Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
2 Years -
11 Jan 2027
As part of this course you’ll:
- Gain the skills to become a professional occupational therapist, able to deliver and evaluate occupational therapy in a range of settings
- Understand the relationship between occupation and health, models of occupation, occupational science and occupational justice
- Learn how to carry out occupational therapy assessments and interventions
- Work with people from across the lifespan and with a range of physical, mental and social difficulties such as dementia, stroke, homelessness or unemployment
- Be required to undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised professional practice
Professional regulation
This course is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and is a World Federation of Occupational Therapists recognised Education Programme.
The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates occupational therapy. The title of ‘occupational therapist’ is protected by law. This means that anyone who uses a designated title must be on the HCPC Register. Successful completion of this course will give you the eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC.
Immunisations
Occupational Health clearance and compliance with standard NHS immunisations requirements is mandatory and essential for placement attendance. Please click “find out more” in the fees and funding section further down this page for full details of any extra costs relating to your course.
Your academic community
As a student on this course, you'll join a research-led academic community in the subject area of therapeutic and rehabilitation sciences.
Your learning
You'll learn through a wide range of experiences including problem-based and task-based tutorials, practical sessions, self-directed learning and research.
Funding your postgraduate healthcare course
Depending on your UK residency, you could be eligible for tuition fee and maintenance loans via the Student Loans Company (SLC) - even if loans have been taken out for a previous undergraduate degree.
If you're eligible for loans from SLC, you can also apply for supplementary funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF), including:
- Training Grant
- Parental Support
- Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses
- Exceptional Hardship Fund
Why study Occupational Therapy at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professionally accredited course
- Fantastic placement opportunities
- Specialist facilities
- Expert supervision
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) Hear from graduate Alice who discusses all elements of the course, from lectures to placements.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree completed in the last five years in the cognate subjects of Science, Social Sciences, Healthcare (including degrees in related health and social care professions), Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, History, Politics, Environment or Arts. More information can be found in the guidance booklet for applicants who do not meet this requirement, please see the link below.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language are required to have IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5 or an equivalent award.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate in their application:
- An understanding of the philosophy, practice and scope of occupational therapy
- Appropriate work experience/shadowing
- The attitudes, behaviours and values of care and compassion
- Evidence of self-direction and motivation
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
All applications should be supported by two references; a template can be accessed at this link. Please note references should be accompanied by a covering letter on headed paper or emailed directly by the referee.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Applicants are advised to read the Guidance Booklet available at this link.
Students will be recruited on the basis that their values align with those of the NHS Constitution, as well as having the right skills and aptitude, in accordance with Value Based Recruitment, (Health Education England, Value Based Recruitment Framework, October 2014). To view the NHS values click here. If selected you will need to attend an interview. At the interview you will be tested on the values which promote quality care and a positive patient, staff and student experience.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree completed in the last five years in the cognate subjects of Science, Social Sciences, Healthcare (including degrees in related health and social care professions), Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, History, Politics, Environment or Arts. More information can be found in the guidance booklet for applicants who do not meet this requirement, please see the link below.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language are required to have IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5 or an equivalent award.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate in their application:
- An understanding of the philosophy, practice and scope of occupational therapy
- Appropriate work experience/shadowing
- The attitudes, behaviours and values of care and compassion
- Evidence of self-direction and motivation
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
All applications should be supported by two references; a template can be accessed at this link. Please note references should be accompanied by a covering letter on headed paper or emailed directly by the referee.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Applicants are advised to read the Guidance Booklet available at this link.
Students will be recruited on the basis that their values align with those of the NHS Constitution, as well as having the right skills and aptitude, in accordance with Value Based Recruitment, (Health Education England, Value Based Recruitment Framework, October 2014). To view the NHS values click here. If selected you will need to attend an interview. At the interview you will be tested on the values which promote quality care and a positive patient, staff and student experience.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Health Check
For certain Professional Body courses, Occupational Health checks are also part of the entry requirements. Applicants will be asked to complete an on-line Health Questionnaire and sent guidance and links on how to complete this following your offer of a place.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Using scenarios/case studies, you'll understand how occupations are defined and classified and how they influence identity across the lifespan. This module emphasises the importance of occupation for health and wellbeing and draws upon related subjects such as occupational science, human anatomy, sociology and psychology.
Extend your depth and breadth of knowledge of research and develop a research proposal within the scope of occupational therapy.
Develop skills to understand occupational narratives and dysfunction, and to enable occupational potential, identity and wellness. You'll study a variety of case studies which consider occupational therapy with diverse populations and across the spectrum of health and social care settings.
Conduct an ethical, independent research project and disseminate your findings in the form of a journal article and a research poster. You'll defend your research process, findings and application to occupational therapy practice through a viva voce.
Observe and practice occupational therapy and reflect on your performance during this six-week practice placement module. You'll consider how theory is applied in practice, including how to engage with service users, apply the occupational therapy process and understand the importance of clinical reasoning and multidisciplinary working.
Critically appraise and apply a range of evidence that informs the quality, safety, timing, effectiveness and outcomes of occupational therapy practice. Using diverse real-life case studies, you'll understand the personal, socio-economic, cultural, environment and spiritual circumstances that influence human occupation.
What you'll learn
During this six-week practice placement, you'll practice occupational therapy, including assessments and interventions and you'll develop your own clinical reasoning and make decisions about service users. You'll also be encouraged to engage in self-reflection and integrate theory into practice.
