Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is built on a deceptively simple but profound insight: that being able to do the things that matter to you, whether caring for yourself, working, or taking part in everyday life, is central to health and wellbeing. When illness, injury, disability, or mental health difficulties make those activities difficult or impossible, occupational therapists work with people to understand the barriers and find ways to overcome them. The profession sits at the meeting point of health science, social care, and the lived experience of individuals, making it one of the most human-centred roles in the health system.

At Brunel University London you will study across three years full time, exploring the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of occupational performance. You will learn to assess how conditions affect function, develop therapeutic interventions tailored to individuals, and work across settings that include hospitals, community services, mental health teams, schools, and care homes. The programme combines theoretical study with substantial practice-based learning, giving you direct experience of working with people across the lifespan and a range of conditions.

You will develop clinical reasoning, reflective practice, and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession and qualifying graduates are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council, enabling them to practise in the NHS, social care, independent practice, and international settings. Some graduates go on to specialise in particular areas such as paediatrics, hand therapy, or mental health, while others pursue postgraduate research or move into management, education, and leadership within the profession.