Occupational Therapy (MSc)
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Part time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
This course, for practicing occupational therapists, aims to develop your knowledge and essential skills to help you progress your career. We will encourage you to utilise evaluative, critical thinking skills to explore your profession, enabling you to make a meaningful contribution to the improvement of patient care.
Our MSc in Occupational Therapy is one of the few courses in the UK available for qualified professionals, offering you the next step in your career.Our programme has close links with the College of Occupational Therapists which means that your learning is both current and relevant. It provides a sound grounding in the theory and occupation-focused practice whilst also building on your critical thinking and problem solving skills. You will develop the knowledge required to approach your practice innovatively, apply research and evidence to shape current and future practice in your home country and beyond.
This is a flexible course that allows you to tailor your own professional development to suit your needs, through a range of occupational therapy and interprofessional modules such as developing your skills in patient safety or transforming care systems and services through leadership. You will also cover core areas such as Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Theory and Application.
Your learning will be supported by experienced researchers and academics who are experts in their field. You will be designated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies.
In addition, you will be learning alongside a globally diverse group who are studying at various points in their career, sharing knowledge and gaining understanding of Occupational Therapy practice across the world.
Be part of something life-changing and take on a new challenge today.
Distinctive features
Join a School ranked 4th in the UK overall and 1st for our research environment in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment (under Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy). Here are some of the key features of why we think our Occupational Therapy programme is the right choice for you:
- The involvement of research-active and clinical staff in course design and delivery. Making sure you are learning the most relevant and up to date skills.
- We have close links with the College of Occupational Therapists meaning your learning is relevant and up to date.
- You will have academic support and be assigned a designated personal tutor throughout your Studies.
- The opportunity to learn in a School which is an accredited Joanna Briggs Centre.
- You also have the ability to tailor your module choices in a way that best fits your needs.
- The opportunity to become a student representative and shape future educational provision.
- Benefit from learning alongside a globally diverse group who are studying at various points in their career.
- All University teaching sessions are captured on video and made available online* for you to review and revisit your learning (*where appropriate to do so).
- If your first language is not English, there are open access English Language courses available
- We run an occupational therapy clinic on-site, providing you with the opportunity to observe and assist with assessment and treatment of clients with developmental disabilities. (This is not a required part of the course and your participation may require DBS checks)
Where you'll study
School of Healthcare Sciences
Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to embark on a professional healthcare career.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in Occupational Therapy (with or without post registration clinical experience), or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates. Or, a copy of your certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a Diploma in Occupational Therapy, or an equivalent international qualification, and a reference from your current employer to confirm that you have two years' practice experience. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- A personal statement which must address the following points:
- Why have you selected this programme?
- What interests you about this programme?
- Any relevant experience related to the programme or module content.
- How you plan to use the qualification in your career.
- How you and your profession will benefit from your studies.
- Why you feel you should be given a place on the programme.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of July but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, including an assessment of suitability through the personal statement, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The MSc Occupational Therapy programme is modular, and students must complete 120 credits in the taught component of the programme and a further 60 credits in the dissertation component. 90 credits are core modules and must be undertaken, and 30 credits are optional. Taught modules are arranged in block format and run throughout the semester.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
In Year One you will complete two core modules (60 credits).
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Theory and Application | HCT236 | 30 credits |
| Research methods and data analysis in healthcare | HCT343 | 30 credits |
Year two
In Year Two you will complete one optional module (30 credits) and one core module (30 credits).
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Art & Science of Occupational Therapy | HCT342 | 30 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Evidencing Learning in Specialist Professional Practice | HCT199 | 30 credits |
| Facilitating Learning and Teaching | HCT391 | 30 credits |
| Leadership in Health and Social Care | HCT393 | 30 credits |
| Patient Safety and Clinical Risk | NRT073 | 30 credits |
Year three
In Year Three you will complete your dissertation.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Empirical Dissertation | HCT117 | 60 credits |
| Empirical Dissertation | HCT117 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Work-based Project | NRT079 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Work-based Project | NRT079 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Systematic Review of the Literature | NRT080 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Systematic Review of the Literature | NRT080 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Teaching is mainly through discussions, lecturer-led sessions, student-led seminars, presentations and individual tutorials. There are also some lectures.
Self-directed study forms an important part of the course, and you will be guided in the areas for study.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through written assignments and oral presentations. This enables you to demonstrate your ability to analyse and evaluate situations and to use different ways to present your ideas and abilities. The research project is a culmination of the development of these skills.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, crèche and day facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.
This programme gives you the opportunity to share ideas with health professionals. As well as developing your own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables you to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.
You are given a named personal tutor following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.
All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which students will find course materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars.
We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback during lectures, written feedback provided through online module discussion forums, and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework through GradeMark. You can discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.
The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, day care facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.
Our student app allows you to access Cardiff University services and personalised information in one place in a simple and convenient way from a smartphone via the app store.
Features include:
- Campus maps
- Student library renewals, payments and available items
- Student timetable
- Find an available PC
- Access to help and student support
- Student news
- Receive important notifications
- Links to launch other University apps such as Outlook (for email) and Blackboard (for Learning Central).
- Links to recommended apps such as Nextbike to help make the most of their student experience.
What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you.
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- an analytical and problem-solving approach and show advanced skills in implementing the occupational therapy process.
- Develop an in depth understanding of occupational therapy theory, the evidence behind it, and its application in practice.
- Confidence in initiating change and advancing the occupational therapy profession through scholarship and leadership.
Intellectual Skills:
- Evaluate practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice.
- Ability to reflect on own practice and therapeutic use of self.
- Ability to engage in critical analysis, advanced scholarship, and research.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Develop standards of practice based on reflective thinking and problem-solving.
- Confidently link theory to practice.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Critical appraisal skills and ability to manage a research based project.
- Ability to initiate change and advance the profession through research and critical thinking.
- Ability to communicate clear and concisely in both speech and writing, presenting well-considered arguments.
- Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
As this programme is three years or over in duration and has a one year full time equivalent you will not be eligible for a postgraduate loan. The UK Government has more information about eligibility for postgraduate loans.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
Fees will be invoiced by module. Normally, invoices will be released shortly after enrolment for each individual module. For more information please refer to our tuition fees pages.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
This course does not currently accept students from outside the UK/EU.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
The MSc Occupational Therapy offers an opportunity to develop your evaluative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to increase your practical and theoretical knowledge of occupational therapy, so that you can apply these skills in the further advancement of your profession.
A professional postgraduate qualification can lead to opportunities to develop your career in a number of directions, from advanced practice in your clinical area, into management or leadership roles, or to positions in education. Postgraduate taught study is also an ideal stepping stone to undertaking further study or research.
Our graduates have gained roles including:
- Occupational therapy positions
- Occupational therapy management positions
- Educational positions such as lecturer
- Research Associate
- PhD studentship
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
