Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 24 months
- Start date and application deadlines
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- Start date
- January 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
This is a stimulating pre-registration MSc programme that will equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as an occupational therapist in modern healthcare.
Introduction
This course will provide you with an enriching, dynamic educational experience that combines traditional teaching with the advancement of key clinical skills to produce professionals that are equally adept in the practical and theoretic aspects of occupational therapy.
Our traditional classroom teaching will expand your awareness of the sector’s principle themes and challenges, and allow you to develop general professional abilities like report writing, research techniques and critical thinking skills.
Our teaching incorporates the excellent grounding in biological and social sciences that our undergraduate programme is renowned for and we will encourage you to undertake research to develop the evidence base of the profession whilst providing you with opportunities to learn alongside master’s students from our other Allied Healthcare programmes.
You will also be offered a variety of practice placement opportunities which include extended part-time and elective roles that will feature in your first and second year of studies. This will help you develop your clinical skills, and stimulate your leadership, communication and patient care abilities which will all be vital to your career in the future.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for graduates from across a range of disciplines, such as biological sciences, social sciences and health sciences, who have gained a 2:1 classification in their degree.
We will also consider those with a 2:2 classification in their degree who are able to provide wider contextual information of recent relevant experience or further study.
What you'll learn
- Clinical skills imperative to modern occupational therapists
- Research and report writing skills
- An understanding of different physical and mental health issues
- Critical thinking abilities
- An appreciation of other healthcare professionals and their roles
- Teamwork and communication skills.
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, the UK’s prominent regulator of health and care professions.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In Year one, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of professional practice, with particular emphasis placed on the science that underpins the industry. You will develop an appreciation for the nuances of occupational therapy provision and begin to understand the research methods which are used to expand the professional knowledge base.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In Year two, you will further develop your professional skills and experience, and be expected to provide a greater level of care to patients than previously. You will also begin to focus on occupational therapy skills that will demonstrate leadership abilities which may prove highly useful to you in your future career. In addition, you will complete a dissertation on an occupational therapy subject of your choosing which adequately displays your professional expertise.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Our teaching is rooted in real world problems, and as such we implement case studies and experiential learning so that you can acquire knowledge and skills that you can critically apply to current health care delivery.
The teaching methods that we use include simulation activities, clinical skills development sessions, practice placements, interactive seminars, interprofessional learning and case-based learning.
These will enable you to demonstrate your learning and start to apply your knowledge to occupational therapy practice as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team at an early stage.
Online learning will be used where effective to promote digital literacy, permit synchronous and asynchronous activities and incorporate the use of video-conferencing and communication platforms.
These varied approaches are used to increase retention of knowledge, self-evaluation and deeper learning in students and are relevant for educating future occupational therapy practitioners.
How you're assessed
Our assessments have been designed to allow you to demonstrate the development of your professional and scientific knowledge, clinical skills and critical reasoning abilities.
More specifically, they have been designed to mirror the real-life tasks that you will be required to undertake in practice.
Clinical skills examinations, written assignments, personal reflections, oral presentations and the development of patient information documents are some examples of the various assessment methods that we use.
Regular opportunities for meetings with academic advisors will be scheduled to facilitate your reflections on assessments and feedback to consolidate your learning and to collaboratively plan your future development.
In addition to feedback from programme tutors, students are encouraged to recognise and use informal feedback from their peers, service-users and particularly through learning opportunities they encounter on practice placements, during group work and from oral presentations.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Placement opportunity
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
Your experience
Occupational therapy students can benefit from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing experience of being at the forefront of healthcare education for over 100 years. We place particular emphasis on cross-School education, and the diversity of disciplines we specialise in has created a stimulating environment which enriches our student’s academic experience.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
- Major centre for education and research in health sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
- Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
- Active research environment
- Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
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Careers and employability
Graduates in Occupational Therapy are a vital part of modern health care and employment opportunities are available in the UK and abroad. This is a vocational programme and aims to fill a skill shortage area within the National Health Service.
Graduates from the University of Liverpool have an excellent employment rate and are highly regarded by local employers and successfully achieve employment nationally entering a wide variety of roles and services.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
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You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
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All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
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International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional. Applicants should present with a 2:2 degree in any discipline. We will also consider pending degrees. You must demonstrate a good understanding of the occupational therapist profession, including an awareness of the procedures undertaken. You are encouraged to arrange a shadowing visit with a registered occupational therapist in their area of practice in support of your application. An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required within the occupational therapy role. Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present with the strongest possible application. Declaration of Criminal BackgroundYou will understand that as an allied health professions and nursing student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete. Health ScreeningThe University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. Please visit the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners website for further information. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online. |
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Last updated 14 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions