School of Health Professions

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Do you want to help people to live the lives they want? This course will prepare you to help people deal with life challenges including ill-health, disability, and social problems. You’ll learn how everyday activities can be used and adapted creatively to promote health, wellbeing and a satisfying lifestyle, so that you graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective occupational therapist.

We’re very proud of our National Student Survey (NSS) 2019 return showing that over 90 per cent of students that responded were satisfied with the quality of the course, and 95 per cent agreed that staff are good at explaining things*.

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First choice for health

Delivered by professional experts, our programmes are tailored to you and your career. Together, we address today's most challenging healthcare issues, through research-informed teaching and active, real-world learning.

#firstchoiceforhealth

Key features

  • A wide range of teaching and learning methods and assessments are used to suit all learning styles
  • Experience problem-based learning designed to be practical and close to real-life issues faced by occupational therapists.
  • Inter professional learning will prepare you for practice
  • You will study a broad range of cutting edge theory and research from Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
  • You will benefit from accreditation by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
  • Experience practice placements to develop a range of core skills required for professional practice.
  • Our programme is delivered by a team of well published, Internationally recognised, research active Occupational Therapists.

Course 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 an eight-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

    • OCT401 Occupational Studies: Biological and Psychosocial Foundations for Occupation

      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.

    • OCT402 Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice 1

      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.

    • OCT403 Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice 2

      Students will identify the intrinsic components of occupational engagement through exploring the range of components required to engage in occupational performance. Students will study the interaction between person, occupation and context to explore how occupational therapy theory and process promotes occupational engagement.

    • OCT404 Occupational Studies: Humans as Occupational Beings Through 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 volunteering will provide a focus for study.

    • OCT405 Practice Placement 1

      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.

    • SOHP401 Preparation for Practice

      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.

  • 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 inter-professional 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

    • OCT521 Occupational Studies: The Young Person; Interruptions and Transitions

      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 critically evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.

    • OCT522 Occupational Studies: Adults: Interruptions and Transitions

      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 critically evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.

    • OCT523 Occupational Studies: The Older Person, Interruptions and Transitions

      Students will apply the core 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 critically evaluate transitions and interruptions and their impact on performance of the central occupations relevant to this stage of the lifespan.

    • OCT524 Practice Placement 2

      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.

    • OCT525 Occupational Studies: Exploration into Practice

      This module provides the opportunity to select and explore a particular area of occupational therapy practice of the students¿ choice. Enabling an examination in greater depth than elsewhere in the curriculum. 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.

    • SOHP501 Project Studies

      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 HPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.

  • 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. Inter-professional modules help you develop and consolidate management and research skills, and lead you towards your imminent entry into the occupational therapy profession.

    Core modules

    • OCT601 Occupational Studies: The Innovative Practitioner

      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.

    • OCT602 Occupational Studies: The Contemporary Practitioner

      This module provides students with the opportunity to critically explore current and emerging trends in practice. Enabling effective and confident transition to emerging areas of practice.

    • OCT603 Practice Placement 3

      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.

    • OCT604 Occupational Studies: Occupation for Promoting Health and Wellness of Communities

      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.

    • SOHP601 Project

      Students will undertake and complete a short piece of research developed from the level 5 protocol which involves the collection and interpretation of a small amount of data. Findings will be presented in the format of a professional journal article and conference style presentation.

    • SOHP602 Inter-professional Working in Health and Social Care

      Students will explore, in depth, areas of inter-professional working to include quality enhancement of service provision and the patient experience.

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:

BSc Hons Occupational Therapy Programme Specification 6139

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.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

128 - 112

GCSE’S
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 equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications.

PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

A levels
112-128 points from a minimum of 2/3 A levels or level 3 qualifications, to include grades B/C and preferably to include a science related subject such as science, psychology or social science) and one further subject. Excluding general studies

IB
27-32 overall to include 5 at Higher Level in one subject: Biology/Human Biology, Psychology or Sociology or Science.
English accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5.
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS.

Access
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction, including 15 in Science/Social Science (Psychology/ Sociology). If you need further advice on this criteria please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM- DDM must contain Science, Health or Social Science. Please note that if you are not studying or have previously studied an A level subject then we would still encourage an you to apply as we assess the overall totality of an application. Any questions or queries please contact a member of the Undergraduate Admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or call on 01752 585858.

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 01752 585858 or email ug-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required.
  • 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 - Overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 6.5 in each element (if you need to improve your English language to get onto a degree course at Plymouth University, you can book a pre-sessional academic English course). 
  • 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.
Further information

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.

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 ug-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding

EU applicants should refer to our dedicated Brexit webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.

New Student 2019 2020
Home/EU £9,250 £9,250
International £13,400 £13,800
Part time (Home/EU) To be confirmed £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for international students

Scholarship value: £2000 off your tuition fees in year one. 
To recognise continued academic achievement, you may also receive:

  • 10% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 60% or above is maintained
  • 20% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 70% or above is maintained.
To be eligible you must:
  • achieve one grade above your academic offer.
  • meet our standard English Language requirements.

This scholarship will be offered automatically, providing you meet the eligibility criteria. A separate application will not be required.

Further information about Scholarships for international students

Additional costs

Placements

All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases students will stay away from home for the period of that placement time. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to your chosen course of study.

It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.

Despite these costs, clinical placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.

Further information

More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences additional costs.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

Apply for this course on the UCAS website.

For more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

As from 2014-15 academic year, all NHS funded professional courses are required to select and interview their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement will now also require this additional information, which will demonstrate insight into your understanding of the importance of NHS values in your chosen professional discipline.

Get an overview of our occupational therapy course

Watch our short video giving you a overview of what it's like to study occupational therapy at Plymouth. Programme lead, Marnie Smith, talks you through the highlights of the course and what it's like to study in Plymouth.

“Occupational therapy is a very diverse profession which makes it really exciting. So that would enable you to apply for jobs in a whole range of sectors.”

Are you interested in furthering your studies?

We offer the MSc Advanced Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy, enabling you to develop your skills and knowledge in critical thinking and help you to improve people’s health and well-being by implementing innovative, evidence-based practice in a range of practice settings. 

Join an enthusiastic team of occupational therapists, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students who are pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge on occupational science and occupational therapy.

Placements

Practice placements will take place generally in the South West of England, and are spread over the duration of your studies. You will complete a minimum of 1000 placement hours in total in a variety of settings. 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.

While on placement you will work with a named educator and work alongside Occupational Therapists and other members of staff. Placements are assessed by achieving professional competencies while working in the practice setting and by oral presentations when you return to the University.


English Language Centre

We offer a range of courses to help you develop your academic English language skills.

These include pre-sessional academic English courses for undergraduates, taught postgraduates and research students along with insessional language classes, tutorials and activities to support students who have English as a second language.

Find out how we can help you reach your potential.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Professional Practice

If you are enrolling on this course, we prefer you to be a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists and College of Occupational Therapists.

NHS Constitution

All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution. 

Screening for health students

Additional checks are required for all health students. All offers are made subject to receipt of satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and police checks. Read more about the required screening for health courses.


Please note: In order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must complete a specified number of practice placement hours along with your theoretical study. This is a requirement of the HCPC. You will only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course. This includes induction week where it is vital you attend ALL sessions.

Additional costs

  • If you are a bursary recipient you can apply for support with travel and accommodation costs associated with placements across Devon and Cornwall – however you should budget for some additional costs. Please note all additional costs must be met in the first instance by the student and reclaimed via the bursary unit after the placement.
  • Student access to free E-book provision is continually expanding and all core texts are available in the library however most students find it necessary to have their own copy of some core text books. This is likely to amount to a cost of approximately £130.
  • All lecture and workshop materials are supplied electronically – students will need to print out lecture notes and other materials as needed. 
  • Uniforms are provided to all students – but suitable footwear may need to be purchased if you do not already own suitable flat shoes.

Our staff

What could you do next? Let our graduates inspire you

International students

Thinking about coming to study in Plymouth? Find the answers to many of your questions here, as well as links to places where you can discover more.

Find out more about studying in Plymouth

*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Unistats is updated annually in September.

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey (DLHE) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Unistats website.