Become an occupational therapist. Learn how you can help people of all ages and ability do the everyday things they want and need to do.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
A fulfilling course, BSc (Hons) occupational therapy produces passionate occupational therapists of the future.
This course is about learning how to help people of all ages and ability to do the everyday things they want and need to do. You will explore how to use activity and occupation as a treatment, how to find solutions for people who encounter physical, mental or environmental barriers.
This World Federation of Occupational Therapists approved course allows you to take your degree from Ulster University anywhere in the world.
Practicing your new skills in a range of clinical placements across the NI Health and Social Care Trusts will allow you broaden your experience and get you practice ready.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This course prepares and develops students to become occupational therapists who are competent to work within therapeutic teams both in hospitals and in the community. They will work with client groups from the new-born to the elderly. Applicants should have a high level of personal integrity and initiative, tact and sound judgement, organisational ability, and a genuine interest in people.
Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health Care Professions Council and full membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
The course is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and employment opportunities exist in many parts of the world.
As occupational therapy students, student membership of The College of Occupational Therapists is recommended. This is a small annual fee and it is the responsibility of each student to pay this fee.
Three years full-time including placement blocks. Campus attendance is Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm Monday – Friday including lectures, seminars and practical workshops.
Placement blocks range from 4-8 weeks across the three year programme, with full time attendance.
A variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods are used throughout the course. Teaching and learning methods include, lectures, seminars, workshops and practical classes and are delivered both online and face to face. Students are assessed by a variety of written, presentation and practical assessments.
There are three awards for final year students on the day of graduation. The Sue Gardiner Rosebowl is voted for by final year students and is for the student who contributed most to keeping the class connected across the three years of the course. The Winnie Dunn Research Cup is awarded to the student who gained the highest marks across two research based modules – involving research techniques. The Anne Stewart Placement prize is for the student with the highest average placement mark across all three years.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This level four module introduces students to the philosophy and history of the practice of occupational therapy and provides a theoretical and practical foundation for the variety of contexts in which occupational therapy interventions and evaluations occur. It focuses on the therapeutic use of meaningful occupation as a way of enhancing occupational performance.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module involves the students in four weeks of professional practice placement experience in one of a wide variety of practice settings. The focus is upon students' participation in the delivery of an occupational therapy service under supervision of an experienced practitioner. Practice based learning complements, supports and informs the academic discipline of occupational therapy and is essential for the education of a competent practitioner.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module develops an understanding of child development, play and the occupations of children and young people in the areas of self-care, school work, domestic chores, leisure and social activities. It uses an enquiry based learning approach to help students identify suitable interventions for children and young people.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module develops an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the limbs and trunk and their function in movement, and of the support provided by the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It underpins subsequent modules in occupational therapy, particularly those of occupational performance.
Year: 1
Status: C
This person-centred module prepares occupational therapy students to become reflective therapists. It focuses on bio-psychosocial and occupational function, models of practice.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module provides students with practical experience in the skills, adaptive techniques and equipment commonly used to enable independence for people with disabilities. Students will develop an understanding of the range of occupations in which individuals engage and the role of the occupational therapist role in promoting independence within these occupations.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides opportunities to learn in an interprofessional context. Students will acquire skills for both academic and practice based learning. It will provide them with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills on issues relating to professional practice and personal development within a supportive environment.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module involves the students in six weeks of professional practice placement experience within one of a variety of placement settings where they are actively involved in delivering an occupational therapy service. Practice based learning complements, supports and informs the academic discipline of occupational therapy and is essential for the education of a competent practitioner.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module prepares occupational therapy students to become client centred therapists. It equips the students with the skills to assess and treat individuals with complex bio-psychosocial problems.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module prepares students to work collaboratively and effectively with service users, considering physical, psychological, social and cultural factors at play when devising, negotiating and delivering services. Participants in the module develop competenace developing and achieving outcomes through the therapeutic relationship, as well as specific practice skills and techniques used occupational therapists.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module develops research knowledge and skills for using published evidence to inform practice and for designing and conducting research and clinical audit post-registration. The focus is on research design and qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate for healthcare research. A series of lectures and seminars will develop research knowledge and its application in using and producing research evidence. Workshops will provide practical experience of research activities including data analysis. In addition, course specific seminars will provide guidance on the development of a research idea and presentation of an outline research proposal.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module develops knowledge and skill on the impact of the physical and socio-cultural environment on occupational engagement and participation.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module draws on the professional practice experience of students, both individually and as part of a group, to critically appraise standardised assessments to establish their reliability, validity and pragmatic utility using the best available evidence from systematic research.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module involves the students in seven weeks of professional practice placement experience within one of a variety of placement settings where they are actively involved in delivering an occupational therapy service. Practice based learning complements, supports and informs the academic discipline of occupational therapy and is essential for the education of a competent practitioner.
