About this course
This BSc Occupational Therapy degree will give you the knowledge and skills to treat people with psychological, physical or social disabilities. You’ll learn how to work effectively with patients, their families and carers, as well as with other healthcare professionals.
We are no longer taking applications for September 2021. Explore our range of related courses.
You’ll develop a strong professional identity as an occupational therapist and gain a clear understanding of how the role contributes to multi-disciplinary teams.
Occupational therapy combines a range of areas including human anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, pathology, learning disabilities and mental health. You’ll explore the impact of health conditions and life events on people’s sense of self, relationships and occupations.
The course uses creative, experiential and reflective learning approaches supported by practice placements. Learning is reinforced by internationally recognised researchers into occupational therapy.
Our purpose-built facilities include a multisensory environment, a biomechanics laboratory and an adapted flat. You’ll complete 1,000 hours on placements in the community, social care and hospitals.
When you graduate you’ll be eligible to register as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Support for students with a disability/health condition
We are fully committed to supporting students with disabilities who wish to join programmes of study which require the acquisition and practise of professional competencies.
We offer students personal, informal advice by telephone, email or face to face, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs prior to you applying. This could include how your specific needs may impact on your ability to meet the clinical competencies. This will not affect your application in any way, but may help you to select the right programme for you.
Please contact the admissions team for further details.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As a student on this course you may be eligible for help from the NHS Learning Support Fund. This can include a training grant of £5000 per academic year, parental support of £2000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.
Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
BBB including one science or social science subject
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: BBC including one science or social science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including a science or social science subject
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject o D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus BB in two A-level subjects
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
We accept Health studies or science
QCF BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma plus BB in two A-level subjects
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 27 must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Additional information.Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including a science or social science
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AABBBB including a science or social science
Irish certificate additional information
Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including a science or social science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels including a science subject or BB from two A levels including a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
75% overall to include a science or social science subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C), Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C) and Science (minimum grade 4/C) if not offered at a level 3 qualification.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Non-academic entry requirements
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You’ll take a number of core modules each year, and they must all be passed.
Around half of your time will be spent learning on campus.
The remainder will be on practice placements, amounting to 1,000 hours over the course of the 3 years. These placements could be anywhere in the UK in an organisation we have a relationship with, but they are mainly in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region.
There's also the opportunity to undertake a third-year role-emerging or diverse occupational therapy placement.
We have strong international links, so there are opportunities to get involved in global projects.
Year 1 overview
You’ll undertake a practice placement with an experienced therapist. You’ll be in contact with patients and learn in real-world settings from the start.
You’ll also:
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build a solid understanding of the principles of occupational therapy
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learn how to use a variety of tools to help increase occupational engagement and performance
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explore the ethics of therapeutic care, including the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people
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look at the meaning and impact of occupation on individuals and within society
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learn to understand physiology and anatomy, pain theory and learning disabilities as well as musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and mental health
Year 2 overview
This year you’ll:
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undertake 2 practice placements
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learn more about the physical and psychosocial aspects of applied occupational therapy practice
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explore research methods and how they apply to occupational therapy practice
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take part in group projects with community organisations
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learn how the design of systems, environments and objects can be used to improve occupational performance and wellbeing
Year 3 overview
You’ll do a final clinical placement and focus on being prepared for professional practice. You’ll study:
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therapeutic engagements and charity partnerships
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research into occupational therapy
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complex occupational therapy practice
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assessment, diagnostic and management strategies
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innovation, leadership, influencing change and business development
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skills in complex clinical case management
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the legal, political and cultural context of professional practice
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
At the heart of this interprofessional module is the belief that all health care students should not only share the same core values and skills that underpin their professional practice, but they should also have learning opportunities that enable them t...
In this introductory module, you will discover how to investigate design features that impact upon occupation, health and wellbeing for individuals and populations. You will have the opportunity to develop and apply existing skills from other level 4 ...
Using the biopsychosocial model, you will gain an understanding of the health sciences that underpin occupational therapy practice. You will learn about the relevant anatomy and physiology, and how it is integrated from the cellular level to the organ sys...
