Occupational Therapy (BSc)

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.

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band G IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

You will be required to attend a selection day. Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• 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.

Year 1

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:

• build a solid understanding of the principles of occupational therapy

• learn how to use a variety of tools to help increase occupational engagement and performance

• explore the ethics of therapeutic care, including the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people

• look at the meaning and impact of occupation on individuals and within society

• learn to understand physiology and anatomy, pain theory and learning disabilities as well as musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and mental health

Year 2

This year you’ll:

• undertake 2 practice placements

• learn more about the physical and psychosocial aspects of applied occupational therapy practice

• explore research methods and how they apply to occupational therapy practice

• take part in group projects with community organisations

• learn how the design of systems, environments and objects can be used to improve occupational performance and wellbeing

Year 3

You’ll do a final clinical placement and focus on being prepared for professional practice. You’ll study:

• therapeutic engagements and charity partnerships

• research into occupational therapy

• complex occupational therapy practice

• assessment, diagnostic and management strategies

• innovation, leadership, influencing change and business development

• skills in complex clinical case management

• the legal, political and cultural context of professional practice

Support for your studies

You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• essays
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £23,335 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:

• suitable shoes for your practice placements

• your own fob watch

• your enhanced DBS certificate 

• 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:

• stationery

• personal computer or laptop and data storage devices

• printing

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Textbooks
• Stationery
• Insurance
• Optional Visits (e.g. museums, galleries)
• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Paying for immunisation and vaccination costs before being allowed to attend placements
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Travel Costs for placements
• Accommodation and Travel
• Clothing
• Approved Calculators
• Conference expenses
• Equipment and Materials
• Laboratory Equipment and Materials

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 international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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 are aligned with occupational therapy.

If your UCAS application is successful, you'll be invited by email to a selection day which 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.