Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is the health profession concerned with enabling people to engage in the activities and occupations that give their lives purpose, meaning, and structure. When illness, injury, disability, or the effects of ageing make daily activities difficult or impossible, occupational therapists work with people to find ways to participate in the tasks that matter to them, whether those are self-care activities, work, study, leisure, or social participation. The profession draws on anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, and environmental design, applying a holistic and person-centred approach that recognises that occupation, the meaningful things people do each day, is central to health and wellbeing.
At the University of Bedfordshire, this three-year full-time programme leads to registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council. Students on the programme have reported strong satisfaction rates with academic support and learning resources, and the programme is delivered with close attention to students' development as practitioners and as people. You will study the scientific foundations of occupational therapy alongside the practical skills and professional reasoning needed to work with a wide range of client groups, from children with developmental conditions and adults with physical or mental health needs to older people managing long-term conditions or the effects of stroke or dementia.
Clinical placements are integrated throughout, developing your competence in real practice settings.
On qualifying and registering with the HCPC, you will be eligible to work as an occupational therapist across the NHS, social care, schools, charities, and the independent sector. Career pathways include physical and mental health rehabilitation, paediatric practice, social care, housing adaptations, vocational rehabilitation, and leadership and education. Postgraduate study in occupational therapy, advanced practice, or health research is available for those who wish to specialise or pursue research.