Occupational Therapy with Foundation Year
Occupational therapy is built on a straightforward but profound insight: that being able to engage in the activities that matter to you is central to health, wellbeing, and a sense of self. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who face physical, mental, or social barriers to doing the things that give their lives meaning, from self-care and work to leisure and social participation. The profession draws on medical knowledge, psychology, and social science, and it requires practitioners who are both technically skilled and genuinely person-centred in their approach.
This four-year full-time programme at the University of Derby is structured to take you from foundational study through to full professional qualification. The programme includes a foundation year at the start, providing an accessible route for students who need additional preparation before beginning the main degree. From there, you will study the theoretical and practical dimensions of occupational therapy, including the assessment of individuals' needs, the design and delivery of therapeutic interventions, and the use of evidence to guide practice.
You will spend significant time in practice placements across a range of settings, developing the clinical skills, professional judgement, and personal qualities that the role demands. The variety of practice settings means you will gain experience of the breadth of contexts in which occupational therapists work.
On successfully completing the degree, you will be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration as an occupational therapist, which is required to practise in the UK. Occupational therapists work across NHS hospitals and community services, social care, mental health, schools, prisons, and the private and charitable sectors. The profession offers genuine variety and job satisfaction, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as rehabilitation, paediatrics, mental health, or hand therapy.
Continuing professional development and postgraduate study are encouraged throughout the career.