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?
19 Months
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
February 2026
Course summary
- Develop your knowledge of sensory integration.
- Understand the experience of sensory processing and integration difficulties.
- Explore how services can effectively support people.
- Study current Ayres Sensory Integration® practice, its application and evidence base.
- Gain the confidence to practice as an advanced sensory integration practitioner.
This course is available to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists who’ve completed a postgraduate certificate in sensory integration.
There are multiple start dates of each sensory integration module throughout the year. To work out your most appropriate pattern of study, please contact the collaborative course lead Colette Edwards or the Sensory Integration Education Helpdesk to talk about your circumstances, funding arrangements and goals for study.
How you learn
Each module ensures the perspective of the person and their family (the service user) is at the heart of the learning. You’ll have your own module e-mentor who supports your individual learning needs – plus an online study group offering peer learning support.
You learn through
- online presentations and lectures
- module mentor facilitated forum discussions
- quizzes and practical activities
- independent study tasks
- online activities
- clinical hours and reflection
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is available if you’ve completed sensory integration modules or the postgraduate certificate at Ulster University.
Applied learning
Work placements
The postgraduate diploma includes 60 clinical hours across three modules. These clinical hours can be completed in your own workplace – or you can arrange to complete them in another suitable environment.
You’re also supported by mentoring sessions, facilitated by a mentor of your choosing from the SIE register of clinical mentors. In these sessions you’ll develop both your clinical reasoning and intervention skills.
Networking opportunities
You’ll become a member of Sensory Integration Education’s community of best practice when you start your studies – 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 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
Final year
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
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- healthcare
- social care
- education
- third sector organisations
- private practice
Equipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
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.
