Program Overview

Occupational Therapy with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Course Description

A career in occupational therapy offers variety, purpose, and immense job satisfaction. Successful completion of the degree ensures you are eligible to apply to the HCPC to join a rewarding profession where you can help people facing physical and mental challenges to overcome barriers to their independence.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 80 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: B92F
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Communication Skills
• Preparation for Professional Practice
• Public Health Principles
• Study Skills

Optional Modules

• English
• Mathematics
• Introduction to a Recovery Model for Mental Health
• Promoting Equality in Human Professions

Careers

Occupational therapy is an exciting and fulfilling career choice. Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and could progress to important roles in many areas of the NHS, such as:

• Acute medical care
• Paediatrics
• Mental health and secure environments

You could also consider working in social services, charities and voluntary organisations, schools, prisons, companies and businesses, or in private practice.

Entry Requirements

2025 Entry

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: CDD
• T Level: Pass (C or above in the core)
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, however if you don’t have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study.
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

Additional Entry Requirements

• Interview: Yes
• An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course.
• An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course.

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• Full-time: £9,535 per year
• Part-time: N/A

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Travel and accommodation expenses associated with placements are to be met
• Uniforms
• Markers, name badges and ID holders
• DBS Check
• Health screening and vaccinations
• Costs related to placement, including accommodation, travel, car parking
• Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements approx. £40
• Local travel in order to access community facilities approx. £30
• Materials required for student facilitated group activities, approx. £15
• Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library - various prices depending on content
• Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired approx. 5p per sheet
• Student BAOT membership approx. £5 per month

Discover Uni

• 83% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 91% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 95% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Teaching Hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course Updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Minimum Numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.