BSc Hons Occupational Therapy

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The University of Northampton

Program Overview

This degree trains you to become a registered occupational therapist, helping people of all ages regain independence and wellbeing after illness, injury, or due to disability or ageing. You’ll learn how to work in diverse settings — hospitals, community, social care, mental health — combining theoretical study with hands-on placements so you graduate ready to practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Stage 1)

In your first year you’ll begin building foundations in occupational therapy theory and core human science. Modules cover topics like understanding people as “occupational beings,” anatomy & physiology, and the basics of professional and clinical skills. You’ll also do an early placement to observe and start applying theory in real-life settings.

Year 2 (Stage 2)

Second year deepens your skills and increases clinical exposure. You’ll study rehabilitation skills, research methods, explore inequalities and inclusive practice, and undertake further placements. These help you develop your reasoning, intervention planning, and ability to support occupational engagement when life is disrupted by illness or disability.

Year 3 (Stage 3)

Final year is about becoming autonomous and specialist. You’ll take modules where you act with greater independence, applying evidence-based practice, working with communities, and improving creative practice in diverse settings. The final placement is more advanced and prepares you to transition smoothly into professional work as an OT.

Focus Areas

“Occupation and client-centred practice; rehabilitation and intervention; evidence and research methods; health-inequalities and inclusive practice; community practice; autonomous professional skills.”

Learning Outcomes

“Graduates will be able to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate occupational therapy interventions; understand occupation’s role in health; apply research evidence; communicate effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams; reflect professionally; and practice safely as a registered OT.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is required for registration as an occupational therapist in the UK. It’s also accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, confirming it meets current professional standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The course area (OT, Podiatry etc.) at Northampton is rated highly for student positivity in recent National Student Surveys.
The university is placed among top institutions for Occupational Therapy in several league tables, particularly for career outcomes and student satisfaction.
Because of the strong clinical placements, professional accreditation, and emphasis on real-world learning, graduates are well-prepared for employment in the NHS, social care, private practice or third-sector settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This Occupational Therapy degree is deeply rooted in practice. From early in the course you’ll be doing workshops, practical skills sessions, placements, group work, and client-centred interventions. The blend of theory and applied learning is strong; you’ll be asked to reflect, adapt, and use your judgement in real life or simulated settings, so that when you finish you’re ready for professional work.

Here’s how you’ll build those skills:

Practice-placements — The course requires you to complete around 1,000 hours of assessed professional practice. There are multiple placements over the three years, in diverse settings (health, social care, community, private, voluntary sectors).
Practical skills workshops & simulation — Early modules include core skills sessions where you learn anatomy, physiology, occupational theory, functional assessments. Practical labs and workshops let you practise assessment, intervention, and key OT techniques.
Module-based experiential learning — Some modules explicitly integrate theory and practice: for example, social volunteering, community engagement, rehab skills, enabling participation.
Different routes with tailored learning — There are several study routes: the standard full-time degree, full-time extended, and a degree apprenticeship. Each has variations in how placement work, university contact hours, and practical work are structured.
Reflective and evidence-based practice — You’ll be encouraged to evaluate current practice, use research evidence in your interventions, reflect on your placements, and engage in professional reasoning.
Assessment formats mimicking professional work — Assessments include case studies, essays, group work, presentations, placement assessments, OSCE-type practical evaluations. These prepare you for what being a qualified OT demands.

Facilities and Resources

To support this level of experiential learning, the University of Northampton provides several dedicated facilities, tools, and support systems:

Bespoke clinical OT-skills facilities on campus — Special labs and spaces where OT students can practice assessments, interventions, functional activities (like kitchens, bathrooms, or bedroom setups for practicing everyday living tasks).
Uniforms and equipment for placements — Students get provided with required uniform tops/trousers, and need to provide certain items (e.g. black shoes). For some placements, measuring tools are required.
Learning Hub and support for placements — There is a dedicated placements and work-based learning team to help you before, during, and after placements. University also gives you a laptop and access to software that helps with your studies.
Varied placement organisations — You’ll be placed in many settings so you see a broad spectrum: community services; social care; acute and mental health services; rehabilitation; paediatrics; learning disability; etc.
Qualified staff with diverse expertise — The teaching team includes occupational therapists with backgrounds in acute physical health, pediatrics, neuro-rehabilitation, mental health, hand therapy, and social care. This gives you exposure to varied viewpoints and specialisms.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at the University of Northampton are highly valued for their ability to help people of all ages overcome challenges that impact daily living and independence. This degree equips you with both clinical expertise and compassionate understanding, preparing you for diverse roles within hospitals, community services, and private practice. Typical job roles include Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Paediatric Occupational Therapist.

Here’s how the University supports your path to success:

University Services & Employability Support
The Employability Plus scheme ensures you gain both professional and personal development support through employability awards, one-to-one career coaching, and access to practical placements. The Careers and Employability team works closely with health and social care providers to connect you with job opportunities before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
Graduates from this programme enjoy strong employment rates, with most entering professional roles or further study within 15 months. Newly qualified Occupational Therapists typically start on an NHS Band 5 salary (around £28,000), with opportunities to progress to Band 7 or higher (over £45,000) in specialist or managerial positions.
University–Industry Partnerships
The course is delivered in partnership with NHS trusts, social care organisations, charities, and community rehabilitation services. You’ll complete a series of practical placements throughout your studies, working directly with patients under professional supervision — a vital step in building confidence and professional readiness.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
The degree is fully accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This ensures that upon graduation, you’re eligible to register and practise as a qualified Occupational Therapist in the UK, with credentials recognised internationally.
Graduate Outcomes
Alumni from this course are employed across a variety of sectors — from acute hospital settings and mental health services to schools, care homes, and private practices. The University’s focus on practical learning, reflection, and professional development ensures that you graduate ready to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, you can advance to a Master’s in Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice, Rehabilitation Studies, or Health Leadership and Management. If you’re interested in research or teaching, you may pursue an MSc by Research or a PhD in Occupational Therapy or Allied Health Sciences. Professional development courses and CPD modules in areas such as sensory integration, cognitive rehabilitation, or mental health interventions can also support career progression into specialist or leadership roles.