The Ulster University and SI Network modular pathway is the first university accredited postgraduate programme in Europe that can lead to a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sensory Integration. This is the gold standard for therapists to extend their knowledge and practice of Sensory Integration (SI) through a structured postgraduate course.

The course is the market leader in the UK and Ireland, with increasing applications from all over the world each year. The modules address the application of sensory integration across the life span and lecture teams including leading international and local practitioners are able to present and share different clinical expertise and application in practice, with enormous benefits.

The Modular Pathway course takes its roots from the original concept of Sensory Integration that was developed by Dr. Jean Ayres, an Occupational Therapist in the US, in the late 1960s and is now recognised world wide as a treatment for many aspects of sensory and motor functioning.

First introduced and run in partnership with Liverpool University, then from 2007 with Cardiff University until 2011, when the pathway moved to Ulster University which is world renowned for its academic research and development. 

The SI Network and Ulster University programme surpasses the requirements of certification by the original and widely recognised SI courses run by the University of Southern California and Western Psychological Services.

The SI Modular Pathway programme consists of four modules (SI 1, SI 2, SI 3 and SI 4). Please click on the links below to find out more about each Module.

SI Module 1: Foundations and Neuroscience (online, 30 credits)

SI Module 2: Clinical Reasoning in Sensory Integration - Assessment  (online, 20 credits)

SI Module 3: From Assessment to Intervention (online, 20 credits)

SI Module 4: Advanced Treatment (classroom - available online from September 2019, 30 credits)

On passing SI Modules 1, 2 and 3 you will have achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration. When you have passed Module 4 you will receive the coveted Sensory Integration Network Advanced Practitioner status. After completing two research modules therapists will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration and the opportunity to credit the awards towards a Masters of Science in Sensory Integration. 

Sensory Integration is not part of core Occupational Therapy training. Therefore, those wishing to practice SI therapy must undertake recognised and appropriate training to use this in their work. They do so as extended scope practitioners (COT/BAOT Briefing 14 Extended Scope Practice).

The SI Modular Pathway is a good choice for occupational therapists and also physiotherapists and speech and language therapists who are looking to develop and extend their knowledge of Sensory Integration as a therapeutic frame of reference and treatment approach.

Not many opportunities exist to get a structured, focused opportunity to achieve a Masters qualification in SI and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

Our accredited SI Modular Pathway courses are designed for degree qualified occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech & language therapists to develop the skills required to practice Ayres’ Sensory Integration Therapy in the context of their particular professional background. However medical doctors and psychologists registered with HCPC or have GMC registration (or the equivalent) can apply for SI Module 1 only. Applicants from other backgrounds will need to be assessed on an individual basis by our Education Panel to ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and understanding required for SI Module 1.

Do I need to provide evidence of competence in English language?

Yes. If English is not your first language, you will need to complete this form when registering for a Modular Pathway course.  If you do not meet the minimum English requirement, you cannot complete this course.