Advancing Practice in Occupational Therapy - MSc/PgDip

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Please contact Kath Nicol or Susan Prior (Framework Leads) for further information on single-module study. All students will initially enrol on the MSc.  

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s-level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods, including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at QMU, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate to approximately 200 hours of study, including regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff for this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules: 

Advanced Competencies 1 & 2 (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work. 

OR 

Advancing Portfolio 1 and 2 (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to develop a portfolio which provides evidence of your ability to deliver advanced practice level of care mapped to appropriate underpinning frameworks and standards. 

AND 

• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice. 
• Demonstrating Impact in Practice (20 credits)*: This module will enable you to advance your practice by demonstrating sustainable impact at the service, project, or community level.
• Contemporary Occupation Focused Practice (20 credits): The aim of this module is to enhance students' ability to critically analyse and evaluate the theoretical foundations and contemporary practices of occupational therapy, enabling them to propose and justify practice advancements that align with service priorities and professional values.   
• Methods of Enquiry (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
• Optional module (20 credits in total): You will complete one optional module from any approved Framework modules.
• Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation.

*These modules require you to be working in the specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary). They support you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work. The Advanced Competencies modules are prospective experience, and the portfolio is retrospective. 

We may ask you, as part of the admissions process, for a CV and a reference from your line manager to evidence that you have the support required to undertake the module.   

• Optional module (20 credits in total): You will complete one optional modules from any approved Framework modules.

• Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation.

*Some modules require individuals to be working in a specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).

Whether you're looking to step into leadership, enhance your specialist expertise, or expand your professional responsibilities, this course will help you achieve your goals. Through workplace learning and applied research, you'll develop the skills to influence practice, lead innovation, and demonstrate the advanced capabilities sought by employers across health, social care and professional settings.

Entry requirements

A UK Honours degree or equivalent and professional registration or equivalent in occupational therapy.

International students:

• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
• Please note as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on Student visa.

Other requirements

The Advancing Competencies and the Advancing Portfolio core modules require learners to be working in the specific area of practice and/or have access to a suitable workplace setting along with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.  

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page. 

Application deadline

Typically, December for a January start and August for a September start.

Contact Susan Prior or contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.