UWE Bristol - BSc Hons Occupational Therapy

UWE Bristol

BSc Hons Occupational Therapy

The strong practical focus, our close links with employers, and the experience of our academic team, mean that a high percentage of graduates are in work or further study after six months.

Why study occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists recognise that being able to perform meaningful, everyday activities is crucial to people's health and wellbeing. 

Physical and mental illness, impairment and ageing can turn these occupations into challenges that reduce independence and undermine people's identity.

Working in different roles and settings, occupational therapists use activity therapeutically, supporting clients to recover valued occupations and, in turn, regain their independence and health. 

A £5,000 per year training grant is available for students. Further information is available on the NHS Business Services website.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) so you'll be eligible to apply for registration with them when you graduate, something you must do to practise in this field. It's also accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

Focus on the relationship between occupation and health and wellbeing and gain the contemporary, evidence-based knowledge and skills you need to establish yourself as an occupational therapist.

Learn to work with clients, carers and other professionals to deliver safe, effective and ethical interventions supporting people to be independent in their occupations, and enjoy better health and wellbeing.

With a strong focus on employability, you'll become confident in applying your skills and knowledge to different settings and working with service users.

Get ready for practice in our specialist simulation facilities, dedicated skills suite and occupational therapy resource centre. Spend at least 1,000 hours on practice placements with regional health and social care providers.

As well as volunteering locally as part of Widening Occupation Weeks (WOW), you may have the opportunity to volunteer abroad or take part in an Erasmus international placement in your final year.

Work with a supportive and accessible academic team who are research active and have a wealth of clinical experience to share.

Where can it take me?

Occupational therapists are in demand across the UK.

Graduates usually work in primary and secondary healthcare, in the NHS, local authority social services and housing departments, independent and third sector organisations, education or research.

BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy is also recognised as an entry qualification in many other countries (although some may have extra professional registration criteria).

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 128
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with 6.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

Career Prospects

Occupational therapists are in demand across the UK.

Choose from a variety of careers in the NHS, or health and social care organisations in the private and third sectors.

Work in the community or a hospital, in a GP practice, nursing home, school, prison, community centre or the occupational health department of a company.

Some graduates take research-based roles or work in education, and others continue studying on postgraduate courses. 

Most students are in work or further study six months after graduating.

Course Details

Year 1

Human Occupation, Health and Well-being: Part 1
Human Occupation, Health and Well-being: Part 2
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology (Occupational Therapy)
Aspects of Human Performance
Foundations of Professional Practicefor Occupational Therapy 1.

Year 2

Occupational Therapy and Physical Challenges
Occupational Therapy and Psychosocial Challenges
Professional Practice for Occupational Therapy 2
Occupational Therapy and Complex Needs
Informing Practice Through Research and Inquiry (Occupational Therapy)
Occupational Therapy Skills and Strategies for Practice.

Final Year

Professional Practice for Occupational Therapy 3
Professional Reflexivity in Practice
Healthy Futures
Research and Evidence in Practice (Occupational Therapy)
Promoting Occupation and Leadership in Evolving Practice
Leadership Skills in Context.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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