Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Occupational Therapy
Our course equips you to support people facing challenges like ill-health, disability, and social issues, using everyday activities to promote health and wellbeing. You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive as an occupational therapist.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
Strong graduate and career preparation
You’ll build strong skills in leadership, communication, and person-centred practice – core qualities that are embedded throughout the entire programme. This will prepare you to excel in a variety of roles across the NHS, private practice, social care, and education.
Hands-on, real-world experience
You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through placements in a variety of diverse settings, including the NHS, community care, and social services—developing practical skills and confidence throughout every year of the programme.
State-of-the-art facilities
Develop your professional healthcare skills in InterCity Place – our inspiring, purpose-built facility. Here, you’ll engage in problem-based learning and realistic clinical simulation scenarios, helping you prepare for placements and your future career.
About
Occupational Therapy is a vibrant and compassionate health profession, concerned with providing people with the ability to live their life as independently as possible, despite illness, disability, disease or the impact of ageing. The possibilities for your future career are endless due to the dynamic nature of occupational therapy and the roles we play in areas such as hospitals, communities, schools, prisons, mental health settings, rehabilitation, veteran services and many more. If you have a drive to support people when they need it most, could occupational therapy be the profession for you?
Mr Kevin Steede
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
This course is for you if...
you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
you're a team player, ready to work with healthcare professionals, patients, and families
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
you're committed to joining the ranks of registered Occupational Therapists making a difference
Details
Year 1
You’ll initially share teaching and learning with students from other health professions, allowing you to gain core generic knowledge and skills. We’ll introduce you to theoretical foundations and core skills, which will underpin practice. Gain practice skills through a seven-week supervised placement within a health, social or community setting in the South West. Develop problem-solving, reasoning skills and an embedded commitment to lifelong learning.
Core modules
OCT410
Practice Placement 1
20 credits
This module enables students to experience occupational therapy within wider contexts of inter-professional or multi-agency practice. Students will experience collaborative working with colleagues from other disciplines. Through supervised practice, students will develop basic skills underpinning occupational therapy, relating this to campus based study.
100% Practicals
SOHP401
Preparation for Practice
20 credits
This shared and inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and evaluation of the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of health and care professionals, as evidence-informed/based practitioners, will underpin learning.
100% Coursework
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
OCT411
Contributory Sciences for Occupational Therapy
This Level 4 module introduces students to the contributory sciences that underpin an understanding of human beings and their interactions with the world. Drawing on anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health and behavioural sciences, students will explore core concepts of human structure, function, behaviour and social context. The module provides a broad, integrated scientific knowledge base that prepares students for more applied and occupational therapy–specific study in later stages of the programme.
OCT412
Foundations for Occupational Therapy
This module introduces philosophical and theoretical foundations of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, introducing the student to concepts of the person, environment, occupation and performance. Core skills underpinning the professional practice of occupational therapy are introduced.
OCT413
Occupation in Action: Theory in Practice
Students will use occupational analysis to identify and explore the components of occupational engagement. They will study the interaction between person, occupation and environment, and how this impacts participation, health and wellbeing. Occupational Therapy theory and process will be considered in relation to a range of case studies to explore their application in practice.
OCT414
Occupation and Community Engagement
This module will examine occupational science perspectives of humans as occupational beings across the life span. The dynamic relationship between engagement in occupation, health and well-being for individuals, groups and communities will be explored. Reflection on personal experience of community engagement will be included.
Year 2
Profession-specific modules take a lifespan approach and are designed to provide an integrated core of essential knowledge and skills for Occupational Therapy (OT) practice. Modules on interprofessional working and research will help you become confident in your role as a developing OT. You'll also take part in the OT intervention process during your placement.
Core modules
OCT531
Practice Placement 2
20 credits
The module builds on occupational therapy knowledge, skills and experience gained. Students will actively participate in the occupational therapy intervention process, demonstrating increased autonomy whilst being supervised. Knowledge and skills underpinning inter professional working will be further developed.
100% Practicals
SOHP503
Project Studies
20 credits
This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
OCT533
Enabling Occupation in Older Adulthood
Students will build on their knowledge of occupational therapy and occupational science to explore and apply these concepts to older adulthood. They will develop the skills to support occupational engagement for individuals, groups, and communities, considering the personal, social, and environmental factors that shape participation. Students will also critically examine how life transitions and interruptions influence the performance of central occupations in adulthood later life, and how occupational therapy can promote health, wellbeing, and meaningful participation during this stage of the lifespan.
OCT535
Enabling Occupation in Adulthood
Students will build on their knowledge of occupational therapy and occupational science to explore and apply these concepts to adulthood. They will develop the skills to support occupational engagement for individuals, groups, and communities, considering the personal, social, and environmental factors that shape participation. Students will also critically examine how life transitions and interruptions influence the performance of central occupations in adulthood, and how occupational therapy can promote health, wellbeing, and meaningful participation during this stage of the lifespan.
