This course builds on your academic skills whilst helping you to develop the clinical competence to practice as a newly graduated occupational therapist. You explore the profession across the breadth of occupational therapy practice, experiencing a number of clinical and practice settings including a non-traditional context. In addition to intervention strategies you gain experience in applying sound clinical reasoning and learn something of the professional role within multidisciplinary and multiagency practice.
We include a problem-based approach within our learning and teaching, and learning opportunities with students from other professions. By successfully completing this course you are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the College of Occupational Therapists. This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the College of Occupational Therapists and World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Students studying this programme who obtain an NHS bursary can't also apply for a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company. From September 2018 funding for this programme will change. The website will be updated once this has been confirmed.
Professional accreditation
Our pre-registration occupational therapy provision has been accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Year 1 outlines what an occupational therapist is. We consider the world as a place of occupational opportunity and people as occupational beings. Through a series of modules you consider the philosophy of the profession, practice skills and beliefs, and the professional knowledge base required to develop strategies for intervention.
Following two placement experiences you learn to apply the occupational therapy process using evidence from a range of sources. This is supported by input from practice colleagues and service users. You also develop the practical skills needed to demonstrate fitness to purpose. You are encouraged to draw on your placement experience and apply it in your learning. You build on your undergraduate research experience and further explore the research process and its relevance to your interests.
Year 2 helps you understand the professional constructs which determine the scope and viability of occupational therapy. You develop your entrepreneurial and professional skills, and learn about non-traditional or role-emerging practice areas to equip you for an ever-changing workplace. You also start your major project in Year 2, developing academic expertise in your area of research. Your project continues throughout the second year and is submitted in December. You have two more practice placement experiences over the summer.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Year 2 core modules
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
This well-established, progressive course incorporates biological, social and clinical sciences with health policy and research methods. You take a problem-based approach to learning and share learning with students from other disciplines across the University.
The course consists of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. We promote teamwork and encourage you to appreciate the many disciplines contributing to healthcare. You are supported through a personal tutor and a range of School and University strategies.
How you are assessed
The course includes oral and written assessments, with the opportunity to create scientific posters and demonstrate practical, professional techniques.
Many employment opportunities exist for graduate occupational therapists in health and social care, schools and voluntary agencies. Occupational therapists also work closely with other professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and social workers.
