Occupational Therapy with foundation year

Occupational therapists have the privilege of working with people of all ages, helping them to participate in occupations that hold personal meaning and value to them.

Occupational therapists work with individuals, groups, communities or populations to promote health and wellbeing through participation in activities of everyday life, or occupation. Of vital importance to this role is the ability to think critically and creatively, challenge where needed, advocate and empower others to live their best lives. In addition to developing practice skills, this course is designed to help you develop the mindset needed for this life-changing career.

Foundation Year
The foundation year course helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore fundamental knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology and pathology, professional practice and approaches to health and wellbeing.

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year one of the degree onwards will be from our Coventry University campus.

Degree
• Leads to eligibility to apply for professional registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (please visit our website for more information).



• Learn to empower and support others with challenges in key areas of occupation such as self-care, restorative activity and productivity, as well as activities that develop social connections and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.



• Professional placements, sourced by the university, offer practice-based learning opportunities (you’ll need to successfully complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice).



• Strong focus on cultural humility and anti-discriminatory practice.



• Focus on one module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.



• You’ll be encouraged to think critically about the potential of digitally enabled occupational therapy and the future direction of the profession.



• All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs.



Why you should study this course
Becoming an occupational therapist enables you to work in partnership with other people. Your values, skills and mindset will all be key in addressing barriers that prevent people from engaging in activities that provide meaning and purpose, shape identity and enhance health and wellbeing.

Foundation Year
• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.



• Provides a grounding in key areas of anatomy, physiology, health and wellbeing.



Degree
• Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity as an occupational therapist from the outset. You’ll have the opportunity to learn to thrive in dynamic health and care environments and multidisciplinary teams.



• Your practice placements can be in a range of settings. These could include charities, businesses, sports and leisure facilities, independent practice, the private sector and community facilities.



• Colleagues with lived experience as users of health and care services support teaching, learning and assessment.



• The diversity of our learner community is a key strength of the course, offering a space in which everyone can thrive.



• We offer opportunities to learn in a safe but realistic practice environment through simulation in our industry-relevant facilities.



• Engagement with the global occupational therapy community.



• Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and support for mathematics and academic writing.



Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.