Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) - MSc
Our professionally approved and accredited Occupational Therapy MSc will appeal to graduates from all disciplines seeking a rewarding, in-demand career in a profession which supports individuals to participate and engage in meaningful everyday activities.
Equal consideration deadlines
2027 entry: 11.59pm on 1 September 2026
2028 entry: 11.59pm on 1 September 2027
You can still apply after these deadlines, but equal consideration cannot be guaranteed. Courses may close at any time after the relevant deadline, depending on the availability of places.
Month of entry
- January
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
-
Type of study Fees (per year) UK - full time £9,790 International - full time £20,800
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 2 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) at Keele University?
About the course
Underpinned by evidence and reflective of contemporary occupational therapy practice, our MSc aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills, behaviours and values to become an Occupational Therapist. The centrality of occupation in human life and the contribution that meaningful occupation has to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals is at the heart of the programme. Throughout the MSc you will explore the following topics:
- The history and evolution of the occupational therapy profession.
- The relationship between the person, their occupations and the environment.
- The dynamic relationship between occupation, health and wellbeing and the factors that challenge or facilitate occupational performance and participation.
- The concepts which underpin occupational science and occupational risk factors and how these impact health and wellbeing.
- The use of self in building and maintaining professional therapeutic relationships.
- How the environment, governance, technology, finance, legislation, policy, agendas and initiatives can influence contemporary occupational therapy practice and service delivery.
- The occupational and health needs of individuals, communities and populations, both nationally and internationally plus the potential challenges to providing equitable occupational therapy services.
- The changing and diverse context of complex health and social care systems.
Student support
Academic mentor
You will be assigned an academic mentor who will support you with your academic development and queries. They will be your initial contact and are able to refer you to a range of student services offered by the university, including welfare and financial support.
Student experience and support team
Based within our faculty is a Student Experience and Support team who have a member of the team who is dedicated to the School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy. As part of Keele’s student services, they work closely with teams across Keele so you can easily access the support you need.
There is peer support and additional help is available from the School's Disability Inclusion Tutor who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have special learning needs.
You will have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele which include;
- Learning Support and Academic Guidance
- Disability Support and Inclusion
- English Language Unit
- Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
- Student Support Services
- Occupational Health Department
Practice educators
During your practice-based learning placements you will be supported and assessed by a qualified Occupational Therapist. Practice educators have a breadth of knowledge and experience in a variety of settings (clinical/professional body/leadership/research).This will help to provide insight into a range of careers and specialisms that may be of interest to you.
Accreditation and professional recognition
The MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It is also accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Successful completion of the programme provides you with eligibility to register with the HCPC and use the protected title of Occupational Therapist.
Course structure
The MSc commences in January and is divided into three semesters for each year of study. The programme comprises of 11 compulsory taught modules and 4 compulsory practice-based learning modules. Over the two years you will complete 180 credits plus a minimum of 1000 successfully completed hours of practice-based learning.
All offers are normally conditional upon having a satisfactory occupational health assessment and enhanced clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School strongly advises students to become student members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Student membership of the RCOT provides access to a range of resources and provides insurance for practice placements. Further information can be found at Student Membership - RCOT.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Year 1
Transitions to Occupational Therapy Studies (15 credits)
Our Transition to Occupational Therapy Studies module aims to develop your understanding of the occupational therapy profession.
As you build the skills, knowledge and attributes that are essential for a health and social care professional, you will also reflect on your knowledge and previous experiences to identify your learning needs and action plans. This will support your development in knowledge relating to anatomy, physiology and movement science and communication.
Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change (15 credits)
This module brings together the concepts of health promotion, primary and secondary prevention and health behaviour change. You will explore the factors which affect health and wellbeing and also the theories, models and principles which underlie health behaviour change. Health promotion strategies are also evaluated.
Occupation: Art and Science - (15 credits)
This module will introduce you to the history and evolution of the occupational therapy profession, and will include examination of key concepts, philosophy, values and beliefs. You will also develop an understanding of the dynamic relationship between occupation, health and wellbeing, in addition to critically reviewing the occupational therapy process.
Psychology, Pathologies, Life Changes and Life Choices (15 credits)
You will explore a range of psychological theories which may include: cognition, memory, capacity, processing, motivation, learning and development. You will also learn about the typical pathologies encountered in practice such as: schizophrenia, dementia, anxiety and depression and learning disabilities, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, cancers and diabetes.
Practice Based Learning 1 (0 credits)
This practice based learning module will enable you to further develop and apply your knowledge and skills to work in diverse settings. It will also develop your transferable skills including multidisciplinary team working, leadership and advance communication that can be applied in a variety of settings and specialties.
Models of Occupational Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Process (15 credits)
This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills following your first placement. Within the module you will gain practical experience in occupational therapy assessment, intervention and outcome measurement. You will also expand your knowledge and ability when justifying decision making in contemporary occupational therapy practice.
Professional Reasoning and Diversity in Practice (15 credits)
This module enables you to participate in, practically facilitate, critically appraise and justify a range of specialist and diverse occupation focused interventions such as: splinting, wheelchair provision, pressure care, vocational rehabilitation and group work.
Risk management, risk enablement and health and safety are key aspects of this module.
Evaluating Healthcare and Evidence Based Practice (15 credits)
The Evaluating Healthcare and Evidence Based Practice module focuses on developing and enhancing your knowledge and skills in effectively using research and other forms of evidence to support and underpin your practice. The module also reviews the tools used to evaluate services.
