Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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The University of Northampton's BSc Occupational Therapy prepares students for a career as a registered occupational therapist. The program combines academic study with practical placements, providing hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Graduates can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and become members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, enabling them to work in diverse areas such as the NHS, social services, and private practice.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The University of Northampton's BSc Occupational Therapy degree prepares students to work as registered occupational therapists in the UK and overseas. The program aims to develop innovative and pioneering occupational therapists who can enhance the health and well-being of individuals to enable them to achieve their full potential. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to help them overcome the challenges of everyday life resulting from illness, trauma, and aging. Successful completion of the BSc Occupational Therapy degree allows graduates to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It also provides the opportunity to obtain a license to practice and become a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. The University of Northampton is ranked 18th for Occupational Therapy courses in the Complete University Guide league tables for 2024.

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Outline:

The BSc Occupational Therapy degree combines the study of occupational and human sciences with hands-on learning in a practical setting. The program is structured to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for professional practice.

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Course Content:

• Occupation, Skills, and Evidence: The course is built around three key strands: Occupation, Skills, and Evidence.
• Professional Practice Placements: Students complete four placements across the program, totaling 1,000 hours of assessed practice.
Placements are available in a variety of settings, including traditional and non-traditional settings.
• Student Opportunities:
• Short Overseas Exchange:
Students have the option to participate in a student exchange program in Finland during Stage 2.
• Extracurricular Activities: Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as Naidex, RCOT conferences, the OT Show, social entrepreneurship activities, health roadshows, open days, and discovery days.

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Course Delivery Formats:

• Full-time Route: Approximately 20 hours of direct contact plus 15 dedicated study hours per week across standard university semesters.
• Full-time Extended Route: Approximately 14 hours of direct contact plus additional study hours per week, extended over 45 weeks of the year.
• Apprenticeships: Includes work-based learning and 7 hours of direct contact plus additional study hours per week, extended over 45 weeks.

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Accreditation:

All programs are accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Occupational Therapy.

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Teaching Staff:

Students are taught by qualified Occupational Therapists who also hold additional teaching qualifications, Masters or PhD qualifications. The teaching staff have a variety of clinical backgrounds and expertise, including acute/community/forensic mental health, acute physical, hand therapy, neuro rehab, community social service, primary care, learning disabilities, and paediatrics.

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Course Modules:

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Stage 1:

• Interprofessional Education (IPE): Compulsory module focusing on interprofessional collaboration.
• Exploring Professional Perspectives of Occupation: Compulsory module introducing students to the meaning and purpose of occupation and models of occupation.
• Core Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice: Compulsory module developing core skills essential to Occupational Therapy practice.
• Enabling Engagement in Occupation: Compulsory module understanding the occupational therapy process and its components.
• Placement 1: Compulsory module providing practical experience in occupational therapy practice.

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Stage 2:

• Exploring Evidence to Inform Practice: Compulsory module enhancing students' academic research skills.
• Placement 2: Compulsory module providing further practical experience in occupational therapy practice.
• Placement 3: Compulsory module developing skills in service delivery, collaborative working, and leadership.
• Principles Informing Practice: Compulsory module developing knowledge of theoretical frameworks and skills in professional reasoning.
• Rehabilitation Skills: Compulsory module developing skills in a range of occupational therapy practice settings.

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Stage 3:

• Becoming an Autonomous Practitioner: Compulsory module developing knowledge and skills in specialist practice areas.
• Developing Creative Practice in Communities: Compulsory module broadening students' perspectives of occupational practice.
• Placement 4: Compulsory module consolidating knowledge, specialist skills, and behaviors required for professional practice.
• Embedding Evidence to Inform Practice: Compulsory module enabling students to use academic research to enhance current practice.

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Assessment:

The course includes a diverse range of assessments to ensure academic and professional competence, including:

• Written assignments
• Multiple choice question tests
• Poster presentations
• Group work
• Reflective essays
• Case studies
• OCSEs (Occupational Competency Skills Evaluation)
• Blogs
• Placement assessments

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Teaching:

The program incorporates a range of learning and teaching methods, including:

• Technology-enhanced learning through online workbooks, activities, and interactive discussions
• Classroom-based learning through seminars, skills workshops, tutorials, and practice-based learning
• Collaborative learning with tutors, peers, and practice educators

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Careers:

Occupational Therapists work in diverse areas of practice, including:

• National Health Service
• Social Services
• Private practice
• Special education
• Prison service
• Voluntary sector
The University of Northampton's Occupational Therapy BSc degree provides students with support to prepare for applying for their first job within the field of Occupational Therapy.

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Other:

• The University of Northampton offers a Northampton Employment Promise, which guarantees a paid internship to students who complete their degree.
• Students receive a HP laptop when they begin their course.
• The University provides a range of books and journals accessible in the library, either in hardback or e-books or via electronic databases.
• Students are required to complete a recognized (level two) food hygiene course.

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Tuition fees 2023/24

• UK - Full Time: £9,250
• UK - Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
• International - Full Time: £15,750

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Tuition Fees 2024/25

• UK – Full Time: £9,250
• International – Full Time: £16,200

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Additional Costs

• For placements, Occupational Therapy students may incur additional accommodation and travel costs.
• You will be provided with a uniform (three tops and three pairs of trousers).
• You will need to wear black leather shoes and black socks.
• We have a wide range of books and journals accessible in our library, either in hardback or e-books or via our electronic databases.
• You will participate in some activities where a small cost may be incurred such as craft, art, cooking material to a maximum of £25 a year.
• You are also required to complete a recognised (level two) food hygiene course You will be able to complete this course online at an approximate cost of £10-£20.
• Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.
Financial contribution towards your travel and expenses, in relation to your practice learning opportunities, may be available for you from the NHS Learning Support Fund.