Course Overview
The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute is a two-year, full-time Master’s programme designed for graduates seeking to qualify as Occupational Therapists. Delivered in Dublin and awarded by Health Sciences University, the programme combines academic rigour with extensive clinical placements to prepare students for professional practice across physical health, mental health, and social care settings.
Subject to HCPC approval, graduates may pursue the “Qualified Abroad” registration route in Ireland through CORU. This Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) equips you with the knowledge and practical experience to become a highly skilled, evidence-based occupational therapist.
Update May 2026: Applications for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) are now closed. Due to a high level of interest for this programme, applications are temporarily closed while we guide our existing candidates through the interview stage. This allows us to give each applicant the necessary time, attention and consideration before progressing. If you would like to be notified when applications reopen, we encourage you to register your interest.
Occupational Therapists are creative, skilled problem-solvers who support people to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Occupational therapy focuses on enabling individuals to participate in the everyday activities (occupations) that matter to them, despite challenges arising from illness, disability, injury, trauma, or social circumstances.
Delivered by Portobello Institute in Dublin and awarded by Health Sciences University, this two-year, full-time Master’s programme prepares graduates for professional practice as registered Occupational Therapists through a rigorous blend of academic study, clinical education, and placement learning.
The programme is designed for graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are motivated to pursue a career in occupational therapy and who meet the academic or experiential entry requirements.
Career Pathways in Occupational Therapy
Graduates of the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) are prepared for employment across a broad range of health, social care, and community settings. Occupational therapy offers a diverse and flexible career, with opportunities to work across physical health, mental health, learning disability, and social care services.
Common employment settings include:
- Acute and community healthcare services
- Rehabilitation and disability services
- Mental health services
- Older persons’ services
- Paediatric and early intervention services
- Charities, third-sector organisations, and non-profits
- Prisons, forensic services, and justice settings
- Private practice and independent consultancy
Occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan, supporting recovery, rehabilitation, participation, and independence through occupation-focused, person-centred interventions.
Teaching, Learning & Clinical Training
This programme combines strong theoretical foundations with immersive clinical education. Teaching is designed to support the development of professional competence, clinical reasoning, ethical practice, and leadership skills required for contemporary occupational therapy practice.
Students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgement needed to work confidently with individuals, families, groups, and communities across complex practice environments.
Learning Approach
The curriculum is delivered using Hybrid Problem-Based Learning (H-PBL), an evidence-informed educational approach that integrates:
- Case-based and problem-based learning
- Lectures and interactive seminars
- Skills-based workshops and simulation
- Reflective and enquiry-led learning
This approach ensures graduates are well equipped to respond to the complexity of client needs and to deliver care that is safe, ethical, integrated, and of a high standard.
Practical & Placement Experience
Clinical education is a core component of the programme. Students complete a range of supervised practice placements across diverse settings, allowing them to apply theory to real-world practice and develop professional identity.
Placements support:
- Development of clinical reasoning and assessment skills
- Person-centred intervention planning
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and communication
- Professional conduct and reflective practice
Opportunities may include placements in health, social care, and community-based services, with exposure to both physical and mental health practice.
What You Will Study
The curriculum is designed to reflect contemporary occupational therapy practice and regulatory standards. Areas of study include:
- Foundations of occupational therapy theory and practice
- Human occupation, health, and wellbeing
- Physical and mental health conditions across the lifespan
- Occupational assessment and intervention planning
- Rehabilitation and recovery-focused practice
- Environmental adaptation and assistive technology
- Ethics, professional practice, and leadership
- Health systems, policy, and interprofessional working
Learning emphasises the central role of occupation in human life and the relationship between meaningful activity, health, and participation.
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Students are trained to become evidence-informed practitioners who can critically evaluate research and apply it to practice. The programme develops:
- Research literacy and critical appraisal skills
- Understanding of evidence-based and occupation-focused interventions
- Ability to integrate research evidence with clinical expertise and lived experience
This ensures graduates are prepared to contribute to safe, effective, and high-quality occupational therapy services.
Academic Support and Expert Teaching
Teaching is delivered by an experienced academic and clinical team with extensive professional practice backgrounds. Students benefit from:
- Specialist occupational therapy educators
- Small-group learning and academic guidance
- Structured academic and placement support
- Ongoing feedback to support progression and professional development
The programme fosters a supportive learning environment that promotes confidence, resilience, and professional growth.
