BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

Studies provide the foundation for future learning. Here you will be introduced to the main themes, philosophies, roles and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapist. You will develop practical skills as well as generic, transferable and study skills. You will share opportunities with students on other health-related programmes across modules through Interprofessional learning. 

MODULES

• Foundations in Professional Practice 1: introduction to what it means to be a health and care professional. Investigating the role and responsibilities of being an occupational therapist. You learn about occupational identity and the importance of occupation in everyday life as occupational beings to support health and well-being.
• Foundations in Professional Practice 2: focus on core skills of occupational therapists including assessment and goal planning. You learn the underpinning theory and philosophies of occupational therapy to apply in practice.
• Foundations in Research: focuses on study skills and an introduction to utilising research evidence in health and social care.
• Human Function Through Occupation: using occupational engagement as a focus to study normal human development, including anatomy, physiology and psychology through the life stages.
• Practice Placement 1: first clinical placement undertaken in a health or social care setting over a duration of 8 weeks.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Building on your Year 1 knowledge, you will be expected to develop your skills as an independent learner. Theoretical material will focus on the themes of dysfunction, therapeutic intervention and the scope of occupational therapy. The application of reflective and analytical skills will be encouraged. You will share opportunities with students on other programmes across modules through Interprofessional learning.

MODULES

• Development in Professional Practice: you will examine the theory underpinning occupational therapy practice.
• Evidence in Practice: focus on building evaluation and research skills with an introduction to utilising research evidence in health and social care.
• Overcoming Occupational Barriers through Intervention: focus on therapeutic skills for a range of conditions/occupational issues across the lifespan.
• Complexity in Practice: focus on therapeutic skills for complex conditions/contexts through problem-solving and clinical reasoning. Includes a 3-week elective experience in a community-based setting.
• Practice Placement 2: second clinical placement focusing on the occupational therapy role in practice undertaken over the duration of 10 weeks.
  

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

Level 6 involves the integration of therapeutic processes with skills of critical evaluation. Emphasis is also placed on ethical considerations, management philosophies and legislation. Independent learning and independent reflective practice will be expected. You will share opportunities with students on other programmes across modules through Interprofessional learning.

MODULES

• Transition to Professional Practice: pulling together placement and academic experience you will begin to critique practice. You will learn leadership and management skills. You will develop an entrepreneurial mindset to build creativity, problem-solving and clinical reasoning in complex practice
• Research for Practice: further consolidation of research skills and completion of your research project.
• Evaluating Complex Practice: you will consolidate your therapeutic skills and ability to evaluate and critique practice with complex issues.
• Practice Placement 3: third clinical placement focusing on the occupational therapy role in practice undertaken over the duration of 12 weeks.

On successful completion of all levels, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and will be eligible to apply for registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Applications for part-time study will open for January 2025 entry on Monday 3rd June 2024

The academic requirements for the course are 96-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent. Maths and English/Welsh (First Language) GCSE (at grade C/grade 4 or above) or equivalent are also required. 

Applications are welcomed from people who can present evidence of relevant life/work experience. In addition, applicants are expected to demonstrate some insight into the role of occupational therapy.

Applications are considered individually and on merit, however, you must have:

• Recent (last 5 years) A Level or equivalent study (BTEC, Access Course in a relevant subject).
• If you are a school leaver you need a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent.
• Experience in a range of health/social care/third sector settings whether in a voluntary or paid role.
• Preferably experience with an Occupational Therapist either via shadowing or attendance at Trust taster days or similar careers events.

All post-interview offers of a place on this degree, are conditional to the completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  In addition, any acceptance onto the course is subject to Occupational Health Clearance.

Entry onto the programmes falls at different times of the academic year. Entry to the 3-year full-time programme is in September and entry onto the 4-year part-time programme is in January.

Teaching & Assessment

There are a wide variety of assessments including:

• Essays
• Group projects
• Viva presentations
• Research project
• Poster presentations
• Practical placements

We also use simulation of professional practice as a core component of our teaching.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

The course is either a three-year full-time programme or a four-year part-time programme, commended on the high value it attaches to supporting students in their studies and the quality of clinical placements. You will be part of a small cohort of students. The study is a mix of university-based lectures, group work, self-directed study at home and clinical placements.

The modules are assessed through various methods including essays, practical assessments, case-based viva assessments, portfolio and competencies in practice placements.

Career prospects

Our Careers and Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Graduates will be able to register as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council, entitling them to work in a variety of health and social care settings both in the UK and abroad.

Many graduates find employment in the NHS, social services, third sector and private practice. Students go on to work in a range of areas such as working with people with complex needs, acute health needs, mental health issues or learning disabilities. Occupational Therapists can equally work in social enterprise and health improvement organisations. Our graduates have also taken up opportunities to work overseas.

If you would like to progress your studies further or pursue a research career then you can continue onto Masters and Doctoral level study at Wrexham University.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here. 

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our Accommodation to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.