Occupational Therapy (Extended Degree)

Becoming an occupational therapist.

By studying on the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at Northumbria University, you will be taking your first steps towards a profession described as ‘the best kept secret in healthcare.’ Occupational therapy is a varied, creative, and engaging career, designed to make a meaningful difference to people’s everyday lives. As an occupational therapist you can have a real impact on health and social care outcomes and enjoy excellent prospects and opportunities.

Your learning journey.

You will learn about the value of occupation to health and wellbeing – understanding yourself as an ‘occupational being’ and understanding the underpinning theory and philosophy of the profession. You will explore the sciences that support our work and develop essential skills – things like communication and teamwork.

Through the years you build your understanding of the person, their environment, and their occupational performance, all the time developing skills to help meet their needs.

You will grow your academic skills and develop skills in finding and using research to support your practice. In your final year you will be supported to produce a systematic review of a topic of interest to you.

You undertake a series of practice placements where you can grow your skills in the workplace. You will complete 1000 hours of practice within a mixture of NHS Trusts, Local Authority Services as well as possible opportunities within emerging areas of practice.

Education is delivered in a range of ways to create a varied, engaging course. There will be lectures, workshops, and real-life simulation which help develop your understanding of both theory and practice.

The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. This means that it is designed to reach industry standards and prepare you the world of work.

Joining the Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes and Silver for overall teaching excellence (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!

There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.

Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!