Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship

The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship is a program designed for existing health and social care staff to study for a degree while in paid employment.

Overview

The program enables apprentices to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of a registered occupational therapist. It covers various aspects of occupational therapy, including philosophy, theoretical underpinnings, and inter-professional learning opportunities.

Funding Models

There are two funding models available:

• Fully-funded: Levy paying organizations
• Co-funded: Non-levy organizations and levy organizations that have exceeded their levy contribution

Fully-Funded Model

• Employer contribution: Employee salary only
• Apprentices contribution: Ł0

Co-Funded Model

• Government contribution: Ł22,800
• Employer contribution: Ł1,200
• Apprentice contribution: Ł0

Program Structure

The program is delivered over four years, with a mix of 'in person' teaching and online learning. Apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours on 'off the job' learning.

Modules

The program consists of various modules, including:

• Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice for Apprentices 1
• Occupational Studies: Biological and Psychological Foundations for Occupation
• Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice for Apprentices 2
• Practice Placement 1
• Inter Professional Working for Apprentices
• Occupational Studies: Exploration into Practice for Apprentices
• Occupational Studies: Adults; Interruptions and Transitions
• Occupational Studies: The Older Person; Interruptions and Transitions
• Occupational Studies: The Young Person; Interruptions and Transitions
• Practice Placement 2
• Project Studies
• Occupational Studies: Humans as Occupational Beings Through Community Engagement
• Occupational Studies: The Innovative Practitioner
• Research Project
• Occupational Studies: Occupation for Promoting Health and Wellness of Communities
• Occupational Studies: The Contemporary Practitioner
• Practice Placement 3
• Transition to practice for apprentices

Assessment Methods

Apprentices will be assessed using a diverse range of methods, including coursework assessments, practical skills assessments during practice placements, and maintenance of an electronic portfolio of evidence of learning.

Program Summary

The aim of this program is to offer a challenging and rewarding undergraduate experience, developing future practitioners who are confident in delivering professional and inter-professional practice and contributing to future research in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

Who is the Program For?

The program is designed for individuals working in roles related to occupational therapy who wish to progress in their career and become registered occupational therapists.

Areas of Specialism

The program covers various areas of specialism, including:

• Philosophy and theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy and occupational science
• Development of knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of a registered occupational therapist
• Inter-professional learning opportunities
• Experience of practice placements outside typical job settings

Course Facts

• Duration: 4 years
• Hours of study per week: Equivalent to at least 20% 'off the job' learning across the year
• Delivery type: Blended learning; a mix of 'in person' teaching and online learning
• Entry requirements:
  • GCSE minimum grade C/4 or above to include mathematics and English
  • GCSE (or equivalent) in a science-related subject (including social sciences) is preferable
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualification equivalent to 112 UCAS Tariff Points within the last 5 years
  • Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this program

Core Skills

Apprentices will develop various core skills, including:

• Confident implementation of the occupational therapy process
• Demonstration of leadership and entrepreneurship
• Effective advocacy for the profession and service users

Benefits to the Business

The program offers several benefits to the business, including:

• Investment in staff and development of the workforce
• Opportunities to apply for the apprenticeships levy fund
• Addressing organizational skills gaps
• Attracting and retaining new talent
• Creating opportunities for staff development

Benefits to the Apprentice

The program offers several benefits to the apprentice, including:

• Integration of academic study with work-based learning
• Experience of university study while continuing to work and earn a wage
• Support from an employer who wants to invest in their future
• A university experience that recognizes their work status
• Shaping practice according to recognized theories, concepts, and frameworks of occupational therapy

People

The program is delivered by a team of well-published, internationally recognized, research-active occupational therapists, including:

• Fiona Fraser, Associate Head of School (SoHP) Placement
• Miss Melissa Jacobs, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Dr. Tanja Krizaj, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Mr. Kevin Steede, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Dr. Alison Warren, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
• Mrs. Sam Wakley, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Mrs. Sarah Reynolds, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Dr. Elana Moore, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Mrs. Miranda Cunningham, Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)