Occupational Therapy BSc / BOccTher
Study of how to help people live fulfilling, independent lives - combining healthcare, psychology, and practical skills to support recovery and wellbeing.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Problem-solver
Empathetic
Creative thinker
Patient-centered
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Private Healthcare
Charity & NGO Sector
Is this for you?
Occupational Therapy BSc / BOccTher
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to help people live fulfilling, independent lives - combining healthcare, psychology, and practical skills to support recovery and wellbeing.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is an Occupational Therapy Degree?
Occupational Therapy focuses on helping people overcome physical, mental, or social challenges so they can participate fully in everyday activities. You’ll learn how to assess needs and design practical interventions that improve quality of life and independence.
Why Study Occupational Therapy?
If you’re empathetic, creative, and enjoy helping people, this degree offers a rewarding career where you can make a real difference. Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages - from children with developmental difficulties to adults recovering from injury or illness.
Most Occupational Therapy degrees cover:
Human anatomy, physiology, and movement
Psychology and mental health
Occupational science and activity analysis
Rehabilitation and assistive technology
Social inclusion and community practice
Research and evidence-based care
Professional ethics and communication
Later in your degree, you may specialise in areas such as paediatrics, neurology, hand therapy, or mental health rehabilitation.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BOccTher (Hons) - both lead to registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Holistic Patient Assessment – evaluating physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
Rehabilitation Planning – designing personalised intervention plans for daily living and independence.
Clinical Reasoning – making evidence-based decisions to improve client outcomes.
Therapeutic Techniques – applying physical, cognitive, and environmental strategies to support function.
Interprofessional Collaboration – working with healthcare teams, families, and community services.
A-levels or equivalent including at least one Science (Biology, Psychology, or Sociology preferred). Some universities accept a broad range of subjects.
Explain your motivation to help people regain independence.
Mention any volunteering or work experience in healthcare, education, or community support.
Highlight empathy, creativity, and teamwork skills.
Show awareness of what occupational therapists do in different settings.
Universities may also invite you to an interview or assessment day.
Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? by Ben Hunt-Davis and Harriet Beveridge – A guide to motivation and teamwork.
Doing Occupational Therapy by Nick Pollard and Dikaios Sakellariou – Insight into everyday practice.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – Exploring care, ageing, and independence.
An Occupational Perspective of Health by Ann Wilcock – Understanding how activity supports wellbeing.
Volunteer or work in a care home, hospital, or disability support organisation.
Attend open days to explore facilities such as rehabilitation labs and assistive technology workshops.
Read about NHS occupational therapy services and patient-centred care.
Stay informed about mental and physical health topics.
Occupational Therapy - Occupational therapist, OT, registered occupational therapist, qualified OT
Community OT - Community OT, community occupational therapist, domiciliary OT, home-based therapist
Hospital OT - Hospital OT, acute OT, ward-based therapist, inpatient occupational therapist
Mental Health OT - Mental health OT, psychiatric occupational therapist, CMHT therapist, mental health practitioner
Pediatric OT - Pediatric OT, children's occupational therapist, school-based OT, child development therapist
Specialist OT - Clinical specialist OT, hand therapy OT, neurological OT, stroke rehabilitation therapist
OT Management - OT manager, team leader, senior occupational therapist, service manager
Independent Practice - Independent OT, private practice therapist, self-employed OT, freelance therapist
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