Critically understand the role of occupational therapy in enabling and campaigning for occupational justice. You'll analyse global and local contexts, including a synthesis of legislation and policy, which impact on the health and occupational engagement of humans.
Establish a critical understanding of theories of leadership, business and enterprise in health and social care services. You'll identify emerging markets in occupational therapy and be able to explain the potential for occupational therapy services, demonstrating your skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
During this six-week practice placement, you’ll apply an occupational perspective to a setting and client group, including an assessment of health and occupational needs. You'll then implement a sustainable project to address these needs.
Engage in critical dialogue about professional reasoning in complex and novel situations to inform risk evaluation, and prioritisation and delegation of workload and resources. You'll develop and maintain professional relationships that facilitate team working and service improvement for effective and optimal service user outcomes.
Fees and funding
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9,790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£18,000
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9,790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Work placement travel expenses - Upto £250 Variable for non NHS bursary students. Travel expenses to placements may be reimbursed if student is eligible for bursary. Please note this is only available to UK/EU students only.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Rehabilitation Science Labs, these facilities allow for the practical application of anatomy, mobilisation rehabilitation and first aid.
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment. This includes a bathroom and kitchen area within a central teaching space, facilitating demonstration and teaching for a full class in the same area.
- Occupational health (OH) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
- You’ll be provided with a Smartcard if you require one for placement.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Work placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. If you are an international student you will be responsible for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. If you are a UK student, additional travel or dual accommodation costs will be reimbursed by the NHS Business Services Authority. You may be eligible for a Child Dependants Allowance and Exceptional Support Funding depending on your circumstances. Details of this NHS Learning Support Funding can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority NHS Learning Support Fund web page ]]; if you choose to undertake placements overseas you will be required to pay the additional travelling costs and accommodation costs.
- Occupational health (OH) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is essential for this programme. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fees, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate. OH appointments cancelled with less than three working days' notice and failure to attend an appointment will incur a fee (£35). If you fail to attend more than one appointment, you'll be referred to the course director. Non-compliance with the DBS and OH processes will be managed through application of the university's Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedures.
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research project or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that does not have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner).
- You'll be provided with a Smartcard if you require one for your placement. Smartcards enable healthcare professionals to access clinical information appropriate to their role. There will be a charge for lost Smartcards (£27) and a charge for lost placement badges (£5).
Optional Costs
- Student membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) (£61.51 per year).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,000
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.Work placement travel expenses - Upto £250 Variable for non NHS bursary students. Travel expenses to placements may be reimbursed if student is eligible for bursary. Please note this is only available to UK/EU students only.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Rehabilitation Science Labs, these facilities allow for the practical application of anatomy, mobilisation rehabilitation and first aid.
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment. This includes a bathroom and kitchen area within a central teaching space, facilitating demonstration and teaching for a full class in the same area.
- Occupational health (OH) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
- You’ll be provided with a Smartcard if you require one for placement.
Essential Costs
- Work placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. If you are an international student you will be responsible for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. If you are a UK student, additional travel or dual accommodation costs will be reimbursed by the NHS Business Services Authority. You may be eligible for a Child Dependants Allowance and Exceptional Support Funding depending on your circumstances. Details of this NHS Learning Support Funding can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority NHS Learning Support Fund web page ]]; if you choose to undertake placements overseas you will be required to pay the additional travelling costs and accommodation costs.
- Occupational health (OH) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is essential for this programme. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fees, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate. OH appointments cancelled with less than three working days' notice and failure to attend an appointment will incur a fee (£35). If you fail to attend more than one appointment, you'll be referred to the course director. Non-compliance with the DBS and OH processes will be managed through application of the university's Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedures.
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research project or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that does not have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner).
- You'll be provided with a Smartcard if you require one for your placement. Smartcards enable healthcare professionals to access clinical information appropriate to their role. There will be a charge for lost Smartcards (£27) and a charge for lost placement badges (£5).
Optional Costs
- Student membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) (£61.51 per year).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
School of Health tour | Student vlog Global Ambassador and MSc Biomedical Science student, Moira, takes you on a tour around the School of Health, showcasing the facilities on offer for students.
New thinking
The School of Health’s academic community works with a range of partners and collaborators to make a difference. Together, our work makes scientific advancements, ensures future generations are healthier and inequalities are tackled. Our research is local and global; biological and social. We work to understand the body, combat disease, change policy, and improve lives.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to apply to become a registered occupational therapist. The majority of occupational therapists work within the NHS in acute and community settings and in social services. There are also growing opportunities to work in private healthcare, industry, the voluntary sector and local government. We have a high student employment rate, with graduates gaining occupational therapy roles in a variety of areas.
- Occupational Therapist
Dr Daniel Cezar Da Cruz
Senior Lecturer / School of Health
Daniel Cruz is currently a Senior Lecturer on the MSc (Pre-Registration) and BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Programmes and Associate Editor of the Journal of Occupational Science (Taylor and Francis).
My course was very hands-on. I had regular opportunities to try out my skills by using the University's specialist equipment. My placements gave me so much diverse, first-hand experience. This focus on real-life practice has built my confidence, and I now feel really prepared for my future career.
Anna Wood
Occupational Therapist, Later Life and Memory Service Five Boroughs Partnership
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Occupational Therapy | Student vlog Masters student Aicha Balde discusses her Leeds Beckett experience.
School of Health tour | Student vlog Global Ambassador and MSc Biomedical Science student, Moira, takes you on a tour around the School of Health, showcasing the facilities on offer for students.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Student view Is a master's more difficult than a bachelor's degree?
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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