Year: 3
Status: C
In this module students will develop research skills by undertaking a research study on a topic related to practice. Each student, with support, will have an opportunity to undertake one of the following types of research project: (i) a systematic critical review to inform practice;(ii) a research protocol involving the design of a research study or health promotion activity or (iii) a research report involving the collection and/or analysis of data to produce evidence to inform practice. Lectures and clinics, supplemented by online material, will provide the theoretical knowledge and guidance required to undertake the research task. Workshops will provide support for practical skills such as systematic searching for literature, using critical appraisal tools and data management and analysis.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module involves the students in five weeks of role emerging placement experience within an organisation or service where no occupational therapist is employed. Students are involved in identifying a potential emerging area of occupational therapy practice within this context.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module involves the students in eight weeks of professional practice placement experience within a specific speciality area from a wide range of practice settings. Students are actively involved in delivering an occupational therapy service.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module explores the health and social care policies relevant to the delivery and organisation of occupational therapy and other services. The emphasis is on equipping the student with the knowledge and skills to make a successful transition into the workplace.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will equip the students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the work aspirations of individuals of all ages with a wide range of occupational problems resulting from physical, mental, social or developmental difficulties.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Grades BBB.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite) (in a relevant BTEC)
Award profile of DDD
OR
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite) (in a relevant BTEC)
Award profile of DDM
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BB
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details.
Grades H3,H3,H3,H3,H3. Plus English Language and Mathematics grade H6 at Higher level or grade O4 at Ordinary level.
Overall Access profile profile pass with an overall mark of 65%, including 65% in each level 3 module. To include a 20 credit level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall Access profile of 45 merits in graded units (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course) in a relevant subject. Plus GCSE Mathematics and English language grade C. For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE maths Grade C/4.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
As part of the selection method applicants will be required to undertake a successful video interview. Interviews will occur after the 25 January 2023 deadline.
Applicants should note that, as they will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of their course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from AccessNI. The cost for this is payable by the applicant and is currently £33. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed by http://www.accessni.gov.uk.
You will also be required to demonstrate good health prior to commencing the course. You will therefore complete a health declaration form which will be screened by Occupational Health who will confirm your medical fitness to undertake the course. Following the screening, you may be required to undertake a vaccination programme. You will be liable for the cost of both the health screening and vaccinations. Costs will be confirmed.
HND entry requirement:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 60 distinctions in level 5 credits/units.
HNC entry requirement:
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 4/5 credits/units.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 55% in level 5 modules. Applicants will be considered for year one entry only.
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With this degree you could become:
There are opportunities for occupational therapists to work in hospitals. However, with the movement towards community care, many more will work with patients in their own homes, rehabilitation centres, day hospitals and schools. Private practice is also seen as a developing area.
The majority of occupational therapy graduates gain employment in the NHS. However, some therapists are transferring their valuable skills beyond the traditional routes and are choosing to work in non-traditional organisations, charities or equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Others go further afield and obtain employment in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Canada.
There is a strong research programme in the School of Health Sciences and there are opportunities for graduate occupational therapists to undertake higher degrees by research.There are some opportunities for graduates togo directly to PhD study after their undergraduate degree.
Accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) for the purpose of ensuring graduates are fit for the profession.
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an occupational therapist.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
"The Occupational Therapy course was much more than just completing a degree. I gained practical experience in a wide variety of placement settings, continuously learnt new things and broadened my horizons. I also made new friends and became part of a wider OT community and gained a career that I can be proud of." BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate, Ulster University.
"My experience of studying occupational therapy at Ulster University was rewarding, challenging and exciting! Practice placements were organised on our behalf and provided us with valuable clinical experience, to equip us for future practice. I thoroughly enjoyed learning alongside my class peer's, the support and encouragement that I received throughout my academic journey helped me to excel both personally and professionally. I highly recommend studying occupational therapy at Ulster University if you have a desire to care for and empower people, and want a rewarding university experience that enables you to challenge yourself". BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate, Ulster University.
"The course provided me with great practical learning which could be applied on placements and these placements were excellent and provided so much learning. The lecturers/staff were so supportive and I have made lifelong friends." BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate, Ulster University.
