Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive and dynamic programme designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare, focusing on enabling individuals to participate fully in everyday life. This undergraduate degree combines academic knowledge with practical skills, offering students a rigorous education in human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and the principles of occupational therapy. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, practical workshops, case studies, and placements in clinical settings, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum emphasizes person-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to work effectively within diverse healthcare teams. Students learn to assess individual needs, develop tailored intervention plans, and support clients across various settings such as hospitals, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities. The programme aligns closely with current healthcare policies and standards, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the sector. With strong links to local healthcare providers, the University facilitates numerous placement opportunities, enabling students to gain invaluable real-world experience. The course also focuses on developing essential transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are vital for successful practice. Upon graduation, students can register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and pursue a fulfilling career as a qualified Occupational Therapist, making a positive difference in people’s lives. The University of East Anglia’s Occupational Therapy programme is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting students throughout their academic journey. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the programme prepares graduates to become innovative and compassionate practitioners dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in diverse populations.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name

• HUMAN SCIENCES 1

• MANDATORY TRAINING

• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 1

• PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 1

• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1

Year 2

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name

• HUMAN SCIENCES 2

• MANDATORY TRAINING 2

• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 2

• PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 2

• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2

Year 3

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

NameCodeCredits

• CONTEXT OF PRACTICE

• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 3

• PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 3

• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7 TOEFL iBT® test : 98

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Grades BBB required (Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

• International Baccalaureate:

31 points to include 6 5 5 at Higher Level

• Scottish Highers:

BBBBB

• Scottish Advanced Highers:

BBB

• Irish Leaving Certificate:

BBBBBB

• Access Course:

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.

• HND:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (18 Units) - Distinction, Distinction, Merit

Entry Requirement

For School Leavers the minimum entry requirements for University matriculation, and the requirement of the professional body, are five GCSEs at grade C or above which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.
Those studying the Access to Higher Education Course will also require GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above if these subjects are not covered by the Access Course (we will not accept GCSE Equivalencies from 2014 entry onwards).
Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and two satisfactory references

AHP Additional Requirements:

All Successful applicants will be required to complete a satisfactory enhanced police check, a satisfactory Occupational Health check and to provide a satisfactory second reference.

1. A satisfactory police screening - like other Higher Education Institutions, we ask all candidates for certain undergraduate courses to obtain evidence from the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) that they do not have a criminal record. This procedure is necessary because students on these courses will be dealing with vulnerable adults (under the recent POVA guidelines) and children. If you decide to accept our offer the CRB Team at UEA will contact you later in the cycle to begin this process. Please visit www.uea.ac.uk/crb for further information.
2. A satisfactory health screening - please note that the purpose of this screening is to find out whether you have any special needs and, if so, to enable us to assess whether the University and clinical placement areas would be able to provide the support that you need. Once you have been made an offer you will need to visit our Occupational Health website at: umsuea.co.uk/occhealth in order to download an Occupational Health Assessment Form. The deadline for this is 30 July prior to registration.

3. A second reference. Once you have been made an offer you will need to download the Reference Request form. The deadline for this is 30 July prior to registration.
All Applicants who are invited for interview will be required to undertake a numeracy and literacy test on the interview day. These tests will not form part of the selection process but are a requirement of the Strategic Health Authority.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 98 overall (minimum 20 in Listening component, 21 in Reading and Writing components and 22 in Speaking component)
• PTE: 70 overall (minimum 62 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

Occupational Therapy at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career in helping individuals achieve independence and improve their quality of life through tailored therapeutic interventions. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary teamwork, and client-centered approaches. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and placements within healthcare settings, providing them with real-world exposure and hands-on skills essential for professional practice. The curriculum covers core topics such as human development, anatomy and physiology, psychology, health and social care systems, as well as specialized areas like mental health, physical disabilities, and pediatric occupational therapy. The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that graduates meet the necessary standards for registration as qualified occupational therapists. In addition to academic coursework, students participate in clinical placements across hospitals, community health services, and rehabilitation centers, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the diverse roles of occupational therapists. The University of East Anglia emphasizes research-informed teaching, encouraging students to critically evaluate new evidence and incorporate innovative practices into their future careers. Support services are available to enhance student learning and wellbeing, including academic assistance, career guidance, and access to modern facilities and resources. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, social services, and private practice, with employment opportunities both nationally and internationally. The university maintains strong links with local health organizations to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with current industry requirements. Overall, the Occupational Therapy program at UEA provides a rigorous and rewarding pathway for students passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives through healthcare.