Program Overview

Occupational Therapy Accelerated BSc (Hons)

Overview

This is a two-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course. Gain real-life experience through practice placements and apply your learning to real-life situations. Graduate with the knowledge and skills to enable people to facilitate their recovery and overcome any barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 years
• Mode: Full-time
• Current fee: £11,440 (UK/Europe), £24,000 (International)
• UCAS code: B921
• Points required: 120
• Next start date: 15 September 2025

Why Us?

• This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
• Inter-professional learning facilities include four simulation acute hospital wards, a simulation mental health / learning disability ward, patient diagnostic suite, two immersive simulation suites, and multiple practical assessment suites
• Our Counselling, Psychotherapy and Occupational Therapy courses are 1st in the north-east for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Opportunities to collaborate with physiotherapy, nursing, pharmacy, paramedic science, medicine, sports science, social work, and psychology

Course Structure

You will be taught by a highly skilled and motivated team of lecturers, visiting practitioners, and volunteers who are experts by their lived experience. Teaching methods include online lectures, seminars, and workshops. There may also be off-campus teaching sessions in public facilities such as swimming pools or the beach. A mixture of group work and problem-based learning methods are used in conjunction with resources on our virtual learning platform Canvas and via a unique learning environment Thinglink. You will be supported by a tutor, and you can arrange one-to-one or group tutorials with them. You will also have the opportunity to work and learn alongside students from other professions and to learn about the other professions through participation in inter-professional education. As this course leads to a professional qualification, a minimum attendance level of 80% per semester is required.

Modules

Year 1:

• Semester 1 (September to December, national level 4)
  • Research 1 (10 credits)
  • Personal Development 1 (10 credits)
  • Occupational Performance: Biological and Physical Factors (20 credits)
  • Occupational Performance: Psychological factors (20 credits)
• Semester 2 (January to April, national level 4)
  • Foundations and Skills for Practice (40 credits)
  • Human Function and Life-span Development (20 credits)
• Semester 3 (May to August, national level 5)
  • Strategies for Intervention and Professional Reasoning (20 credits)
  • Enhancing Skills for Practice (40 credits)

Year 2:

• Semester 4 (September to December, national level 5)
  • Research 2 (10 credits)
  • Professional Development 2 (10 credits)
  • Occupational Disruptions (40 credits)
• Semester 5 (January to April, national level 6)
  • Dissertation for Occupational Therapy (40 credits)
  • Occupation for Promoting Health Inequalities (20 credits)
• Semester 6 (May to August, national level 6)
  • Professional Development 3 (20 credits)
  • Occupation in Complex Contexts (40 credits)

Facilities

This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex in our City Campus, which has benefited from a recent multimillion-pound investment. Teaching takes place in multi-media classrooms with state-of-the-art resources for learning, including a simulation flat, creative activities room, telecare facilities, and a therapeutic garden.

Entry Requirements

• BTEC Extended National Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science, and Applied Science preferred): DMM. Other BTEC National Diplomas may be considered with AS or A2 Biology / Human Biology / PE at grade B.
• Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.
• Values-based interview: All shortlisted applicants must attend an individual and group interview as part of the selection process. Your values, behaviors, problem-solving, and communication skills will also be assessed. The interview panel will include academic staff, Occupational Therapy practitioners, and experts by their lived experience.
• Fitness to practise: Medical assessments of your mental and physical health and disclosure of criminal convictions apply to all occupational therapy courses and are based on current HCPC requirements. Occupational Therapists are registered health care professionals and the ability to practise safely, effectively, and professionally is essential, so all applicants are required to follow our fitness to practise procedures. This means you are required to complete the following:
  • A health declaration form. Here you must demonstrate that you are of good health, good character, and can satisfactorily pass occupational health screening. In addition, you will be required to attend an Occupational Health Assessment with an NHS Trust. The University will, taking into account current HCPC regulations, make any reasonable adjustments if required. Please refer to the HEOPS occupational therapy student fitness standards
  • A self-declaration form about your conduct
  • Obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost of the DBS check is covered by the University

Fees and Finance

• Annual fees: £11,440 (UK/Europe), £24,000 (International)
• Additional costs: You will be expected to buy your books, stationery, travel, and accommodation. For practice placements, you will need to buy a suitable pair of shoes that meet health and safety requirements, and the University will provide you with a uniform.

Career Ready

• Employment prospects: Occupational Therapists can work in a variety of settings including health organisations such as the NHS, social care, housing, education, voluntary organisations, or as independent practitioners working with people of all ages. They can specialise in mental health, physical health, and learning disabilities.
• Average starting salary: According to National Careers, the average starting salary for a registered occupational therapist working in the UK is around £28,000. A more experienced occupational therapist can earn up to £50,000.
• Accreditation: On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Accelerated) course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Graduate Occupational Therapist and can apply for professional membership of the professional body the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.