Health & Social Care

Occupational therapy is a process of facilitating change through activity to improve people’s quality of life and to enable them to reach their maximum level of function and independence.

Occupational therapists value the uniqueness of individuals and believe they all have the potential for change.

This course is approved by the Health Professions Council and accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and College of Occupational Therapists.

What you study

The emphasis in Year 1 is on gaining relevant knowledge and comprehension related to occupational therapy as a profession and related contributory life sciences. You are introduced to underpinning core beliefs and values of occupational therapy. You gain knowledge of basic assessment and handling skills necessary when working with clients. Professional regulations, governance and ethics of practice are also explored. You will undertake two practice placements.

Year 2 consolidates the links between theory and practice, for both practice and research. You evaluate the effectiveness of a range of occupational therapy assessment and treatment interventions, undertake two practice placements and begin to plan for the major project in Year 3. You have the opportunity to explore our communities and consider their impact on individuals and relationships.

In Year 3 the emphasis is on preparation for professional life and developing a plan for continuing professional development. You also develop the ability to synthesise and evaluate data from a range of sources into a comprehensible form. You have the opportunity to study an option module which focuses on specific practice such as paediatrics, neurology, mental health and vocational rehabilitation. You will also undertake a ‘role emerging placement’.

How you learn

As an adult learner, your learning takes place in a variety of settings and contexts, using many different methods to achieve learning outcomes, for example lectures, seminars and practical sessions. The quality of occupational therapy education at Teesside has been assessed as 'excellent' by the Quality Assurance Agency and much of the occupational therapy-specific teaching takes place in the well-equipped Activities of Daily Living Suite, with adjoining seminar room. This includes a simulated bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. In addition, there is a practical room and group work room.

There is a requirement throughout the course for you to complete successfully 1,000 hours of practice placements on which you are assessed for clinical and professional competence by a trained practice placement educator.

How you are assessed

You are assessed on your academic work and on your practice placements. A variety of assessment methods is used throughout the course such as case studies, assignments, presentations and practical and written examinations. Successful completion of these assessments demonstrates your ability to meet the Health Professions Council standards of 'proficiency'.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council.

Career opportunities

Once registered with the Health Professions Council, you are allowed to practise in the UK and overseas, potentially in all areas of health and social care. You will work closely with other professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, psychologists and nurses.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 240-280 tariff points to include a science-based subject, preferably biology, to at least AS level (excluding General Studies A level). For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You're encouraged to seek some work experience before you apply.

You must also

• have five GCSEs (grade C or above) to include English language, maths and science or equivalent


• show you've done relevant study within the last three years


• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure


• be eligible for a Department of Health bursary (more info on the
  NHS Student Bursaries website).

If you have at least a second-class degree and are considering applying for an undergraduate course you may be eligible to apply for a master's degree in occupational therapy.

Supporting information for applicants

 Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
 Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

More information

• Occupational TherapyThree Occupational Therapy students, Jean McCabe, Robert Robinson and Sarah Roworth, talk about the course and how to apply.
• Health & Social Care video
  Take a look at the health subjects you can study

• Postgraduate option
  If you already have a degree (second class or above) in a relevant subject you may be eligible for our accelerated MSc Occupational Therapy.
  PgDip/MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration)

• Selection criteria
  Making the most of your application

• Health & Social Care
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