OCT536
Enabling Occupation in Childhood and Adolescence
Students will build on their knowledge of occupational therapy and occupational science to explore and apply these concepts to childhood and adolescence. They will develop the skills to support occupational engagement for individuals, groups, and communities, considering the personal, social, and environmental factors that shape participation. Students will also critically examine how life transitions and interruptions influence the performance of central occupations in childhood and adolescence, and how occupational therapy can promote health, wellbeing, and meaningful participation during this stage of the lifespan.
OCT537
Emerging OT: Perspectives, Pathways and Potential
This module provides the opportunity to select and explore a particular area of occupational therapy practice of the students’ choice. It enables an examination of current developments in relation to sustainable occupational therapy practice across a wide range of areas.
Final year
You’ll gain greater independence in your final placement and, with support, be able to demonstrate a range of core skills required for an entry level practitioner. Profession-specific modules prepare you for the responsibilities facing newly qualified graduates. Interprofessional modules help you develop and consolidate management and research skills, and lead you towards your imminent entry into the occupational therapy profession.
Core modules
OCT605
Occupational Studies: The Innovative Practitioner
20 credits
This module provides students with the opportunity to critically explore the concept of innovation, change management, clinical leadership, entrepreneurism and intrapreneurship and their links with practice development.
100% Coursework
OCT606
Occupational Studies: The Contemporary Practitioner
20 credits
This module provides students with the opportunity to critically explore current and emerging trends in practice. Development of skills and confidence to support the transition into clinical practice. Considers the changing landscape of health and social care services locally, nationally and internationally.
100% Coursework
OCT607
Practice Placement 3
20 credits
This module will require the student to demonstrate a range of core skills that will be required of a competent entry level practitioner. The student will develop increasing autonomy, working at times independently demonstrating professional reasoning skills and decision making relevant to clients’ needs and contexts of practice.
100% Practicals
OCT608
Occupational Studies: Occupation for Promoting Health and Wellness of Communities
20 credits
This module evaluates the importance of applying health and wellness principles to contemporary occupational therapy practice. It critiques and syntheses current and emerging theory and research on the impact of occupation to promote health and wellness of communities.
100% Coursework
SOHP602
Inter-professional Working in Health and Social Care
20 credits
Students will explore, in depth, areas of inter-professional working to include quality enhancement of service provision and the patient experience.
100% Coursework
SOHP605
Project
20 credits
This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.
100% Coursework
HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3
Alternative pathways
We offer a range of routes to professional qualification and successful completion of our accredited programmes will allow registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist and membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
Ranked 5th in the UK
We are ranked 5th for occupational therapy courses in the UK in the .
We are also ranked 1st in the South West.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Experience
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a health profession focused on helping people take part in the everyday activities that bring meaning, purpose, and independence to their lives. These occupations can be anything from getting dressed, cooking a meal, and managing work or school tasks, to socialising, caring for others, or enjoying hobbies.
In this video, lecturer
Melissa Jacobs explains how occupational therapists work with people of all ages to overcome challenges that affect their daily living, as a result of illness, injury, disability or ageing, empowering them to live more independent, fulfilling, and satisfying lives.
First-class facilities to prepare you for your career
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from a variety of disciplines learn together under one roof at our new facility InterCity Place. Complementing existing facilities, our new innovative suites, simulations and practice labs will help us to train and develop the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
Prepare for practice with our fully-equipped community home suite which includes a kitchen and living room area and bedroom and includes a wide range of assistive equipment and technology. this suite offers occupational therapy students the opportunity to practise their skills and apply their learning in a secure simulated environment. The space can be adapted to replicate a wide range of situations that may be encountered in professional practice, such as completing various assessments and using assistive technology.
The community suite in InterCity Place is a fantastic facility and really helps prepare you for going out into placement and dealing with patients by providing a safe environment to practice your skills and build your confidence. We also have the opportunity to work alongside other health profession students throughout the course, so you get a really good insight into how each profession works together to support patients and what a career as an occupational therapist will look like.
Neha
Occupational Therapy graduate
Occupational Therapy graduate
Hands-on learning
Placements are an integral part of your training as an occupational therapist. Providing you with the opportunity to develop and apply the theoretical knowledge and skills you have learnt to a range of clinical settings and graduate with a broad range of clinical placement experience.
You will complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice placements spread across all three years, where you will work with patients under the close supervision of experienced named educator.
We have placements in health and social care settings, both acute and community as well as a growing number of non-traditional and third sector settings such as homeless hostels, refugee services and care farms.
