People as Occupational Beings
Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)
School of Health and Society
Full-time
Two year
September 2024
In a nutshell
This accelerated programme will provide you with a master's level academic qualification together with eligibility to apply for a licence to practice which is a pre-requisite for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council.
This programme offers you the opportunity to become occupational therapy practitioners at the forefront of occupational therapy. This will be achieved by developing a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current challenges and developments in the field of occupational therapy.
Home applicants: the closing date for applications to the 2024 entry for this programme is 31st May 2024.
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- Gain an academic qualification and eligibility to apply for licence to practice with the HCPC
- Have the opportunity for a clinical placement
- Be prepared to enter the workplace on completion of this programme
options available
students accepted
Course accreditations


All about the course
Over the two years, you will engage with four modules and four practice placements as detailed below.
You can read our full FAQ document here: FAQ's here
*Please note this programme is going through the normal and required process of updating the course, and therefore it's modules, for 2024 delivery. As such, the modules currently listed below are subject to change*
If you require more specific information on modules for 2024 entry, please email: SHS-OTAdmissions@salford.ac.uk
To enable you to gain critical knowledge of basic sciences and their relevance to human occupation.
To enable you to gain critical knowledge of occupations and occupational performance across the lifespan.
To provide you with the opportunity to volunteer in a relevant service.
Theory and Practice
- To enable you to recognise, apply and critically evaluate the core knowledge, skills and values of an occupational therapist.
- To understand the need to respect and uphold, the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of service users.
- To enable you to engage in a variety of placement experiences in order to apply and develop learning expertise.
Ready for Practice
- To apply the philosophy, core values and skills of occupational therapy to service development, delivery and practice.
- To learn from and with other learners from relevant professions.
- To reflect on personal and professional development and prepare for employment.
Theory and Practice 2
- To identify current issues relevant to occupational therapy and critically evaluate their accommodation/ implementation in practice.
- To explore the theoretical relationship between occupation, health and wellbeing within the context of models of practice and evaluate the application of the models.
- To demonstrate the ability to apply and evaluate a range of evidence-based occupational therapy strategies.
Professor Matthew Molineux
We are delighted to announce that Professor Matthew Molineux of Griffith University, Queensland, Australia was appointed as Honorary Professor at the University of Salford in 2023.
Matthew is an occupational therapist and occupational scientist who has worked in Australia and the United Kingdom for over 30 years and is passionate about occupational therapy and the unique perspective the profession has on humans and health. He is known for encouraging, and sometimes challenging, students and occupational therapists to reflect critically on how their practice aligns with the profession’s unique occupational perspective. Matthew will be working with staff and students, contributing to teaching and learning, and programme development.
On his appointment, Matthew said “I'm very excited to be working with the occupational therapy team at the University of Salford as they continue their work in creating innovative educational experiences for students.”
The School of Health and Society
We are focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, service users and athletes and our commitment to public involvement help us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.
Rehabilitation Flat
Our purpose built rehabilitation flat provides the opportunity to test occupational therapy skills within a secure environment.
The flat has a bathroom, kitchen and bedroom with a range of equipment and daily living aids such as:
- Specialist knives and adapted cutlery
- Utensil holders and openers
- Non-slip mats and reachers
- A variety of dressing aids
- Bath lift and grab rail
The flat is used to demonstrate equipment and the way in which an occupational therapist may assist a client to learn a new way to perform an activity and maintain their independence. You will also have access to the occupational therapy resource room, equipment relating to ADL, splinting and personal care, and use of community resources for experiential learning.
Take a 360 tour of the facilities here.
What about after uni?
As a qualified occupational therapist, the University is committed to supporting your continuing professional development and offers a range of short courses and study days throughout the year to keep you at the forefront of new developments within the profession.
You may also choose to pursue further study and research on our Professional Doctorate (Health and Social Care/Advanced Practitioner/Social Work).
Career Links
Through the programme, you will develop a sound level of competence in occupational therapy required to meet professional standards and the UK Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists.
You will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to obtain a protected title and license to practice as an occupational therapist in the UK.
You will be able to work in a range of practice environments such as paediatrics, older people’s care, long-term mental health settings and learning disability services. Alternatively you may develop your career into medico-legal work, management, education and research. In addition to the NHS services, employers may include prisons, private hospitals, litigation services, voluntary organisations and private and/or independent practice.
FURTHER STUDY
As a qualified occupational therapist, the University is committed to supporting your continuing professional development and offers a range of short courses and study days throughout the year to keep you at the forefront of new developments within the profession.
You may also wish to pursue further academic study through a research degree on completion of this course.
What you need to know
This course is suitable for people with a first degree in any subject looking for an accelerated course to prepare them to work as an occupational therapist.
You can read our detailed FAQ document here: FAQ's here
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Additional requirements
Applicants who have previously been enrolled in an occupational therapy pre-registration programme or any other health professional education programme must submit a self-declaration confirming no previous fitness to practice concerns if an offer is made for a place on the programme.
Undergraduate degree
An Honours Degree 2:1 or above in any subject area. Normally we would expect this to have been completed in the last five years, but relevant work-related CPD or other studies could be considered (with evidence).
GCSEs
5 passes at grade A - C or 9 - 4 for GCSE, to include English Language, maths and a science or equivalents.
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- The English language, maths and science could also be evidenced through a higher qualification e.g. A level or aspects of your degree. (this will be automatically reviewed and considered at Admissions stage and the decision made will be final)
- Equivalents accepted: maths and English level 2 function skills
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
How much?
ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS
The NHS Learning Support Fund is available to students studying the following courses:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Occupational Therapy (including pre-registration Master's)
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry (including pre-registration Master's)
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Midwifery
- Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability, joint nursing/social work; including pre-registration Master's)
Visit the NHSBSA website for further information.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00per year |
Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.