Becoming an occupational therapist.
By studying on the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at Northumbria University, you will be taking your first steps towards a profession described as ‘the best kept secret in healthcare.’ Occupational therapy is a varied, creative, and engaging career, designed to make a meaningful difference to people’s everyday lives. As an occupational therapist you can have a real impact on health and social care outcomes and enjoy excellent prospects and opportunities.
Your learning journey.
You will learn about the value of occupation to health and wellbeing – understanding yourself as an ‘occupational being’ and understanding the underpinning theory and philosophy of the profession. You will explore the sciences that support our work and develop essential skills – things like communication and teamwork.
Through the years you build your understanding of the person, their environment, and their occupational performance, all the time developing skills to help meet their needs.
You will grow your academic skills and develop skills in finding and using research to support your practice. In your final year you will be supported to produce a systematic review of a topic of interest to you.
You undertake a series of practice placements where you can grow your skills in the workplace. You will complete 1000 hours of practice within a mixture of NHS Trusts, Local Authority Services as well as possible opportunities within emerging areas of practice.
Education is delivered in a range of ways to create a varied, engaging course. There will be lectures, workshops, and real-life simulation which help develop your understanding of both theory and practice.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy focusses on helping people to live their best lives. We promote health and well-being through occupation by enabling people to participate in the everyday things that matter to them. The word occupation is often associated with work. However, occupational therapists using in much more widely to describe:
‘The everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupations include things people need to, want to and are expected to do’ (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2021).
Imagine being unable to do something that really matters to you – dress yourself, read to your children, drive a car. If it is something that matters to you, it matters to occupational therapists. We work with people who face a wide range of issues that affect their ability to do the things they want, need or ought to do. These can include physical or mental illness, disability, and challenging life circumstances. We also work with people at every stage of the lifespan. We help in three main ways:
- Helping people to develop the skills they need: for example, helping a child to develop handwriting skills, supporting their success in school.
- Adapting an activity to make it more doable: such as adapting a game of football to ‘walking football’ or ‘frame football’ – making it available to different ages and abilities
- Adapting the environment to make tasks possible: Working with employers and workers to ensure their workplace is accessible for everyone
Why choose Northumbria to study Occupational Therapy?
- Top University - Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy at Northumbria is ranked 7th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
- A Thriving Teaching Team – we have an experienced and passionate team involved in your education, bringing a wealth of therapeutic and academic knowledge and skills. For example, 100% of students studying Health Sciences at Northumbria thought staff made their subject engaging and believed that the course was intellectually stimulating, challenging them to achieve their best work (NSS, 2023).
- Excellent Connections – We have excellent partnerships with local health and social care organisations, experts by experience and voluntary agencies. These connections help support the vital practical elements of the course and give diverse, real world experiences.
- Over 1000 Hours of Placement – At Northumbria we know the value of real-world practice which is why each student undertakes a minimum of 1000 clinical hours.
- A Research Powerhouse - Northumbria’s research in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy is ranked 8th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021), out of 91 submissions.
Accredited Degree - The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. This means that it is designed to reach industry standards and prepare you the world of work.
Student Rated - Over 89% of students studying Occupational Therapy at Northumbria believed that their assessment feedback was often on time and believed the library resources supported their learning (NSS, 2023).
How does this course prepare me for work?
Our courses are designed to prepare you for a career in occupational therapy - a global, client-centred, science-based, healthcare profession. Occupational therapy continues to grow in popularity and provide exciting career opportunities in the UK and overseas. Therapists are working in more sectors than ever.
The course’s contemporary curriculum prepares you for work in multiple areas, and successful completion makes you eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.Health & Care Professions Council
How will I learn on this Occupational Therapy BSc course?
The structure of this course has been designed to provide you with a broad understanding of occupational therapy, incorporating subjects such as physical and behavioural sciences; medical and mental health conditions; occupational therapy theory and practice; legislation and social care policy; and inter- professional learning.
Teaching is delivered via a range of techniques such as lectures, practical tutorials, simulation and placements, which are assessed through methods such as written assignments, oral-visual and practical assessments.
The BSc Occupational Therapy course will allow you to integrate your learning experiences in a broad range of clinical practice sessions to ensure you leave with an in-depth understanding of the professional standards required to successfully work within this profession.
You will undertake a range of placements throughout the duration of your course, in addition to an assessed dissertation around a subject of particular interest in your final year.
Who will teach me during my degree?
This course is delivered by a team of enthusiastic, research-active lecturers and contemporary clinicians with extensive knowledge and expertise relevant to the practice of occupational therapy.
To fully support your learning journey you will have a dedicated personal tutor who will be on-hand to offer help or assistance throughout the duration of your studies. You will also receive support from a dedicated clinician whilst undertaking each of your placements.
We work closely with experts by experience, who have used occupational therapy and other services. This brings their knowledge and experience into classroom discussions and helps us to ensure our programme is focused around the needs of the people we serve.
We regularly welcome experienced, practicing occupational therapists and other experts to visit and provide you with an insight into the most recent developments within the profession. You will also have the opportunity to attend conference-style events to further enhance your
Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?
This course is based at our Coach Lane campus, which houses our Clinical Skills Centre– a purpose-built facility that will allow you to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience of occupational therapy within a simulated scenario’s.
Our facilities are some of the most advanced in the country and allow us to ensure your learning evolves in-line with the latest developments in the profession.
You will have access to our University library – which has been recognised as third best in the UK – and well equipped working space, The Hub, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.
How is research applied to the teaching on this course?
This course is led and delivered by our team of enthusiastic, research active lecturers and clinicians who boast extensive knowledge and expertise within the occupational therapy sector.
Teaching is delivered through research informed, enquiry-based approaches with diverse and innovative classroom, experiential and practical-based opportunities.
Throughout the duration of your course you will be encouraged to develop your own research skills by undertaking research activities and evidence-based enquiry, which will then be put into practice when you complete your dissertation in the final year of your course.
You will be supported at every step of your course, ensuring you leave with confidence and the understanding required to progress to future employment or further study.
What can I do after my BSc Occupational Therapy course?
Northumbria University boasts strong links with many local organisations and our calibre of graduates is respected throughout the profession, which can be beneficial to your future employment prospects.
There are currently many varied opportunities available within this sector and your registration with the HCPC will enable you to practice as a state registered occupational therapist. Completion of this course will enable to work the private or public sector, both in the United Kingdom or abroad.
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