Occupational Therapy

Are you passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities live independently and participate fully in everyday life? Our HCPC and RCOT accredited BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree prepares you for this rewarding Allied Health Professional role.

You'll learn how to take a holistic, person-centred approach to supporting health, wellbeing and participation through meaningful everyday activities. Through a combination of expert-led teaching, evidence-based practice and placements, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to assess needs, plan interventions and support individuals and communities across a range of health, social care and community settings.

Why Study BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy?

Room to Specialise

Occupational Therapy is a diverse profession with opportunities across acute and emergency care, mental health, rehabilitation, learning disabilities, neurological practice, healthy ageing, social care, dementia care, oncology, palliative care, and children and young people's services. Occupational Therapists work within multidisciplinary teams across healthcare, education, community, social care and justice settings, helping people overcome barriers to participation, wellbeing and independence. This breadth of practice offers the flexibility to shape a career aligned with your interests and professional goals.

Register as a Qualified Occupational Therapist

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), providing the professional recognition required to practise as a qualified Occupational Therapist upon successful completion of the programme.

A Degree Shaped by Industry

Developed with industry experts and local employers, this course reflects contemporary occupational therapy practice and prepares you for careers across the NHS, social care, education, voluntary organisations and private practice. You'll graduate with the knowledge, skills and professional insight employers value.

Practice Placements

Practice placements are a core part of the course, providing opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You'll typically complete three full-time 10-week placements across health, social care and education providers in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, London and surrounding areas. To qualify, you must successfully complete a minimum of 1,000 placement hours and meet HCPC and RCOT professional standards. Placements are supported by practice educators and BNU tutors and help build professional networks.

Professional Facilities

You'll benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities alongside students and professionals from healthcare disciplines. Specialist simulation facilities and industry-standard clinical equipment allow you to practise assessment, intervention and client-centred care in realistic scenarios, developing confidence, technical skills and professional judgement in a safe learning environment.

Get Extra Funding

Eligible Occupational Therapy students may receive at least £5,000 per year through the NHS Learning Support Fund, which does not need to be repaid.

What Will I Study?

This Occupational Therapy degree prepares you to support people of all ages across health, social care, community and educational settings. You'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to assess needs, set goals, and plan, deliver and evaluate interventions that promote health, wellbeing and independence.

Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing, you'll explore how occupation, lifestyle and environment influence quality of life. You'll work with service users, families and carers while developing skills in rehabilitation, service development and professional decision-making. Supported by experienced staff and practice-based learning, you'll graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a career as an Occupational Therapist.

At Bucks New University, you'll benefit from career-focused teaching, hands-on learning and a supportive community that helps you thrive throughout your degree and beyond.

You'll learn from lecturers with industry experience, gain practical skills in professional-standard facilities and receive personalised support through smaller class sizes. Beyond your course, The Big Deal gives every student free access to sports clubs, societies, fitness facilities, social events, trips, volunteering opportunities and career-boosting workshops. It's Bucks way of helping you discover new interests, meet like-minded people, build your CV and make the most of university life – all without paying extra membership fees.

Whether you're preparing for your future career, growing your confidence or looking for an unforgettable student experience, Bucks offers the opportunities and support to help you achieve your goals.