Sensory Integration Education

The starting point for your postgraduate SI journey. Module A gives you the theoretical grounding, clinical reasoning skills, and neuroscience foundation you need to practise sensory integration confidently and safely.

This is the first module in the pathway to PGCert, PGDip, and MSc — accredited by Sheffield Hallam University.

Summary

Single module fee: £1,750

• 40 UK university academic credits - globally recognised and highly transferable
• 18-week course (fixed start and end dates, includes 12 weeks of teaching)
• Personal eMentor to support your progress
• Online access to partner Sheffield Hallam University Library and Disabled Student Support
• Student discussion groups
• Optional Live weekly Zoom sessions with your eMentor and fellow students
• Optional Live Assessment Q&A Zoom sessions
• Content will be available to you as a resource after assessment (12 months in total)
• Free Microsoft Office 365

Eligibility

This module is open to registered health and care professionals in eligible roles. 

Check whether you're eligible to apply →

Overview

Module A introduces you to the core theories and neuroscience of sensory processing and integration — and helps you develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to apply them in practice. You'll explore how sensory processing works, how it can differ, and what that means for the people you support.

By the end of Module A you'll have a solid, evidence-informed foundation to build on — and be ready to move into assessment and intervention in Module B.

Module Content

Overview of sensory processing systems and how sensory integration occurs

• Examination of key theories and principles of sensory integration
• Structure and development of the nervous system
• Neuroplasticity and its role in sensory processing
• Social, emotional and regulatory development in the nervous system
• Interoception
• Posture, body scheme, and praxis
• Sensory systems (vestibular, visual, proprioception, tactile, auditory, olfactory and gustatory)
• Developing critical thinking and clinical reasoning in sensory integration
• Researching and evaluating literature relevant to sensory processing
• Understanding ethical practice and professional competency within sensory integration
• Application of sensory processing frameworks to everyday challenges impacting participation

Learning and Teaching Summary

This online module delivers key lectures to build a solid understanding of sensory integration and the neuroscience behind it. These lectures are designed to be delivered at critical points, supporting your learning progression throughout the module.

In addition to the lectures, you will engage with live workshops, video resources and practical tasks, allowing you to apply key concepts to real-world scenarios. Interactive activities, problem-solving exercises, and group discussions will promote collaborative learning and help you connect theory to practice.

Throughout the module, you will collaborate with peers, exchange feedback, and reflect on your learning, fostering critical thinking and professional communication. The flexible structure allows you to study at your own pace while progressively deepening your understanding and confidence in inclusive and problem-based learning.

By the end of the module, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of sensory integration and gained the tools to apply this knowledge in practice, enhancing your ability to address real-life challenges related to sensory processing, in keeping with research-enriched and applied learning practices. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to: 

• Evaluate and synthesise theories, principles, and concepts in sensory processing and integration, enabling exploration of mechanisms of change, and application to practice within knowledge boundaries.
• Critically appraise literature relevant to sensory processing and integration, reflecting on application to practice.
• Analyse information using foundational critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in relation to sensory processing and integration challenges that affect participation.
• Apply a sensory processing and integration frame of reference, to explore how the person engages with their world, while upholding ethical and sustainable values.

Assessments

Students are assessed via online written assignments, which consist of 2 tasks:

Task 1 - 3000-word assignment

Task weighting = 80%

Task 2 - 1000-word reflection piece 

Task weighting = 20%

Students must complete both tasks by a set hand-in date in the final week of the module.

To pass the module, both tasks must be completed and passed.

What comes next?

Module A is the first step on the pathway to SI Practitioner status. On successful completion, you progress to Module B — Assessment and Clinical Reasoning — where you'll build your practical assessment skills and work toward your PGCert.

Explore the full postgraduate pathway →