Program Overview

Occupational therapists work with individuals, groups, communities or populations to promote health and wellbeing through participation in activities of everyday life, or occupation. Of vital importance to this role is the ability to think critically and creatively, challenge where needed, advocate and empower others to live their best lives. In addition to developing practice skills, this course is designed to help you develop the mindset needed for this life-changing career.

• Leads to eligibility to apply for professional registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) (please see Accreditation section for more information).
• Learn to empower and support others with challenges in key areas of occupation such as self-care (e.g. washing, dressing, or eating), restorative activity and productivity (e.g. managing finances, working or studying), as well as activities that develop social connections and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• Professional placements, sourced by the university, offer practice-based learning opportunities in traditional, contemporary and role-emerging settings (you’ll need to successfully complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice)2,5.
• Strong focus on cultural humility and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Focus on one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
• You’ll be encouraged to think critically about the potential of digitally enabled occupational therapy (e.g. use of AI and wearable technology) and the future direction of the profession.

Why you should study this course

Becoming an occupational therapist enables you to work in partnership with other people. Your values, skills and mindset will all be key in addressing barriers that prevent people from engaging in activities that provide meaning and purpose, shape identity and enhance health and wellbeing.

• Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as an occupational therapist from the outset. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to learn to thrive in dynamic health and care environments and multidisciplinary teams, developing your relationship and teamworking skills.
• Your practice placements can be in a range of settings2,5. These could include charities, businesses, sports and leisure facilities, independent practice, the private sector and community facilities.
• Colleagues with lived experience as users of health and care services support teaching, learning and assessment.
• The diversity of our learner community is a key strength of the course, offering a space in which everyone can thrive.
• We offer opportunities to learn in a safe but realistic practice environment through simulation in our industry-relevant facilities.
• Engagement with the global occupational therapy community to foster the delivery of sustainable and inclusive occupational therapy.
• Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing