Undergraduate course

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.

Our typical offer

32 UCAS points

Secure your place this September

Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2025.

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
Mr Kevin Steede
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Community Home Simulation Suite, Intercity Place

This course is for you if...

you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
Healthcare professional with stethoscope outside building
you're a team player, ready to work with healthcare professionals, patients, and families
Two healthcare professionals, one with stethoscope
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
Clipboard with heart showing heart beat
you're committed to joining the ranks of registered Occupational Therapists making a difference
Badge with cross on, depicting health profession

Details

Year 0

Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, this course is for you. Students completing the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy .

Core modules

BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 credits

This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 credits

This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

100% Practicals

FMD001
Molecules to Cells 20 credits

This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology 20 credits

This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

50% Practicals

50% Examinations

FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 credits

This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

100% Coursework

SOHP001
Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions 20 credits

This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.

100% Coursework

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

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

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

 
 
 

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.

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.

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.
Learn more about our unrivalled study environment
InterCity Place at night with view of train in foreground
 
 
 

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

students using facilities in ICP
 
 
 

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
Occupational Therapy student in clinical bathroom simulation with lecturer
Students in community home suite looking at therapy animals
Occupational therapy students using simulated consultation room
 

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
blooming well project - participants outside sewing seeds
Blooming well project - homemade insect habitats
Blooming well project - group around tree
 
 
 
 

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)


Lecturer in Occupational Therapy (Education)

Miss Melissa Jacobs Lecturer in Occupational Therapy


Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

Dr Tanja Križaj Lecturer in Occupational Therapy


Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

Show all
 
 
 

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!
Join OTSoc
OT society students helping out at Culture Kitchen
 
 
 

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

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

Chloe working with patient on puzzle
 
 

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

rhianna headshot image
Studying nursing at the University of Plymouth will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for nurses across the UK, employment prospects for nursing 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 nurses has never been greater. Our nursing graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, hospices, specialist units and in community teams supporting patients in their own homes. In addition to the NHS, there is a large private healthcare sector. Further opportunities exist in prisons, the armed forces and overseas.
*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
Part-time study
£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
 
 
 

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@plymouth.ac.uk.
 
 
 

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.
Careers Hub

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.
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Three students sitting on a wall at the Barbican eating fish and chips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE

Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:
  • English
  • Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics)
  • Science
Students not achieving mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates.

A levels

Typical offer 32 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C/4 at GCSE level).

International Baccalaureate

24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

BTEC

PPP in a science related subject.

T level

Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (D or E in the Core) = 72 points – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

Access

Pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.

English language

We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we ask for a minimum IELTS score of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section. English language requirements.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Extended entry requirements

  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this 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.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
 
 
 
 

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
B939
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(with placements)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
Plymouth
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

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.
UCAS course code
B939
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(with placements)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
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.