Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSc
Key Facts
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Duration
2 years
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Level
Master'sPG MSc
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Starting
January
JAN
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Year 1: £9,790
Year 2: £9,790** -
Year 1: £20,000
Year 2: £20,000**
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 17/02/2026
Overview
The University of Northampton’s MSc (Pre-registration) Occupational Therapy degree prepares you to work as a registered occupational therapist in the UK and overseas. This degree is aimed at those with an undergraduate degree who would like to study to become an occupational therapist within 2 years. Occupational Therapy is a health and social care profession that enhances the health and well-being of individuals to enable them to achieve their full potential. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to help them overcome the challenges of everyday life resulting from illness, trauma and ageing.
Successful completion of the MSc Occupational Therapy degree will allow you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In addition, it will also allow you to obtain a licence to practice and become a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Highlights
- The Occupational Therapy degree is designed to develop innovative and pioneering occupational therapists.
- Opportunities for collaboration with local organisations to create social impact through leadership and community development placements.
- A range of local, national and international professional placement opportunities.
- Modern bespoke clinical OT skills facilities located on the University’s campus.
- You may be eligible for financial support at the university through the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF).
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the MSc Occupational Therapy pre-registration programme at the University of Northampton, you must meet the following entry requirements:
- BSc/BA Degrees in any subject with a first or second-class degree classification
- 5 GCSE’s Grade C/4 or above, with two being Mathematics and English Language, or have Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English.
All International and EU students applying for MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band
What You'll Learn
The University of Northampton’s Occupational Therapy degree equips you with the knowledge and skills that you will require for professional practice through combining the study of occupational and human sciences with hands-on learning in a practical setting.
We have strong connections in the local area and offer a wide range of exciting local, national and international practical placement opportunities.
You will have an opportunity to engage in professional practice within a variety of health and social care settings across public, private, voluntary and independent sectors. The range of placements in traditional and non-traditional settings enables you to develop and advance your skills in assessment, intervention, along with service development and leadership skills. You will develop your knowledge and application of evidence and research to become an evidence-based practitioner.
You will be taught by qualified Occupational Therapists who also have additional teaching qualifications, such as a Master’s or PhD qualifications Our teaching staff have a variety of clinical backgrounds and expertise in acute/community/forensic mental health, acute physical therapy, hand therapy, neuro rehab, community social service, primary care, learning disabilities, and paediatrics.
During the first year, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to prepare for your practice placements where you will put this into practice. You will have opportunities to explore occupational theory, develop occupational therapy skills and develop your knowledge of conditions. You will also complete research methods where you will prepare to engage in research in the second year. Throughout the year, you will learn about professional expectations and what it means to practice as an occupational therapist.
You will experience a range of teaching and learning styles, including team-based learning, simulation and practical skills. Alongside this, you will also experience a range of assessment types, including reports, presentations, essays and OSCEs (practicals) – which will support you in developing the skills needed as an occupational therapist.
The MSc (pre-registration) will develop your academic skills in critical thinking, critical analysis, enabling you to work towards being an evidence-based practitioner.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted for the MSc Occupational Therapy degree relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,790* (Year 1), £9,790** (Year 2)
- International – Full Time: £20,000 (Year 1), £20,000** (Year 2)
*Please note, this fee is subject to parliamentary procedure. It is expected to be confirmed in early 2026 and may change in future years of study.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2026/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
**May be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
More information on Student Finance, including Postgraduate Master’s loans and bursaries can be found on the gov.uk website.
- For placements, Occupational Therapy students may incur additional accommodation and travel costs.
- You will be provided with a uniform (three tops and three pairs of trousers). Additional uniform items can be purchased at cost.
- You will need to wear black leather shoes and black socks.
- We have a wide range of books and journals accessible in our library, either in hardback or e-books or via our electronic databases.
- You will participate in some activities where a small cost may be incurred such as craft, art, cooking material to a maximum of £25 a year.
- You are also required to complete a recognised (level two) food hygiene course. You will be able to complete this course online at an approximate cost of £10-£20.
- Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.
If you’re eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, you can get:
- A training grant of £5,000 per academic year.
- Parental support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
- Money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you’re on your practice placement.
- Exceptional Support Fund for students experiencing financial hardship.
Fees quoted for the MSc Occupational Therapy degree relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,535 (Year 1), £9,535* (Year 2)
- International – Full Time: £18,200 (Year 1), £18,200* (Year 2)
*may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.