Occupational Therapists smiling together in uniform

Occupational Therapist Degree Apprenticeship (MSc Occupational Therapy)

This apprenticeship is designed to support the development of autonomous and reflective practitioners with strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, and to encourage a commitment to lifelong learning throughout their career as a registered occupational therapist.

This webpage provides an overview only and does not form part of any contractual agreement. Formal programme specifications and apprenticeship agreements will apply.

The programme also offers opportunities for career progression supported by a focus on professional development in strategic management and leadership with the aim of driving improvements in the delivery of health and social care. Course content aligns with the Skills England occupational therapist apprenticeship standard, has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy*. Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to the ability to apply to the HCPC for registration as an Occupational Therapist.

Registration is subject to meeting the HCPC’s entry criteria and additional costs may apply. See HCPC’s website for further information.

Course overview

This master’s level occupational therapist apprenticeship is designed to support the development of autonomous and reflective practitioner with strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. The course encourages a commitment to lifelong learning and supports progression into the registered occupational therapist workforce and throughout your career as an allied health professional. The course also offers opportunities for professional development in areas such as strategic management and leadership throughout the course, supporting future contributions to the delivery of health and social care.

Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

The Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) MSc programme is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) for the 2025/26 intakes.¹

Once enrolled on the course, you may be eligible to become a student member of RCOT (subject to RCOT criteria and any additional costs. See RCOT’s website for full details and application process).

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Becoming a professional practitioner and Leading for the future as a health and care professional modules meet the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Students who successfully pass these modules and meet the CMI learning outcomes will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification at no additional cost.¹

Course key information

Start date:
January
Course duration:
2 years (24 months)
Course delivery:
Work-based learning (including off-the job work-based learning)
Off-the-job University-based learning (face-to-face and online)
Practice placement-based learning
Funding:
Funding eligibility depends on individual and employer circumstances and therefore is not guaranteed.
Level of Apprenticeship Standard: 6
Level of Academic Study: 7 (MSc)
How apprentices learn:
Study Blocks: 6 blocks of 7 weeks per year
2 study/university days per week
3 standalone placements (1 in year 1, 2 in year 2)

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

Level 2 English and Mathematics Requirements (GCSE grade 4-9 or A-C, Functional Skills, or equivalent).

You do not need Level 2 English and Mathematics (equivalent to GCSE Grade 4-9/A-C or Functional Skills) to apply. However, if these qualifications are required by the apprenticeship standard (the official government description of your apprenticeship) or by a professional regulator (the organisation that oversees your profession) you must complete them before the Gateway stage.

What is Gateway

Gateway is the final checkpoint before your End-Point-Assessment. At this stage you, your employer and the University confirm that you have met all requirements, including any mandatory English and Maths qualifications.

Training and Support

During the initial assessment (at the start of your apprenticeship) we will review your current Maths and English qualifications. If you do not already hold the necessary qualifications, the University can provide the necessary training and support to achieve them. Funding for these qualifications may be available up to Level 2, subject to meeting the Department of Education eligibility criteria and your employer’s agreement.

You can view further information on the requirements for Functional Skills.

Previous honours degree 2:2 or above in a health or science-related subject.
Other degree-level qualifications may be considered with relevant work-based experience.

Apprenticeship entry requirements

Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Ability to meet the occupational health requirements of the programme, including confirmation of vaccination status.
Employed in a role related to the subject matter of the Degree Apprenticeship.
Support of employer and an allocated Work-based Mentor.
Contracted to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Aged minimum 18 years on commencement of the programme.
Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to have IELTS of 7.0 (with no component <6.5).
Non UK national applicants who intend to study at Coventry University on a visa must ensure their visa permits them to study in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
Applicants studying on a visa will be required to complete a Right to Study check prior to enrolling on their course.
The Right to Study check will consist of a check of their current valid passport and their visa (using a Share code beginning with S).

Areas of Study

The curriculum has been designed and developed in partnership with employers of occupational therapists across a variety of different sectors and it will build upon your existing knowledge, skills, and behaviours to prepare you for a long and rewarding career as an occupational therapist in clinical and non-clinical settings such as acute hospital settings, community settings, social care, public health, industry, teaching and research.

Modules

Year 1 (Level 7):

Year 2 (Level 7):

Get in touch

For more information, please contact us.

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Disclaimer

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.