MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) at University of Brighton

Programme overview

This degree gives you licence to register and practice as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is also approved by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. It is ideal for graduates of any subject who wish to gain both a professional and academic qualification and start a career in this challenging and highly rewarding field.

Faculty: School of Sport and Health Sciences | Department: Health Professions | Duration: full-time: 2 years (accelerated) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: This course starts in early September each year | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

This intensive degree runs over 45 weeks per year for two years, balanced between campus-based study and clinical practice. Learning is mainly through whole-cohort fixed resource sessions with academics, visiting practitioners and occasionally service-users, and smaller problem-based learning groups, usually with a tutor, examining real-life scenarios. There are also opportunities to participate in action learning sets where you will explore your thoughts in small, largely self-directed groups. The problem-based learning approach of the course is considered crucial for attainment of knowledge, deep understanding and critical evaluation. Modules include Beginning Practice Placement, Assessment in Occupational Therapy, Diverse Practice Placement, Occupational Therapy in Diverse Settings, Occupation for Change, Achieving Best Practice, Intermediate Practice Placement, Research Foundations for Occupation-centred Practice, Teamworking, Research Implementation for Occupation-centred Practice.

Career pathways

Our course meets the standards to register as an occupational therapist in the UK. After professional registration with the HCPC, graduates are eligible to take up opportunities in health and social care, in the NHS, social care and the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree and experience. An honours degree, 2:1 or above in any subject area, normally completed in the last ten years, but evidence of recent study such as continuing professional development or other studies, normally at level 6, could be considered. Work experience in health or social care preferred but not essential. Other. Two academic/professional references. One 500-word report which demonstrates the applicants understanding of the diversity of occupational therapy. Each applicant is responsible for gaining the knowledge required to write the report. Applicants who work in an occupational therapy setting may wish to draw on their experience, but it will be expected that a range of services will be referred to including physical, mental health, hospital or community settings. All applicants are encouraged to use resources such as books, journal articles and web-based sources. The report will not be expected to cover all occupational therapy practice settings. The report should be in addition to the personal statement and uploaded as a separate document on the personal statement section of the admissions portal. English language requirements. If English is not your first language, IELTS 7.0 overall with no element below 6.5 (to meet requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,854 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Intake: This course starts in early September each year

Duration: full-time: 2 years (accelerated)

Apply through the official page: https://evsipr.brighton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app_crs

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