Occupational Therapy (BSc)

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:

• 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 overview

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 overview

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

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

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.

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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £23,335.

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

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: B920
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

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.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.