Occupational Therapy Degree Guide

Occupational therapy is a dynamic and client-centred profession that helps people of all ages overcome physical, mental,

 or cognitive challenges to live more independently and meaningfully. Whether it’s supporting someone recovering from injury, managing long-term illness, or helping children thrive at school, occupational therapists play a vital role in healthcare and community wellbeing.

This guide will walk you through how to study occupational therapy in the UK, and how training and practice compare in other parts of the world.

Studying Occupational Therapy in the UK

In the UK, occupational therapists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To practise, you must complete an HCPC-approved degree and register with the council after graduating.

Course Structure:

• The most common route is a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, usually completed in three years (or four in Scotland).

• Some universities offer an integrated master’s degree (MOccTherapy) over four years.

• Courses combine university-based learning with clinical placements in hospitals, schools, mental health services, social care, and the community.

Modules may include:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Psychology and mental health

• Occupational science and human development

• Therapeutic techniques and equipment use

• Health policy, communication, and professional ethics

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels or equivalent qualifications (often including biology, psychology, or sociology)

• GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science

• A personal statement and interview

• Health screening and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

Funding:

• Students in England may access the NHS Learning Support Fund, including a £5,000 non-repayable grant annually.

• Tuition fees and maintenance loans are also available through standard student finance.

After Graduation:

• Graduates can register with the HCPC and work within the NHS, local authorities, private practices, schools, or voluntary organisations.

• The profession offers excellent career development, with specialisms in areas such as mental health, neurology, paediatrics, elderly care, or hand therapy.

Studying Occupational Therapy in Europe

Europe offers a broad range of occupational therapy training programs that often follow international standards set by World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

General Points:

• Courses typically take three to four years, leading to a bachelor's or equivalent qualification.

• Some countries offer master’s-level entry.

• Language requirements vary; many programs are taught in the national language, although English-language programs are growing in number.

• Regulation varies, but many countries require registration with a national professional body.

Popular Destinations:

• Ireland: Offers four-year BSc (Hons) OT programs, with registration through CORU (Irish health regulator).

• The Netherlands: English-taught programs are available; strong reputation in innovation and rehabilitation sciences.

• Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia: High-quality training with a growing international student base, but language fluency is often essential for clinical placements.

Studying in Europe can be a cost-effective and culturally enriching experience, but make sure your qualification is recognised in your intended country of practice.

Studying Occupational Therapy in Australia and New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand offer well-established, internationally recognised OT education with a strong emphasis on client-centred, culturally sensitive practice.

Australia:

• Offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s level degrees in occupational therapy.

• Undergraduate OT programs typically last four years.

• Regulated by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

• Clinical placements are diverse and built into the curriculum.

New Zealand:

• Occupational therapy is taught at institutions such as Otago Polytechnic and AUT University.

• Offers a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, typically completed in three years.

• Regulated by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.

• Programs place a strong focus on community health and indigenous health care perspectives.

Both countries offer excellent opportunities for hands-on learning, with pathways to professional registration and postgraduate study.

Studying Occupational Therapy in Canada

In Canada, occupational therapy is primarily a graduate-entry profession, meaning students complete an undergraduate degree first before applying to a master’s program.

Educational Pathway:

• First, complete a Bachelor’s degree (commonly in health sciences, psychology, or kinesiology).

• Then, complete a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT or MScOT), usually a two-year program.

• OT programs are regulated by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and provincial bodies.

Postgraduate Requirements:

• Graduates must pass the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) to practise.

• Occupational therapists work in healthcare, education, mental health, and rehabilitation settings across Canada.

Canadian programs are highly respected but also highly competitive, and clinical placement experience is essential for acceptance.

Studying Occupational Therapy in the USA

In the United States, occupational therapy is a graduate-level profession with multiple educational pathways.

Options Include:

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT or MSOT): Standard two to three-year programs.

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD): Becoming increasingly common as the entry-level standard.

Licensing and Regulation:

• All graduates must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

• State licensure is required and may involve additional criteria.

Program Highlights:

• Courses are regulated by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

• Clinical fieldwork is a major component of all programs.

• OTs in the US enjoy a high level of autonomy and often work in diverse clinical and educational settings.

Final Thoughts

Occupational therapy is a global profession that offers variety, purpose, and job security. In the UK, students benefit from a structured, clinically focused degree program with strong graduate outcomes. Internationally, pathways differ in length, entry requirements, and qualification levels, but the core values of the profession remain consistent.

When deciding where to study, think about:

• Entry routes and academic background

• Language requirements

• Financial support and cost of living

• Where you want to live and practise after graduation

Wherever you choose to train, a career in occupational therapy will equip you to make a lasting difference in people's lives, one practical step at a time.