Program Overview

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Occupational Therapy (BSc)

Award: Bachelor of Science Typical Offer: BBB Duration: 3 years Course Type: Full-time Campus: Highfield UCAS Course code: B920

About this course

Occupational Therapy at Southampton is ranked fourth in the UK (Counselling, Psychotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Complete University Guide 2025).

This BSc Occupational Therapy degree will give you the knowledge and skills to treat people with psychological, physical or social disabilities. You’ll learn how to work effectively with patients, their families and carers, as well as with other healthcare professionals.

You’ll develop a strong professional identity as an occupational therapist and gain a clear understanding of how the role contributes to multi-disciplinary teams.

Occupational therapy combines a range of areas including human anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, pathology, learning disabilities and mental health. You’ll explore the impact of health conditions and life events on people’s sense of self, relationships and occupations.

The course uses creative, experiential and reflective learning approaches supported by practice placements. Learning is reinforced by internationally recognised researchers into occupational therapy.

Our purpose-built facilities include a multisensory environment, a biomechanics laboratory and an adapted flat. You’ll complete 1,000 hours on placements in the community, social care and hospitals.

When you graduate you’ll be eligible to register as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Funding to support your learning

Subject to eligibility, UK and Irish students joining this degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students may also be eligible to apply for an additional maintenance loan to help with living costs.

Additionally, UK students studying this course at University of Southampton may well be able to receive a training grant of £5,000 per academic year from the NHS and entitled to have some of the additional costs of attending a practice placement reimbursed. Students with parental responsibility for one or more children may receive a £2,000 Parental Support payment per student, per academic year. Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website

If you are normally resident in Ireland, you are encouraged to apply for financial support from SUSI.

Support for students with a disability/health condition

We are fully committed to supporting students with disabilities who wish to join programmes of study which require the acquisition and practise of professional competencies.

We offer students personal, informal advice by telephone, email or face to face, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs prior to you applying. This could include how your specific needs may impact on your ability to meet the clinical competencies. This will not affect your application in any way, but may help you to select the right programme for you.

Please contact the admissions team for further details.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

British Association of Occupational Therapists and Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Entry Requirements

A-levels

BBB including one science or social science subject

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Acceptable science or social sciences are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology and Psychology.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including a science or social science subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Acceptable science or social sciences are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology and Psychology.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject or D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus BB in two A-level subjects.

Additional information

We accept Health Studies or Science. If an Science A-Level is studied alongside the BTEC the following BTEC subjects would be considered: Creative Arts, Engineering, Music, Performing Arts and Childcare

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 27 must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit

Access to HE additional information

Must be Science Based

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including a science or social science

Irish certificate additional information

Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Cambridge Pre-U

M2 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including a science or social science subject. Acceptable science or social sciences are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology and Psychology.

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

Welsh Baccalaureate

BBB from 3 A levels including a science or social science subject or BB from two A levels including a science or social science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Acceptable science or social sciences are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology and Psychology.

T-Level

An overall Merit with grade B in the core element in the Health T-Level with Supporting the Therapy Team Specialism.

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C), Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C) and Science (minimum grade 4/C) if not offered at a level 3 qualification.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 7.0
• reading: 6.5
• writing: 6.5
• speaking: 6.5
• listening: 6.5

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Non-academic entry requirements

You must have completed recent, relevant study within 3 years

Occupational Health and Vaccinations

Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. All students must comply with the vaccination requirements of the programme which must be met in order to undertake placements. The list of vaccinations required is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your programme.

Declaration of Good Character and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form. You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as this is a legal requirement for those involved in contact with children or vulnerable adults. The DBS certificate will be reviewed by the School of Health Science in conjunction with your Declaration of Good Character, the University’s Fitness to Practice Policy and Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance or Health and Care Professions Council guidance. At the start of each subsequent year of study you will also be asked to complete a Self-Disclosure form.

Applicants who have been resident outside of the UK within the last 5 years will normally be required to provide information of criminal record checks from the appropriate organisation in your country of current/previous residency. All documentation must be officially stamped and translated into English, proving authenticity of the documents. See GOV.UK website

Course Structure

You’ll take a number of core modules each year, and they must all be passed.

