Master of Science - Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy helps people live meaningful and independent lives by supporting them to do what is important to them. Working in hospitals, communities, schools, workplaces, prisons, care homes and many other settings, Occupational Therapists help individuals overcome barriers and carry out meaningful activities. Occupational Therapy offers many exciting career opportunities. This course enables students to gain the knowledge, real-world experience, skills and confidence required to embark on a successful career and develop a strong professional identity as an Occupational Therapist. The MSc Occupational Therapy is a stimulating and rewarding programme. Studying at master’s level provides opportunities to conduct in-depth research, strengthen leadership skills and focus on developing a professional identity. The course provides robust knowledge of occupational therapy practice through both classroom-based and practical learning. The MSc Occupational Therapy is a two-year accelerated course, comprising 45 weeks of teaching each year. Teaching is collaborative and encourages the sharing and development of ideas. Students build leadership skills through practice-based learning and academic study, developing the knowledge required to promote a positive culture in future professional roles. Students are part of a wider department that includes peers from Nursing, Paramedicine and Public Health, providing interprofessional learning opportunities and broader perspectives. The course has been developed in collaboration with people with lived experience, practising Occupational Therapists and learners from other programmes within the department. Each learner is allocated a personal tutor from the Occupational Therapy academic team. Learners are also placed in Personal Tutor Groups and offered group sessions at key points throughout the academic year, including shortly after the course begins and during placements. Individual meetings with personal tutors are also available. NTU also offers a BSc Occupational Therapy course, creating a wider community of learners preparing for future professional opportunities. A range of simulation facilities—including a brand-new therapeutic kitchen, domestic suite, ward, consulting room and virtual reality suite—alongside access to green spaces for outdoor teaching, supports experiential learning in a safe and welcoming environment. The Institute of Health and Social Care, where the Occupational Therapy course is based, has international links. The MSc adopts a global focus to enrich learning and provide a more inclusive experience for students and the people they support. The course aims to empower students throughout their journey towards becoming Occupational Therapists, enabling them to empower the people they work with during placements and later as registered professionals.