The placement opportunities I was allocated from the University provided me with a wide breadth of experiences and opportunities to reflect and learn, developing my skills and confidence to practise as an occupational therapist. In each placement my educators were experienced and knowledgeable, and I was able to learn from their different ways of working. For me, the placement experience has been positive and insightful, and although challenging at times, I was provided with insights into the realities and rewards associated with working in healthcare as an occupational therapist.
Alice, Occupational Therapy student
Enhancing your experience
We have strong relationships with occupational therapy, health and social care agencies and providers across the entire South West Peninsula. We pride ourselves on an inclusive learning community involving students, service users, carers, practitioners and staff in the continuing development of our programmes to ensure that they meet the needs of the future workforce.
The occupational therapy team has conducted research on occupations in green and blue spaces, and the link between the natural environment and wellbeing. We increasingly consider sustainability in occupational therapy practice across our modules.
The first year module 'Humans as occupational beings through community engagement' gives students the opportunity to explore the relationship between health and wellbeing for individuals, groups and communities.
As part of my community engagement project, I was required to participate in a day's volunteering, looking at how occupation enhances the health and wellbeing of communities. As a cohort we were provided with numerous volunteering opportunities and Blooming Well was the option I chose. Blooming Well is a gardening therapy group, provided for free by the Mustard Tree, for individuals recovering from cancer. Participants of the group learn a wide range of gardening skills, such as planting and sowing seeds, raising beds, using tools, propagation techniques, compositing, gardening maintenance, and so much more. Not, only do participants learn practical skills but they experience the benefits of being absorbed in nature and building friendships with a mutual understanding of their diagnosis, in a safe and nurturing environment.
Rosina, Occupational Therapy student
Learn from experienced occupational therapists
Our occupational therapy staff have a strong record of engaging research in a range of areas including primary care, neurorehabilitation, mental health, outdoor activity, and occupational therapy education, so you will have a grounding in the diverse and expanding range of occupational therapy roles. Whatever your future plans we will give you the skills to build your career through practical placement-based learning, classroom-based lectures and study groups.
Fiona Fraser
Associate Head of School (SoHP) Placement
Miss Melissa Jacobs
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Dr Tanja Krizaj
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Join our occupational therapy society 'OTSoc'
The OT society is a great way to meet other students across the range of occupational therapy programmes that the University offers. The society run Continued Professional Development (CPD) sessions, invite guest speakers from around the UK and organise trips annually to the Occupational Therapy show in Birmingham.
We run wellbeing events such as creative activity sessions, aquarium yoga and monthly volunteering opportunities at Cultural Kitchen through a ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾-based refugee charity and much more!
Life in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
I am currently working as an occupational therapist in a mental health unit, my role is to assess the new admissions for any required assessments and interventions. I run therapeutic groups such as cooking, relaxation creative sessions and physical exercise. I also do psychoeducation and work with the clinical psychologists to create 1:1 plans for patients.
The placements on my course really prepared me and provided me with the confidence to start my career.
Chloe
Occupational Therapy graduate
Occupational Therapy graduate
I am currently a band 5 occupational therapist working in part of the in-patient department, the work is fast paced but rewarding, I have learnt so much.
The course prepared me for my career, the lecturers are all experienced and really believe that you will achieve great things during your time at university and beyond.
Rhianna
Occupational Therapy graduate
Occupational Therapy graduate
Studying occupational therapy at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health and social care sectors. With an ongoing demand for occupational therapists across the UK, employment prospects for graduates remain very good.
As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified occupational therapists has never been greater. Our graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, health centres, nursing homes, schools, prisons and the armed forces. They also support patients in their own homes.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys from the latest available data covering the three years of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
£19,200 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Please be aware that there may be additional costs to undertaking your studies relating to printing of course materials, parking charges, and requirement for an initial outlay for travel and accommodation in respect of practice placement. If you have any questions regarding these costs please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students while they study and gain professional registration. The is a non-means-tested grant of £5,000 each academic year.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
Achieved 3 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. We can consider Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy in place of GCSE Maths.
A levels
112 points, including a minimum of 2 A levels.
Access to HE Diploma
Preferably in Science/Health. Pass Access with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction.
T level
Merit overall in Health or Science Pathway.
BTEC
DMM in Science, Health or Social Science is preferable.
BTEC National Diploma Modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Overseas students not studying English within the IB must have IELTS (7.0 overall with min 6.5 in all elements).
Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.
Extended entry requirements
- You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
- If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
- IELTS – 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all elements.
- Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
- English language requirements
- We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
- Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B932
B932
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy with Integrated Foundation Year
Our course equips you to support people facing challenges like ill-health, disability, and social issues, using everyday activities to promote health and wellbeing. This foundation course prepares you for the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B932
B932
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾
Other routes to this course
The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.