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.

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

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

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 2019). 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 vibrant 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/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £24,450.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

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 and EU 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.

Funding your postgraduate studies

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.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a personal statement
• additional questions
• a medical clearance certificate

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

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

We will 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