Year 2
Practice Based Learning 2 (0 credits)
Practice Based Learning 2 builds on previous practice based learning and content covered earlier in the MSc Occupational Therapy programme. The module aims to prepare you to work in diverse and contemporary settings whilst also developing transferable skills such as multidisciplinary team working and leadership that can be applied in a variety of settings and specialties.
Addressing the Occupational Needs of Communities and Populations (15 credits)
You will explore the occupational and health needs of communities and populations on a global scale, in addition to proposing equitable occupational therapy services to address these needs. The module will also consider public health, health promotion and prevention strategies for communities and populations.
Research Proposal (15 credits)
The Research Proposal module focuses on developing your knowledge and skills in justifying and designing a comprehensive plan for a research project, under the guidance of a supervisor.
Practice Based Learning 3 (0 credits)
Building on previous practice based learning modules, you will explore working in contemporary and diverse settings whilst developing transferable skills that can be applied in a variety of settings and specialties.
Leadership and Service Development (15 credits)
During this module you will have the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of the ethical dilemma's in health and social care and debate these issues with other students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Research Project (30 credits)
This module enables you to implement your research proposal to produce a structured written report. You will also develop your ability to carry out subsequent research independently and commission, manage and evaluate the research activities of others.
Practice Based Learning 4 (0 credits)
This module enables aims to prepare you to work in contemporary and diverse settings whilst also developing transferable skills that can be applied in a variety settings and specialties.
Practice-based learning
The programme offers four placement opportunities where you will gain 30 weeks of practice-based experience across a wide spectrum of public, independent, private, third sector and health, wellbeing, social and integrative care systems.
Exposure to such a wide variety of practice-based settings will help to prepare you for the diversity of occupational therapy practice.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy from a private university
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: 3 in Higher or Intermediate Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
or
65% in a degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy from a '211' university
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years, in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: C in KCSE Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 40% or GPA 2.5 in the School Leaving Certificate or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: 33% in Higher Secondary Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 in NSC Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: C in O-level Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any subject in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject other than pre-registration Occupational Therapy
You will also need: C in Ordinary Level Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Interprofessional education
During the course you will share teaching sessions with students from Keele's Physiotherapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics programmes and other programmes within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Interprofessional education is designed to contribute to professional understanding and respect as you learn with, from and about various professions for the benefit of service user care.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
UK Full Time - £9,790 for the 2026/7 academic year
International Full Time - £20,800 for the 2026/7 academic year
Fees
2026/27 academic year
For start dates between September 2026 and July 2027.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £9,790 |
| International - full time | £20,800 |
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £10,050 |
| International - full time | £21,600 |
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Eligible Occupational Therapy (Pre-Reg) MSc students can apply for funding support via the NHS Learning Support Fund, which includes a £5,000 training grant and certain travel and accommodation costs for placements. More information, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Mandatory costs
You can expect some additional costs as a student on this course, which may support learning activities, specialist equipment, fieldwork, placements, or other course-related requirements. Details of these mandatory costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Optional costs
In addition to the mandatory costs listed below, there may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
Mandatory:
- Uniform: £74.74
- Enhanced DBS check with digital ID check: £60.70
- Registration to the DBS Update Service: £16 per year. This price is not set by the University and is liable to increase.
Optional:
- Branded Hoodie (if 3XL or above an additional £3): £34.50
- Replacement name badge: £5
- Professional Body membership per year: £61.55
Continual Professional Development
Our MSc promotes a commitment to lifelong learning and you will be encouraged to take responsibility for the ownership, planning and implementation of your continuing professional development. You will have access to a range of methods for recording your CPD achievements and are encouraged to document and formulate future development plans within academic mentor meetings and placement briefing
and debriefing.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
Teaching is facilitated within both the University and practice-based learning settings. The programme seeks to maximise opportunities for active social learning and therefore embraces synchronous scheduled learning activities including interactive lectures, seminars and practical classes.
A diverse range of learning and teaching methods are utilised in the programme and vary according to the subject matter of the module.
Methods of learning include:
- Lectures
- Practice-based learning
- Small group workshops
- Individual and group presentations
- Student and tutor-led tutorials
- Web-based learning using the KLE
- Independent study
- Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Assessment
Methods of assessment include:
- Written work and assignments
- Written examinations
- Reflective assignments
- Oral exams/presentation
- Practical examinations
- Research project
- Practice-based learning assessments
Key programme expectations
Before applying, it is important to understand the core physical and psychological demands of training for a career in this field. To help you make an informed choice, our programme aligns with fitness to train standards detailed by the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) group. We encourage all prospective students to review these core capabilities to ensure they feel confident meeting the day-to-day expectations of both the academic study and clinical placements.
Medical fitness to train and work
Occupational Therapy students must meet essential medical fitness standards to ensure they can safely train and practise. This includes immunity screening, infectious disease precautions, and meeting functional health requirements.
Physically demanding role
Occupational Therapy programmes can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to participate in the safe moving and handling of patients, complete assessments and interventions, support personal care activities, operate equipment and occasionally provide emergency responses including performing CPR.
Mentally demanding role
Occupational Therapy students will encounter distressing, unpredictable, stressful and traumatic situations. Students should have the cognitive ability, memory and emotional resilience and wellbeing to study the programme. The ability to communicate in English clearly, effectively and professionally is essential.
Placements and travel requirements
Occupational Therapy students complete four placements within a variety of settings and organisations. Placements are mandatory (not optional). Within some organisations shift work is required. Students must be prepared to travel to and from placement areas or relocate to access placements that are often across large geographical areas. This is a course requirement.
