Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists promote health and wellbeing. They work closely with individuals and groups, empowering them to address barriers that prevent them from engaging in everyday activities, identifying solutions and enabling them to lead the lives they want to lead.

This degree, accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, will equip you to become an occupational therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Our programme responds to the ever-changing world of health and social care practice. You will adapt to – and actively shape – the varied settings in which people’s occupational needs are addressed.

Throughout, you will be fully supported by our team, who will get to know you personally and teach you the latest insights in occupational therapy. On campus, you will develop your skills and confidence in nurturing learning environments using our simulation facilities, including our purpose-built Occupational Therapy suite and mock ward.

With at least 1,000 hours of practical placement experience, you will immerse yourself in real-world practice working with children, adults and older adults with physical, social and mental health challenges. We work closely with local NHS Trusts and other organisations to offer quality work placements in NHS hospitals, health and day centres, care homes, councils, and private, voluntary and independent sector organisations.

The NHS Learning Support Fund, offering at least £5,000 per year, is available to eligible students.

On this course you will...
• Be a member of a close-knit cohort and work in small groups with your peers, with excellent learning support from highly experienced occupational therapists.  



• Benefit from our practical approach to teaching and learning in our purpose-built mock wards and flat as well as simulation suits.  



• Be fully supported by our teaching and student support teams, enabling you to learn your way.



• Experience and learn from a range of practice placements which you are well prepared for with pre-placement practical skills and simulation learning.



• Have a personal tutor who will support you throughout your time on the programme, providing extra academic and pastoral support.



What you will learn

You will learn the fundamental rights and beliefs of people to take part in the occupations that they need and value and to enable such engagement through the practice of occupational therapy. You will have a focus on leadership and entrepreneurial skills including the effective management of resources and promoting the profession to potential commissioners and users of services. Personal development planning is embedded throughout your programme to ensure an appreciation of, and progression in, the required skills for life-long learning.

The programme explores and applies the well-established theoretical and practical skills of occupational therapy and responds to the ever-changing world of health and social care practice. You will adapt to and be involved in actively shaping the many and varied settings where the occupational needs of people are addressed. You will contribute responsibly to individual and community wellbeing.

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.