This module provides an opportunity to experience current practice in a variety of locations across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and surrounding counties. Principle providers of placements will be in health or social care settings. You will work alongsid...
This module builds upon the preceding 'Foundations of Health Sciences' module. You will advance your understanding in key aspects of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, physiology and anatomy. You will also be introduced to fundamental aspects of pharmacology...
This module introduces the profession of occupational therapy within the current contexts and scope of practice. It considers the meaning and impact of occupation on individuals and within society. It explores the consequences of disrupted occupations an...
This module will use an experiential approach to allow you to develop a range of communication skills that are required for effective therapeutic dialogue, which is a fundamental skill for occupational therapy practice. You will: - have the opportun...
This module introduces you to evidence in practice and begins to equip you with skills to search for, understand, critique and use different types of evidence in practice. You will: - undertake literature searches and explore the range of literature ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This taught module develops your ability to apply and link theoretical concepts that underpin occupational therapy with those who have mental health difficulties and mental illness. The module will enable you to justify and implement clinical reasoning wi...
This largely practical module will develop your ability to apply, link and appraise the theoretical and practical concepts that underpin occupational therapy for physical conditions to a range of case studies. It will reflect the diversity of current OT p...
In this level 5 module, you will build on your understanding of design as an art and a science at level 4 and its effects on occupational performance. You will apply this to your understanding of OT practice, to support occupational engagement for health ...
This module provides an opportunity to experience current practice in a variety of locations across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and surrounding counties. Principle providers of placement will be in health or social care settings. You will be supervised b...
This module provides an opportunity to experience current practice in a variety of locations across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and surrounding counties. Principle providers of placement will be in health or social care settings. You will work with an ex...
This module combines academic study with a practical and experiential approach to learning. You will continue to work with the charity you established links with during level 4 and during level 5 you will implement a planned project with the service users...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module offers you the opportunity to further develop and refine your understanding and use of more complex therapeutic approaches and skills. It brings together the themes from many of the modules previously studied together with your experience from...
Tomorrow’s healthcare professionals will work in a context characterised by continual change, challenging environments, rapidly evolving technologies and the need for innovation. To operate successfully in this context, these professionals must be able to...
This module provides an opportunity to experience current practice in a variety of locations across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and surrounding counties. Principle providers of placement will be in health or social care settings (with some additional pla...
This module follows on from the project plan you developed in the Research Methods module, allowing you to carry out a project that is relevant to your professional programme (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Podiatry) with the support of your super...
This practical module explores the theory and practice of commonly used components of therapeutic dialogue through the use of role play and video recordings. You will: - examine the verbal and non-verbal components of therapeutic dialogue which enhan...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Rachel Dadswell is the course leader.
Careers
This course is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, giving you work opportunities both in the UK and abroad.
Our creative and forward-thinking course prepares you to confidently work in the changing UK and international health and social care landscape. Our graduates take on roles in a broad range of contexts including the NHS, local authorities, charities, industry, schools, private practice and government agencies.
You can specialise in working with children, adults or older people across the lifespan, and pursue a career as a practitioner, researcher, manager, lecturer or consultant.
You can expect excellent career prospects in a whole range of healthcare environments where occupational therapy is practiced. Occupational therapy graduates are in high demand in the UK and abroad.
You’ll be able to take part in a week-long employability programme designed specifically for our graduates.
More information about careers in occupational therapy can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fee also covers the cost of your uniform for clinical practice.
Find out how to:
You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:
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suitable shoes for your practice placements
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your own fob watch
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your enhanced DBS certificate
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your professional registration fee (on graduation)
On your placements you can claim travel and accommodation expenses over and above your normal daily travel costs to university. But there are limits on what you can claim. Learn more about placement costs and expenses.
There will also be other costs not covered by the tuition fee. These may include:
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stationery
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personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
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printing
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: B920
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll also consider how your personal and professional values align with occupational therapy. Ways you can show this include:
- work experience in occupational therapy or health and social care
- life experience
- extracurricular activities
If your UCAS application is successful, we'll invite you by email to a selection day. This will include a variety of tasks and the chance to meet the course team. The email will include information on how to prepare for the day.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
