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.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Want to help people live independently
Enjoy working with people
Are caring and patient
Want a healthcare career
Like practical work
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Private Healthcare
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Problem-solver
Government & Public Sector
Creative thinker
Patient-centered
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
Study of how to help people live fulfilling, independent lives - combining healthcare, psychology, and practical skills to support recovery and wellbeing.
What you'll study
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).
Skills You'll Gain
An Occupational Therapy degree builds both professional and interpersonal skills, which could include:
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.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you can register as an Occupational Therapist with the HCPC and work in a variety of settings, including:
NHS hospitals and community health services
Schools and social care teams
Mental health and rehabilitation centres
Private practice or charities
Work Experiences & Placements
All Occupational Therapy degrees include clinical placements, where you’ll work with patients under supervision. Typical settings include:
NHS hospitals and community teams
Rehabilitation and care centres
Schools and mental health services
Housing and social care organisations
Charities and voluntary organisations
Placements give you real-world experience and help you develop confidence in your clinical skills.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including at least one Science (Biology, Psychology, or Sociology preferred). Some universities accept a broad range of subjects.
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.