Occupational Therapy - University of Cumbria

Why study with us?

This course has an excellent reputation, is fully accredited by the College of Occupational Therapists and has an outstanding record for its graduates finding employment. You can study full time at either the Carlisle or Lancaster campus and there is an MSc accelerated route for graduates.

About one third of the course is spent on placement, working with qualified therapists principally in the north west of England, but also further afield. Subjects can include children, people with physical or mental health problems, the elderly and people with learning disabilities, as well as palliative care and forensic work. You can choose where you undertake your final placement; either in this country or abroad.

What can this course lead to?

Our graduates have excellent job prospects in a wide range of posts in hospitals, private practice, industry, special hospitals, social services, legal work, accident and emergency, and community work. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council. This enables you to work in the NHS and with social services. The qualification is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, giving you the chance to work abroad.

Course Summary

Our graduates have excellent job prospects in a wide range of posts in hospitals, private practice, industry, special hospitals, social services, legal work, accident and emergency, and community work. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council. This enables you to work in the NHS and with social services. The qualification is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, giving you the chance to work abroad.

Entry requirements

260 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum C.

Four GCSEs at minimum grade C to include English Language.

Find out more about qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

Please check selection criteria for any additional entry requirements.

Selection criteria

We strongly recommend you visit an Occupational Therapist prior to interview as you will be asked about your understanding of their role at interview.

Amendments to entry requirements (for both full and part time BSc)

We also accept the Access to Higher Education diploma with 60 credits to include 45 credits at level 3 with merits. English Language GCSE grade C or above. We will accept 12 credits in English level 2 as part of an Access course. Please note that we do not accept Adult Literacy Level 2 as equivalent to English Language GCSE for this course.

Interview Process

Students who are selected for interview attend an information session and campus tour, followed by an individual interview. The selection is based on the academic profile, personal statement, and reference, as well as demonstrating a good understanding of Occupational Therapy. This understanding would be greatly enhanced, either by taking part in work experience or visiting at least two work-places. Interests and experience are also considered, but, above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential.

Provision for students with disabilities

There are robust procedures in place for ensuring availability of reasonable adjustments to promote positive access and participation for disabled students in line with the Special Needs and Disability Act (2001), as well as the Health Professions Council Guidelines. For more information please contact the following admissions tutors: