Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)

Entry requirements

1st or 2nd class honours degree - to include GCSE in English Language at grade C or above. For information about Medical Clearance and vaccination requirements (including Covid-19 Vaccines) click here. SELECTION CRITERIA We strongly recommend you thoroughly research the role of an Occupational Therapist, speak to an Occupational Therapist or meet an Occupational Therapist prior to your interview as you will be asked about your understanding of their role. In addition to a degree, candidates should have a GCSE grade C or above in English Language. If you have an unrelated first degree, but have experience in occupational therapy, your application will be considered. Applicants unable to meet the formal academic entry requirements, but who hold other relevant professional qualifications such as a diploma in physiotherapy, nursing, chiropody or podiatry are welcome to apply. Candidates will need to show post-qualification academic performance, a range of continuing professional development (CPD), and relevant professional experience. We look for a clear understanding of the work of an occupational therapist, so it is useful if you have undertaken some work experience or shadowing. The programme is intensive and you need to be a committed, independent learner. All places are offered subject to a successful interview, as well as Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS formerly CRB), medical fitness to practise and proof of qualifications. *If applicants don't have recent study within the last three years, they may still be considered if they have appropriate work/life experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Enhance the lives and wellbeing of people facing physical, mental, or social challenges. Use your existing scientific knowledge to maximise people's ability to move and function in a work environment.

This RCOT and HCPC accredited course is designed to equip you with all the academic know-how and valuable hands-on skills you will need to become a qualified occupational therapist and make a difference in the lives of others.

COURSE OVERVIEW
Building on your existing academic skills, you will learn profession-specific practice which meets the needs of your future employers. This will be achieved through academic learning, hands-on learning and a range of clinical practice. This includes working in a variety of settings with children and adults with physical, social or mental health issues. You'll complete over 1000 hours of clinical practice placements, taking advantage of our exceptional partner links.

Our professionally-experienced tutors provide you with theoretical backing and hands-on opportunities in our varied facilities. You'll utilise our simulation labs, home space, creative spaces and more to develop your skills before going on placement. Whilst learning, you will be able to work with other Institute of Health students, as you would in a professional role.

ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

• Work in learning teams with your peers, developing teamwork and networking skills. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and engage with clinicians and service users whilst linking in with other disciplines.

• Experience a variety of OT placement experiences in a range of settings including the NHS and social care environments, exploring community engagement, group work and role emerging placements alongside qualified occupational therapists.

• Develop analytical and research skills to support your practice as an evidence-based Occupational Therapist.

• Become part of an active and vibrant community of allied health students within our Institute of Health. We get to know you personally and our staff and students have great relationships, allowing you to feel fully supported as you study.

• Gain a qualification that you can take all over the world to work as you will be eligible to register with the world federation of occupational therapists.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The programme will equip you with all the skills you need to practice whether you choose to work in the NHS or the independent sector. This programme is based on the understanding that people are occupational beings who need to engage in a balanced range of personally meaningful occupations to sustain health and wellbeing.

You will respond to current local, national and global needs and priorities relevant to individuals and populations. For example, you will explore lifestyle factors affecting health and wellbeing and the necessity for health promoting strategies to support positive change both nationally and internationally.

By the end of the programme, you will not only be able to practice safely and effectively but will be able to offer creative solutions to complex issues in practice through engaging with current evidence and reflecting on your practice placement experience. A key element in our programme design has been to create an effective, dynamic learning environment in which you are an active participant in directing your learning and developing your emerging professional identity.

The programme will equip you with all the skills you need to practice whether you choose to work in the NHS or the independent sector. This programme is based on the understanding that people are occupational beings who need to engage in a balanced range of personally meaningful occupations to sustain health and wellbeing.

You will respond to current local, national and global needs and priorities relevant to individuals and populations. For example, you will explore lifestyle factors affecting health and wellbeing and the necessity for health promoting strategies to support positive change both nationally and internationally.

By the end of the programme, you will not only be able to practice safely and effectively but will be able to offer creative solutions to complex issues in practice through engaging with current evidence and reflecting on your practice placement experience. A key element in our programme design has been to create an effective, dynamic learning environment in which you are an active participant in directing your learning and developing your emerging professional identity.

The programme runs for almost two calendar years and offers an integrated timetable with periods of academic work interspersed with practice placements. In addition to the Occupational Therapy-specific modules, you will consider the social and political drivers influencing healthcare. An annual student research conference gives you an opportunity to hear and interact with your peers and also to present your own dissertation research.

Year one

The first year of the programme is designed to give you the key and core skills you need for supported practice. There is an expectation that you will have an existing level of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology or psychology from your first degree or occupation.

• Applied Occupational Therapy
• Fundamentals of Occupation and Occupational Therapy
• Occupational Science, Health and Wellbeing
• Project Design
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 1
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 2

Year two

• The Contemporary Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Design
• Independent Exploration of Practice
• Researcher Development
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 3
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 4

Fees and funding