Occupational Therapy Pre-registration (MSc)

You’ll need the minimum of a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline. This must include a research training component and must have been awarded within the last 5 years. Examples of relevant degrees are human biology, psychology, sociology, and public health.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

You will also need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The MSc Occupational Therapy master's requires commitment and energy. It has a wide variety of core practice and research modules, all of which you must complete successfully in order to pass.

The course is 2 years long and incorporates 1,000 hours of practice placement, in accordance with RCOT and HCPC requirements, and prepares you to work within a diverse range of health and social care contexts, including:

• in the community
• social care
• hospitals

On your practical placements, you'll experience current occupational therapy practice in a variety of locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

In your first year, you'll take 8 modules, of which 3 are practice placements.

In the second year, you'll take 5 modules, of which 2 are practice placements.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

This occupational therapy MSc uses creative, experiential and reflective learning approaches supported by practice placements. Learning is reinforced by internationally recognised researchers into occupational therapy.

Throughout this master's degree you'll benefit from:

• case-based learning
• practical anatomy classes
• lectures
• seminars

You'll also get a chance to collaborate with other students through small tutorial groups and inquiry seminars as you learn.

Assessment

Assessments will take the form of:

• written exams
• practical exams
• oral presentations

We'll also assess your clinical skills in practical and clinical situations throughout the programme.

Dissertation

You'll need to carry out a piece of independent research, following on from the development of a protocol in the critical inquiry module.

Academic Support

You will have a designated supervisor or supervisory team, who will have suitable academic and professional expertise.

Our creative and forward-thinking course prepares you to confidently work in the changing UK and international health and social care landscape. Our graduates take on roles in a broad range of contexts including the NHS, local authorities, charities, industry, schools, private practice and government agencies.

You can specialise in working with children, adults or older people across the lifespan, and pursue a career as a practitioner, researcher, manager, lecturer or consultant.

You can expect excellent career prospects in a whole range of healthcare environments where occupational therapy is practiced. Occupational therapy graduates are in high demand in the UK and abroad.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

NHS Learning Support Fund

As a student on this course you may be entitled to help from the NHS Learning Support Fund.

This can include a training grant of £5,000 per academic year, parental support of £2,000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.  

Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website. 

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page. Applications for this course open on 4 January 2021.

You must also complete the 'Additional Questions' document to apply for this course. 

This 'Additional Questions' document gives you information and guidance about applying and tells you the 2021 interview dates. We recommended that you read this document in full before you begin your application.

The MSc Occupational Therapy programme at the University of Southampton is welcoming further applications for January 2022 start. Please be advised, that due to a cap on available placements for international students, we are unable to consider further applications from outside of the UK at this time. If you are an international student, we look forward to receiving an application for January 2023 start when the programme reopens.

You must submit your application by the end of the day on 31 October 2021. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course. We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines. If you would like further details, please contact AdmissionsPGT.ELS@southampton.ac.uk

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

Your application must include all the following: 

Completed online application form. You must include details of all previous qualifications on this form as we’ll assess you against your whole education history.

Completed ‘Additional Questions’ document. 

2 references (please see the 'Additional Questions' document for more information).

Incomplete applications will not be considered and will be withdrawn after 30 days if they remain incomplete.

Detailed guidance on deadlines can be found in the 'Additional Questions' document.

 
If you have any questions please: 

email: AdmissionsPGT.ELS@southampton.ac.uk

or tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 7778 

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000