BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Program Overview

---

This Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) program empowers individuals to participate in occupations that enhance their well-being. Through a blend of academic study and professional placements, students develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding necessary for a successful career as an occupational therapist. Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, graduates are eligible to practice in the UK and pursue diverse career paths in healthcare, social care, and beyond.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)

This program focuses on empowering individuals, groups, and communities to participate in occupations that are central to their health and well-being. Students explore the power of occupation to transform lives and develop professional approaches that are compassionate and respectful. They are encouraged to think creatively and critically to find sustainable solutions to complex problems and strengthen their leadership and communication skills.

---

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience required for professional practice as an occupational therapist.
• Provide students with the opportunity to explore the profession's unique role and contribute to inter-professional working.
• Enable graduates to meet the expanding demand for occupational therapists in diverse settings such as the NHS, social care, industry, community settings, and the private, independent, and voluntary sectors.
• Encourage students to develop their professional identity and become lifelong learners.

---

Description:

This three-year full-time program combines academic study with professional practice placements to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice as an occupational therapist. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the human body, mind, and occupation, along with the principles of evidence-informed practice and the ethical considerations of occupational therapy. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills through engaging in realistic simulations and applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes professional development and employability skills, preparing students for the competitive job market. They develop their therapeutic use of self and hone their communication and leadership skills through diverse learning activities. They create e-portfolios throughout their studies to record their learning experiences and showcase their professional capabilities. Students gain valuable practical experience through three professional practice placements, gaining exposure to diverse healthcare settings and different populations. They have the opportunity to refine their skills, collaborate with healthcare professionals, and apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Upon successful completion of the program and meeting registration requirements, graduates become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), enabling them to practice as occupational therapists in the UK.

---

Accreditation and Professional Recognition:

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): Completion of the program allows graduates to apply for registration with the HCPC to practice as an occupational therapist in the UK.
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT): Program is also accredited by the RCOT, making graduates eligible for membership, further enhancing their professional opportunities.

---

Other:

• The program has been commended for its commitment to social impact by achieving a ranking of 11th in the UK for Social Impact in the Guardian University Guide 2023.
• The university also holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), signifying high-quality learning and teaching.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Alison Gingell Building with its mock healthcare settings, which provide realistic learning environments.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1:

• Develops understanding of fundamental concepts of Occupational Therapy, human anatomy and physiology.
• Explores the importance of Occupation to the human identity and well-being.
• Introduces core concepts and theoretical underpinnings of the Occupational Therapy profession.
• Provides the opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy skills in realistic simulation settings.

---

Year 2:

• Explores the importance of evidence-informed practice.
• Builds understanding of the significant contribution Occupational Therapists make to the quality of life of service users.
• Furthers theoretical understanding and practical application of Occupational Therapy practice.
• Offers a second professional practice placement for further skill development and experience.

---

Final Year:

• Prepares students for entering the workforce as Occupational Therapists.
• Develops leadership and management skills in an occupational therapy context.
• Offers choice of optional modules to specialize in an area of interest within Occupational Therapy.
• Provides a final professional practice placement for consolidated learning and professional development.

---

Modules:

• Year 1:
• The Human Body, Mind and Occupation Part 1
• Occupational Therapists: Being, Doing, Becoming, & Belonging
• Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice
• The Human Body, Mind and Occupation Part 2
• Health and Wellbeing in the Community
• Delivering Theory-Based Occupational Therapy
• Year 2:
• Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice
• Reasoning & Decision-Making in Occupational Therapy Practice
• Developing Evidence Informed Practice
• Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 2
• Understanding Occupational Therapy’s Unique Contribution
• Year 3:
• Enhancing Employability as an Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 3
• Evidence Based Research Project
• Leadership & Management for Healthcare Professionals
• Optional Modules (choose one):
• Occupational Therapy - Children, Young People and Families
• Occupational Therapy - Design for Living
• Occupational Therapy - Hand Therapy and Orthotics
• Occupational Therapy - Neurology
• Occupational Therapy - Older People
• Occupational Therapy - Pulmonary Rehabilitation

---

Assessment:

Assessment in this program varies across modules but emphasizes authentic assessments that reflect real-world scenarios and allow students to showcase their creativity and digital fluency.

---

Assessment methods may include:

• Placement competencies
• Coursework
• Digital portfolios
• Practical assessments
• Reports
• Group work elements
• Presentations/posters
The program utilizes varied assessment methods to move away from traditional written exams, enabling students to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge and skills in diverse formats.

---

Teaching:

The program employs varied teaching approaches to engage students and promote active learning. These include:

• Blended learning: Combines online learning resources with face-to-face lectures and seminars for flexible and accessible learning.
• Problem-based learning: Emphasizes real-world problems and activities as learning catalysts, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Formal lectures: Deliver theoretical foundations and core concepts through engaging presentations.
• Simulation activities: Provide opportunities for students to practice occupational therapy skills in realistic scenarios.
• Small group seminars: Facilitate in-depth discussion, critical analysis, and peer interaction.
• Practical workshops: Help students develop specific skills through hands-on activities and exercises.

---

Careers:

Occupational Therapists are in high demand across various health and social care settings, leading to excellent employment opportunities for graduates. The program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various career paths within the Occupational Therapy profession.

---

Potential career pathways include:

• NHS: Working in hospitals, community services, mental health services, and rehabilitation centers.
• Social care: Providing services to individuals in their homes, residential care settings, and day centers.
• Industry: Supporting employees to return to work after injuries or illnesses, promoting workplace wellbeing, and adapting workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
• Private practice: Setting up private practices to offer Occupational Therapy services to individuals and organizations.
• International organizations: Working with international humanitarian agencies to provide Occupational Therapy services in disaster relief efforts and developing countries.

---

Other:

• The program offers students the opportunity to gain international experience through study abroad opportunities and international collaborations.
• Students have access to career support services and resources to help them explore potential career paths and prepare for job applications.
• The program emphasizes ethical considerations and professional conduct, preparing students for the responsibilities and challenges of the Occupational Therapy profession.

---

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland , Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £9,250 per year
• £19,850 per year without EU support bursary
• International: £19,850 per year