Hear From Our Award-Winning Students

Every year, SIE and Sheffield Hallam University celebrate outstanding students across our Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc programmes in Sensory Integration. These awards recognise the dedication, insight and clinical impact of therapists who go on to make a real difference in the lives of the people they work with.

Here's what a few of our recent award winners had to say about their postgraduate journey.

Eva Nakopoulou

Elizabeth Fairgrieve Award — Outstanding PGCert Student 2025

Eva Nakopoulou, the winner of the Elizabeth Fairgrieve Award, describes how the PGCert transformed her approach to practice: "I developed a much deeper understanding of how sensory integration assessment and intervention can be delivered in a way that is flexible, responsive and truly individualised."

The training has had tangible results: "I am better able to integrate sensory strategies into real-world contexts, collaborate meaningfully with multidisciplinary teams and advocate for children with complex needs. Receiving the Elizabeth Fairgrieve Award is an honour that reflects not only my learning journey but also the transformative impact this training has had on my clinical work."

Janet Tighe

Elizabeth Stephenson Award — PGDip Student of the Year 2025

"Studying with SIE has been the most rewarding professional development I could have hoped for. The flexibility to follow my own schedule, accessing resources and support as needed meant I looked forward to my study time instead of feeling pressured to follow a timetable. Deadlines helped keep me on track and joining mentor sessions ensured I could check I was heading in the right direction.

I consider the impact of sensory integration in so many more situations than I would have previously. I have been able to validate the sensory challenges faced by individuals and help people move forward with recovery by having greater understand of their sensory needs and how it can interact with their eating disorder, in order to advocate for themselves to have their needs met.

Having recognition for my achievement in my PGDip when working in such a niche area was very unexpected but makes me feel appreciated and proud."

Tanya Oliver

Dr Greg Kelly Award — Outstanding MSc Student 2025

Tanya Oliver, an Occupational Therapist with experience across the NHS and a large mainstream secondary school, wins the Dr Greg Kelly Award for Outstanding MSc Student of the Year. Her dissertation focused on sensory experiences in secondary school-aged children with neurodiversity, and the experience has inspired her to go further still.

Reflecting on her studies, Tanya says: "The outstanding support from SIE and Sheffield Hallam University was invaluable as they provided clear guidance and opportunities for growth, which led to a better performance from myself… Throughout my MSc journey, I have had a really positive, enjoyable experience, so much so that this has made me want to continue my studies and undertake a doctoral degree."

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Our postgraduate pathway is designed to help you deepen your skills in sensory integration assessment and intervention — with flexible, supported study that fits around your working life.

Explore the Postgraduate Programme →