Occupational Therapy with Foundation Year

Subject to validation.

Are you passionate about empowering people of all different abilities to live their best lives? Do you want to make a real impact? Then our HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and RCOT (Royal College of Occupational Therapists) accredited BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree course might be the right one for you! You’ll learn how to take a holistic approach to supporting people across the lifespan by unlocking their potential to engage in those everyday ‘occupations’ that matter most to them.

Through our expert-led, creative and interactive teaching strategies, real-world placements, and a blend of theory to inform practice, we’ll train you to take a client-centred and evidence-based approach to this critical Allied Health Professional role. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with people and communities in their everyday environments and create tailored interventions to make that real impact.

Why study BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy?
A degree shaped by industry
This course has been designed by industry-experts and developed in partnership with local employers, ensuring you gain the most current, real-world skills needed to thrive in today’s health and social care landscape, and beyond.

By integrating hands-on experience and professional insight, our course prepares you to step confidently into a wide range of practice settings, including the NHS, social care, voluntary sector, and private practice. You'll graduate with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional networks that industry employers look for in this competitive job market.

As well as this, we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the changing landscape of Occupational Therapy both in the UK and globally, meaning the opportunities open to you after graduating from this internationally relevant degree are endless.

Practice placements
Practice-based learning (placements) is a vital part of the course, giving you the hands-on experience needed to grow your skills and confidence. Throughout the degree, you’ll typically complete three practice placements across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, London, and surrounding areas. These full-time 10-week placement blocks will give you the chance to put your learnt knowledge and skills into practice whilst gaining a feel for a real-world experience in a variety of settings. These placements are not only integral to your learning but also help you build strong professional networks that often lead directly to employment.

On placement you’ll have the support and guidance of a BNU link tutor and a practice educator, as well as the team and management of the placement you’re in.

We work in close partnership with NHS Trusts, local authorities and a wide range of health, social care and education providers, giving you a strong foundation to pursue local and regional opportunities immediately after graduation.

Professional facilities
You’ll benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities that allow you to work with other students and professionals from a range of health and care backgrounds. This experience will help you build a strong understanding of how Occupational Therapists work as part of a team, while also developing your knowledge of specialist equipment and approaches to client-centred care.

Using our state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and industry-standard clinical equipment, you’ll have the chance to practise and refine your knowledge and skills in a safe, supportive environment. Regular simulation sessions will immerse you in replicated real-life scenarios, helping you build confidence, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills essential for practice.

At Buckinghamshire 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 BNU's 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, BNU offers the opportunities and support to help you achieve your goals.