Professional Accreditation and Registration
This MSc is a pre-registration programme designed to meet the professional standards required for qualification and practice as an Occupational Therapist. HCPC approval is pending, similar to that in place for our approved MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) and MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programmes.
Registration in Ireland
Graduates of HCPC-approved programmes can follow an established route to apply for professional registration through the “Qualified Abroad” route with CORU and gain professional registration in Ireland.
Following registration with CORU, graduates can apply to become members of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI). Students will also be eligible to apply to become AOTI student members.
Award
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded an MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration). This is awarded by Health Sciences University and is aligned to level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
This programme is intended for delivery in October 2026 subject to validation.
Provisional Modules Include:
- Introduction to Professional Practice
- Occupation, Health, and Wellbeing 1
- Foundation Science for Health, Wellbeing, and Participation
- Occupation, Health, and Wellbeing 2
- Transforming Health and Wellbeing Through Occupation
- Occupation, Health, and Wellbeing 3
- Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 1
- Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 2
- Research Methods in Health Science
- Occupational therapy Dissertation
Placement Modules
- Occupational Therapy Placement 1
- Occupational Therapy Placement 2
Please note these modules are provisional and subject to change.
Option A: – Autumn ’26 Intake
Semester 1 – 5th October 2026 – 22nd January 2027
Semester 2 – 25th January 2027 – 7th May 2027
Semester 3 – 10th May 2027 – 21st August 2027
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
Option B: – Spring ’27 Intake
Semester 1 – 8th February ’27 – 28th May ’27
Semester 2 – 1st June ’27 – 10th September ’27
Semester 3 – 13th September ’27 – 17th December ’27
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
This MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) utilises a mix of learning environments including online lectures, practical work experience, problem-based learning, common and complex case studies.
You are normally expected to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.
Formal teaching methods will vary depending on the relevant learning outcomes of specific units, but will include the following activity types: Lectures (Scheduled) Seminars (Scheduled) Tutorials (Scheduled) Project Supervision (Scheduled) Practical Classes and Workshops (Scheduled) Guided Independent Study (Independent).
Work Placement
The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) programme at Portobello Institute offers a structured, innovative, and professionally aligned approach to practice-based learning, designed to meet and exceed HCPC practice education standards and support eligibility for CORU registration in Ireland.
Students complete four supervised blocks of occupational therapy practice education across the two-year programme, enabling them to progressively develop professional competence, clinical reasoning, and occupational therapy identity.
Placement Structure
Students undertake two placement blocks in each academic year:
Year 1
- Practice Placement 1A – 6 weeks
- Practice Placement 1B – 7 weeks
Year 2
- Practice Placement 2A – 8 weeks
- Practice Placement 2B – 10 weeks
Across the programme, students complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised occupational therapy practice, in line with international professional and regulatory requirements.
An Innovative Occupational Therapy Placement Model
Rather than relying solely on traditional hospital-based placements, Portobello Institute has developed a dedicated occupational therapy placement hub model, designed to provide structured learning, consistent supervision, and meaningful engagement with occupation-focused practice.
Within the placement hubs, students work with individuals who require ongoing occupational therapy intervention across areas such as:
- Physical rehabilitation and functional recovery
- Mental health and psychosocial practice
- Neurological conditions and long-term disability
- Cognitive rehabilitation and dementia care
- Environmental adaptation and assistive technology
This model supports continuity of care and allows students to follow service users over time, deepening understanding of occupational performance, participation, and outcomes.
Supervision, Support, and Learning Environment
Each placement hub is supported by a permanently employed Portobello practice educator, ensuring:
- Continuous clinical supervision
- Structured skills development
- Regular formative assessment and feedback
Placements are limited to a maximum of six students per site, allowing for enhanced supervision, one-to-one teaching opportunities, and a supportive learning environment in which students can safely develop competence and confidence.
Because service users are consistently attached to each hub, students gain valuable experience in:
- Longitudinal goal setting and review
- Evaluating occupational outcomes over time
- Adapting interventions based on lived experience and progress
This offers a significant advantage over placements where client contact may be short-term or episodic.
Specialist and External Placements
In addition to hub-based placements, students may complete specialist placements outside the core hubs, providing broader exposure to occupational therapy practice across diverse settings and populations. These experiences further support readiness for professional practice and graduate employment.