Around half of your time will be spent learning on campus.

The remainder will be on practice-based learning, amounting to 1,000 hours over the course of the 3 years. These placements could be anywhere in the UK in an organisation we have a relationship with, but they are mainly in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region.

There's also the opportunity to undertake a third-year role-emerging or diverse occupational therapy placement.

We have strong international links, so there are opportunities to get involved in global projects.

Year 1 overview

You'll undertake a practice-based learning with an experienced therapist. You'll be in contact with patients and learn in real-world settings from the start.

You’ll also:

• build a solid understanding of the principles of occupational therapy
• learn how to use a variety of tools to help increase occupational engagement and performance
• explore the ethics of therapeutic care, including the importance of safeguarding vulnerable people
• look at the meaning and impact of occupation on individuals and within society
• learn to understand physiology and anatomy, pain theory and learning disabilities as well as musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and mental health

Year 2 overview

This year you’ll:

• undertake 2 practice placements
• learn more about the physical and psychosocial aspects of applied occupational therapy practice
• explore research methods and how they apply to occupational therapy practice
• take part in group projects with community organisations
• learn how the design of systems, environments and objects can be used to improve occupational performance and wellbeing

Year 3 overview

You’ll do a final clinical placement and focus on being prepared for professional practice. You’ll study:

• therapeutic engagements and charity partnerships
• research into occupational therapy
• complex occupational therapy practice
• assessment, diagnostic and management strategies
• innovation, leadership, influencing change and business development
• skills in complex clinical case management
• the legal, political and cultural context of professional practice

Learning and Assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

• 23% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 64% Independent learning
• 13% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

• 25% Written exam
• 50% Coursework
• 25% Practical exam

Year 2

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:

• 16% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 51% Independent learning
• 33% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 2:

• 50% Coursework
• 50% Practical exam

Year 3

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:

• 16% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 51% Independent learning
• 33% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• oral presentations
• written and practical exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 3:

• 50% Coursework
• 50% Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and Employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Networking
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Health and social work
• Administration and Management
• Information and Communication
• Public Administration
• Education
• Local authorities
• Charities
• schools
• Private Practice
• Government Agencies

Careers directly related to this course:

• Care manager
• Ergonomist
• Health improvement practitioner
• Occupational therapist
• Occupational therapy family support practitioner
• Outreach worker
• Paediatric occupational therapist
• University lecturer

Wider career opportunities:

• Researcher
• Advice worker
• Art therapist
• High intensity therapist
• Housing manager
• Life coach
• Medical sales representative
• Play therapist
• Social worker
• Special educational needs teacher

Example job titles of Southampton BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy graduates:

• Occupational therapist
• Senior occupational therapist
• Occupational therapy family support practitioner
• Outreach worker
• Paediatric occupational therapist
• Mental health practitioner
• Rehabilitation support worker

Job prospects for BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy graduates

• £29k Average professional salary
• 91% In a skilled profession or further study
• 91% Graduate employment rate

Source

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, Costs and Funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535
• EU and international students pay £23,400

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fee also covers the cost of your uniform for clinical practice.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:

• suitable shoes for your practice placements
• your own fob watch
• your enhanced DBS certificate
• your professional registration fee (on graduation)

On your placements you can claim travel and accommodation expenses over and above your normal daily travel costs to university. But there are limits on what you can claim. Learn more about placement costs and expenses.

There will also be other costs not covered by the tuition fee. These may include:

• stationery
• personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
• printing

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to Apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: B920
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll also consider how your personal and professional values align with occupational therapy. Ways you can show this include:

• work experience in occupational therapy or health and social care
• life experience
• extracurricular activities

If your UCAS application is successful we'll invite you to an on-line interview. We'll send an invitation e-mail which will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the interview.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

Related Courses

Occupational Therapy (BSc) is a course in the Nursing, midwifery and healthcare subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• BSc Audiology
• MSci Audiology
• BSc Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science)
• BSc Midwifery
• MNurs Nursing (Adult and Child)
• MNurs Nursing (Adult and Mental Health)
• BSc Nursing (Adult)
• MNurs Nursing (Child and Mental Health)
• BSc Nursing (Child)
• BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
• BSc Physiotherapy