About this course
Change the lives of others for the better with our accelerated occupational therapy MSc. Develop a strong professional identity as an occupational therapist and gain a clear understanding of how the role contributes to multi-disciplinary teams.
When you graduate you’ll be eligible to register as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
This occupational therapy master's explores the impact of health conditions and life events on people’s sense of self, relationships and occupations. It combines a range of areas including:
- psychology
- human anatomy and physiology
- sociology
- pathology
- learning disabilities
- mental health
You'll study health and social care by exploring its origins, philosophy and priorities. Including the promotion of good health as well as the management of illness. Throughout the course, you'll develop the confidence to treat people with psychological, physical or social disabilities. You’ll also learn to work with patients, their families and carers, as well as other healthcare professionals.
Working in our purpose-built facilities will give you a great opportunity to apply the skills you learn. We have a multi-sensory environment, a biomechanics laboratory and an adapted flat.
Course lead
Dr Rachel Dadswell qualified as an occupational therapist from St Andrews, Northampton in 1991 and has held a range of clinical, managerial and leadership roles within the NHS. Before this role, Rachel was a Consultant Occupational Therapist, with a special interest in mental health rehabilitation and recovery. In addition to all things related to mental health Rachel has an interest in leadership, professionalism and service quality and the effects of staff attitude on people’s ability to perform at their best in a clinical setting.
For more information view Rachel’s staff profile
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
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.
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 an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 7.0
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
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
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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.
Careers
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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,950.
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.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
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