Why Our Occupational Therapy Placement Model Is Different
Key Advantages for Students
- Accredited practice-based learning aligned with HCPC standards
- Minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours across two academic years
- Dedicated occupational therapy placement hubs in Ireland
- Resident service-user model supporting continuity of care and deeper occupational reasoning
- Permanently employed Portobello practice educators at placement sites
- Maximum of six students per placement for enhanced supervision
- One-to-one clinical teaching in a safe, structured environment
- Experience across physical health, mental health, rehabilitation, and community practice
- Opportunities for specialist placements beyond the core hubs
- Strong preparation for professional registration and graduate employment
Graduates of the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-reg) at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across healthcare, education, and community services in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.
The programme prepares you to work as a registered Occupational Therapist (pending HCPC approval and subject to CORU registration), supporting individuals to live as independently, safely, and meaningfully as possible.
Occupational Therapy Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for roles across physical health, mental health, and community-based services.
Typical career pathways include:
- Occupational Therapist within public healthcare services (HSE, NHS)
- Therapist in private hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation services
- Community-based Occupational Therapist within primary care teams
- Roles in rehabilitation centres (neurology, stroke, brain injury, orthopaedics)
- Mental health and psychosocial support services
- Older persons’ services and dementia care
- Paediatric services, including schools, early intervention, and disability settings
These roles involve supporting individuals to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and participation.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across a wide range of settings, including:
- Public healthcare services
- Private hospitals and rehabilitation centres
- Community health and primary care teams
- Mental health and disability services
- Schools and paediatric support services
These employers value professionals who can support independence, participation, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Why Occupational Therapy Graduates Are in Demand
There is strong and growing demand for Occupational Therapists across healthcare and community services.
This demand is driven by:
- Ageing populations
- Increased focus on mental health and wellbeing
- Expansion of community-based and integrated care
- Greater emphasis on disability inclusion and accessibility
Occupational Therapists play a key role in supporting individuals to live independently and participate fully in daily life.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Clinical skills in assessment and intervention
- Knowledge of physical and mental health conditions
- Experience working with individuals across the lifespan
- Skills in rehabilitation, adaptation, and support planning
- Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making
This prepares you to work across a wide range of healthcare and community environments.
Career Development and Specialisation
With experience, you may progress into specialist and advanced areas such as:
- Paediatrics, including sensory integration and autism support
- Mental health and recovery-focused practice
- Neurology and acquired brain injury
- Hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation
- Geriatrics, falls prevention, and ageing services
- Assistive technology and environmental adaptation
- Vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work services
Wider Career Opportunities
Occupational therapy skills are highly transferable and support careers beyond traditional clinical roles, including:
- Case management and care coordination
- Disability consultancy and accessibility advisory roles
- Workplace ergonomics and occupational health
- Driving assessment and mobility services
- Health promotion and wellbeing roles
- Telehealth and digital health services
- NGO, community development, and advocacy work
Leadership, Education and Research
This programme provides a strong foundation for long-term career development and progression into:
- Senior and specialist clinical roles
- Clinical leadership and service management
- Teaching, supervision, and practice education
- Research roles and doctoral (PhD) pathways
- Policy development, service design, and quality improvement
International Opportunities
Occupational therapy is an internationally recognised profession, offering strong mobility and long-term job security.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in:
- Ireland
- The UK
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand and other international healthcare systems
Career Outlook
An MSc in Occupational Therapy supports a people-centred career offering:
- Strong graduate employability
- Diverse practice settings
- Clear progression and specialisation pathways
- Opportunities for leadership, innovation, and research
This provides the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Industry Partners
-
1Applications for the 2026 October start are open from April 22nd - May 8th. Interviews will take place in May and June.
-
2Complete the online application form.
-
3An interview will be conducted via MS Teams to verify suitability for this programme.
-
4Confirmation of the interview outcome will be given within 7 – 10 working days. To confirm acceptance of offer, successful applicants will be required to formally accept their offer and pay the required deposit – there will be a 14 day time allowance to complete this part of the process.
-
5Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. We are unable to hold places open for applicants unable to complete the final stage of the process.
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Course: €16,896
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.
- €2,896.24 due in month 1
- €2,896.24 due in month 2
- €2,896.24 due in month 3
- €2,896.24 due in month 4
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.
Option 3
30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.
- €1,238.37 due in month 1
- €1,238.37 due in month 2
- €1,238.37 due in month 3
- €1,238.37 due in month 4
- €1,238.37 due in month 5
- €1,238.37 due in month 6
- €1,238.37 due in month 7
- €1,238.37 due in month 8
- €1,238.37 due in month 9
- €1,238.37 due in month 10
