Hand Therapy (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip)

• This is the only distance learning MSc Hand Therapy course in the UK which offers the flexibility to study from home on a part time basis
• Incorporates modules which, upon completion, enable you to apply to the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) for accreditation as a BAHT accredited hand therapist or Associate Member accredited hand therapist (provided you have completed the required clinical hours)
• Enables you to disseminate evidence-based practice and identify areas of practice for development
• Enables flexible study
• Join the programme with a 2:2 in your undergraduate degree in occupational therapy or physiotherapy (other entry requirements apply)

This course is for qualified occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in the field of hand therapy.

Building on the competence you’ve already gained in your own professional practice, this course will enable you to continue learning, evaluating, maintaining and developing services for current and future hand therapy provision.

You’ll develop your ability to critically evaluate and reflect on your own practice in hand therapy while reviewing the theory that is fundamental to hand therapy. The course will help you to develop your understanding of research methods and research skills so that you feel empowered to improve your clinical practice. You’ll find that the course is flexible to suit you and fit around your other commitments.

You’ll be fully supported by our knowledgeable academic team, who will help you with your studies by email, phone, online or face to face tutorials. You’ll have the opportunity to attend online lectures and online study days to meet with tutors, network with peers and advance your study skills. The optional Hand Therapy in Practice module involves a block week of online teaching. As well as developing your skills, it will also give you the opportunity to interact with your peers and share knowledge and best practice. 

You can choose to study an individual module as a standalone course as part of your continuing professional development, so you only need to study areas that are relevant to you if you’d rather not commit to the full course.

If you successfully complete specific modules, you’ll be eligible to apply to the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) for accreditation as a BAHT accredited hand therapist provided you have completed the required clinical hours or as an Associate Member accredited hand therapist, if you have completed the clinical hours required by BAHT outside the UK.

"I chose to enrol in a Masters of Hand Therapy at Derby University as the programme provides both structure and flexibility through the use of modules that I can complete at my own pace. I am an experienced clinician but want to gain more skills in evaluating my own practice. I believe the evidence-based focus of the programme will provide me with an ability to do this."

Jessica Holding, MSc Hand Therapy

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

In most of the modules you will be assessed by a written assignment. 'Hand Therapy in Practice' is assessed by a written assignment and an oral assessment of which you will need to pass both elements.

The 'Independent Study' module gives you the opportunity to undertake some in depth hand therapy research in an area relevant to your practice. Your assignment will be 15,000 words, or alternatively you can carry out a systematic review of literature again in an area of hand therapy relevant to your hand therapy practice, of 20,000 words. You also have the option to carry out an action-based study or a project.

You'll usually need;

• an undergraduate degree (at least 2:2) or a diploma in occupational therapy or physiotherapy, or an equivalent qualification
• an English Language GCSE grade C or equivalent
• If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area)
• You'll also need to currently work in the clinical field of hand therapy

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

*Please note that at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the awards below.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MSc. If you’re studying full-time you will normally complete 180 credits over one year. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional costs and optional extras

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

*Please note that at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the awards below.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MSc. If you’re studying full-time you will normally complete 180 credits over one year. If you are studying part-time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional costs and optional extras

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

To remain registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, it's now essential that all health professionals can show they're committed to life-long learning and continued professional development. Taking this course is a great way of showing this. To get a post in the NHS as a Clinical Specialist, Extended Scope Practitioner or Consultant Therapist, you'll often need to have studied at Masters Level. So this course should help you develop your career.

After completing the PG Diploma or Masters stage of the course you could apply for a place on the Doctor of Health and Social Care Practice which will enable you to develop as a clinical and professional leader in your workplace.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.