Occupational Therapy

We’ve been delivering Occupational therapy education for over 70 years. Join the thousands of occupational therapists who have benefited from our outstanding teaching and facilities. Pursue a profession with huge reach which will lead to a rewarding career, where you’ll make a real difference to peoples’ lives.

Why choose this course?
The programme at Derby was created by the NHS, for the NHS and you’ll join an institution with a wealth of knowledge specific to the profession. You’ll take your first steps towards a career where you can help people facing physical and mental challenges to overcome barriers to their independence.

Is this course for you?
This course is for people who are interesting in working with people and want to make a difference to the lives of others. It equips you with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and experience to support people with wide-ranging difficulties to perform the everyday activities which are key to their wellbeing – from work, sport and leisure to self-care.

How you will learn
You’ll learn from registered occupational therapists who have worked in a variety of settings and who are specialists in various areas of research. We offer superb training facilities, including an NHS-standard hospital ward and rehabilitation kitchen. Our investment in the latest technology means you can also learn in virtual and immersive environments.

Opportunities and experiences
The course includes three periods of practice-based learning where you will work full time in practice for a set number of weeks. You will work in three separate areas of practice to ensure you build the optimum range of skills for becoming a qualified practitioner.

Professionally accredited
Our degree is designed to meet rigorous professional standards. It is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Careers and employability
Occupational therapy is an exciting and fulfilling career choice. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council, as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements. You could progress to important roles in many areas of the NHS, such as acute medical care, paediatrics or mental health but could also go into social services, charities, schools, prisons, businesses or private practice.

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027