Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Please see the Fees and Funding Section below
Please see the Fees and Funding Section below -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
February 2026
Course summary
- Gain the knowledge and confidence to work in advanced sensory integration.
- See how your learning can contribute to the growing evidence base.
- Plan and implement a research study focused on sensory integration.
This course is available to occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech & language therapists. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to develop first as a practitioner in sensory integration – and then as an advanced practitioner.
There are multiple intakes of each sensory integration module throughout the year – you can check start dates can on the Sensory Integration Education (SIE) website. You’re welcome discuss your most appropriate pattern of study, funding and study goals with the collaborative course lead Sarah Lacey or support@sensoryintegration.org.uk.
Student satisfaction
This course scored 100% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
You’ll be part of an online community which is multi-disciplinary in nature and promotes peer and tutor support.
You learn through
- online presentations and lessons
- webinars
- independent study tasks
- online discussion boards and meetings
- online activities
In the research methods module, you’ll have access to a multi-disciplinary teaching team and an e-tutor. You’ll have your own research supervisor who will support you through your research dissertation – as well as access to a range of electronic resources.
Applied learning
Work placements
The postgraduate certificate and diploma include up to 60 clinical hours, which sit within the sensory integration modules. The clinical hours can be completed within your own workplace – or you can arrange to complete them in another suitable environment.
You’ll also be supported in clinical mentoring sessions to help you hone your clinical skills. Your mentor will be from the SIE register of clinical mentors – or from your workplace if you have a suitable mentor at work who’s an advanced practitioner in sensory integration. You’ll usually have around three hours of mentoring per module.
Networking opportunities
When you start the course you’ll become a member of SIE’s community of best practice – the Association of Sensory Integration Practitioners (ASIP).
Course leaders and tutors
Colette Beecher
Senior Lecturer In Occupational TherapyColette Qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1990 and is a Specialist Occupational Therapist in Neurology. Her previous work history has involved working in neu … Read more
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module provides an in-depth exploration of sensory processing and integration, emphasising advanced theories, models, and practical applications. It focuses on developing clinical leadership skills, critical thinking, and systematic approaches to addressing complex sensory integration challenges.
Module content:
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Advanced theories and models of sensory processing and integration
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Comprehensive understanding of change mechanisms, practical applications, and outcome measures
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Application of critical thinking and clinical reasoning to complex challenges
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Leadership skills for managing and communicating complex issues
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Competency in case conceptualisation, cultural competence, and ethical practice
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Integration with other therapeutic frameworks and adherence to sustainable values
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30 Practice Hours
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3 Clinical Mentoring hours
This module builds on foundational knowledge of sensory processing and integration, focusing on the practical application of theories and concepts. It emphasises foundational skills in assessment, intervention, and the integration of person-centred approaches to address sensory processing challenges.
Module content:
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Application of theories and principles of sensory integration and processing to practice
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Systematic sourcing and critical appraisal of relevant literature
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Application of clinical reasoning to sensory integration challenges
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Person-centred assessment and intervention strategies
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Ethical practice and professional competency in sensory integration
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Effective communication of assessment findings, intervention strategies and outcomes
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20 practice hours
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2 Clinical Mentoring Hours
This module introduces key concepts in sensory processing and integration, focusing on foundational theories, change mechanisms, and practical applications. It will develop your ability to appraise literature, apply critical thinking, and explore ethical considerations in sensory processing.
Module Content:
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Sensory integration (SI) theory
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Structure and development of the nervous system
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Neuroplasticity and its role in sensory processing
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Social, emotional, and regulatory development in the nervous system
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Interoception
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Posture, body scheme, and praxis
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Sensory systems
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Practical applications through observation and recommending universal strategies-ten observational hours
This module is available to study as a stand-alone module for people holding a Honours degree and:
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HCPC (or equivalent) registered Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Practitioner Psychologists, Dietitians.
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NMC (or equivalent) registered nurses.
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Play Therapists (PTUK or BAPT registered only)
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Social Workers (SWE registered)
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Teachers (TRA registered)
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Other suitably qualified professionals on case-by-case basis
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module provides an in-depth exploration of sensory processing and integration, emphasising advanced theories, models, and practical applications. It focuses on developing clinical leadership skills, critical thinking, and systematic approaches to addressing complex sensory integration challenges.
Module content:
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Advanced theories and models of sensory processing and integration
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Comprehensive understanding of change mechanisms, practical applications, and outcome measures
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Application of critical thinking and clinical reasoning to complex challenges
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Leadership skills for managing and communicating complex issues
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Competency in case conceptualisation, cultural competence, and ethical practice
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Integration with other therapeutic frameworks and adherence to sustainable values
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30 Practice Hours
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3 Clinical Mentoring hours
This module will enable you to develop a proposal and plan and conduct an in depth investigation of a topic that contributes to your professional practice. This will take the format of a critical literature review or service evaluation. It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows you to demonstrate your ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It will also support the dissemination of findings to your professional community.
- Proposal development
- Ethics and research governance
- Project planning
- Data Management
- Dissemination opportunities
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to research design and methods relevant to an applied area of investigation. It will enable you to consider factors that will impact on future planning and management of their investigation.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Identifying a research question
- Research methods to support quantitative and qualitative research
- Research ethics
- Literature based studies
- Service evaluation - design and methods
- Project planning and management
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.2 Evaluate and audit your own and others’ clinical practice and act on the findings |
4.2 The range of valid and reliable evaluation and audit methods used in clinical practice |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- healthcare
- social care
- education
- third sector organisations
- private practice
Where will I study?
You study this course online from any location
Entry requirements
All students
Normally, applicants will hold a first degree or professional qualification in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech and Language Therapy which is recognised in the UK.
Equivalent, international academic and/or professional qualifications will be accepted.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Please visit the Sensory Integration Education (SIE) website (below) for details on the tuition fee for this course. https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/postgraduate-courses To study this course you will need to apply directly through the SIE website.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Please visit the Sensory Integration Education (SIE) website (below) for details on the tuition fee for this course. https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/postgraduate-courses To study this course you will need to apply directly through the SIE website.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 279KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
