, applicants will hold a first degree or professional qualification in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech and Language Therapy which is recognised in the UK.
• Equivalent, international academic and/or professional qualifications will be accepted.
• If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Additional information for EU/International students

• If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
• For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students

• Please visit the Sensory Integration Education (SIE) website for details on the tuition fee for this course.
• To study this course you will need to apply directly through the SIE website.

International students

• Please visit the Sensory Integration Education (SIE) website for details on the tuition fee for this course.
• To study this course you will need to apply directly through the SIE website.

Postgraduate student loans

• Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

Additional course costs

• The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for Occupational therapy courses (PDF, 342.1KB)

Legal information

• Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.