Occupational Therapy (Interviews) | University of Cumbria

Introduction

Congratulations on securing an interview. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about our interview process.



Interview schedule

You will have received an email with an invitation to a Microsoft Teams interview. It is very important that you confirm that you are able to attend on this date. If you cannot attend we might be able to offer the opportunity to another candidate. Due to demand for places we cannot guarantee to offer an alternative date.


Please log into Microsoft Teams at least 5 minutes prior to your interview (to make sure that you give yourself time to sort any problems you may have joining). using the link at the bottom of your calendar invite. The interviewing tutor will join you there at the time of your interview.


There will be a group introduction at the start of the interview process. This will be followed by an invitation to your individual interview slot. The interview will take approximately 30 minutes.


Please note that you are expected to attend the group introduction, we will be unable to interview you on the day if you do not attend. Due to demand for places we cannot guarantee to offer an alternative date.


We look forward to meeting you and hope that you enjoy the day.



Location

Location guidance

Your interview will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams.



PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKS



  • Please ensure that you have a photographic form of ID (such as a passport) ready to show to the camera during your individual interview. Please note that we will not be able to proceed with your interview if you do not provide photographic ID.




  • A pen and paper


     





What you need to prepare

You are advised to visit at least one Occupational Therapy facility in order to observe/discuss the work that is carried out by the Occupational Therapists and to ask questions about the profession. You can also enhance your understanding of Occupational Therapy by reading textbooks or articles, and searching the internet. You will be expected to discuss different concepts of Occupational Therapy during the group task and individual interview. The discussion may involve current occupational therapists or service users.


During the interview you will be given 5 minutes to give us a clear idea of why you want to be an Occupational Therapist and why you would like to study at the University of Cumbria. We are interested to find out about you and your reasons for wishing to study occupational therapy; about any work experience you have had; about NHS values and your understanding of post-graduate study. You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions.



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BSc (Hons) - Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists promote health and wellbeing. They work closely with individuals and groups, empowering them to address barriers that prevent them from engaging in everyday activities, identifying solutions and enabling them to lead the lives they want to lead.

This degree, accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, will equip you to become an occupational therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Our programme responds to the ever-changing world of health and social care practice. You will adapt to – and actively shape – the varied settings in which people’s occupational needs are addressed.

Throughout, you will be fully supported by our team, who will get to know you personally and teach you the latest insights in occupational therapy. On campus, you will develop your skills and confidence in nurturing learning environments using our simulation facilities, including our purpose-built Occupational Therapy suite and mock ward.

With at least 1,000 hours of practical placement experience, you will immerse yourself in real-world practice working with children, adults and older adults with physical, social and mental health challenges. We work closely with local NHS Trusts and other organisations to offer quality work placements in NHS hospitals, health and day centres, care homes, councils, and private, voluntary and independent sector organisations.

The NHS Learning Support Fund, offering at least £5,000 per year, is available to eligible students. For more information and details of eligibility, visit nhsbsa.nhs.uk/lsf.

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Accredited by:

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Royal College of Occupational Therapists

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Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree equips you with the expertise to become a skilled occupational therapist. We will support you to gain a wide range of up-to-date professional and practical skills so you can help people to do all the occupations they need and want to do.

Our programme offers you varied ways in which to learn, including hands-on sessions in classrooms and practical skills rooms such as our mock ward and flat. In our impressive simulation facilities, you will apply your theoretical learning to simulated real-world scenarios. These will enable you to build your confidence and skills in supportive practice environments, before progressing to real-life cases. 

We have extensive practice placement providers and so can offer you a broad range of placements in areas such as physical health, mental health, children’s services and learning disabilities. Please be aware that for some placements, travel to your placement site may be up to 90 minutes each way. Your final placement is elective, which means you can choose where your placement takes place within the United Kingdom, or internationally. Further information about what makes an eligible elective placement will be given at the beginning of the programme.  

We are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and our professional body is the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). You will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and membership of RCOT upon graduation. Our graduates have an outstanding reputation, making them sought after by a multitude of employers including the NHS, councils, and private, voluntary, and independent sector organisations. 

What’s more, our Allied Health Profession courses are ranked 1st in the North West and top 10 in the UK. We are also 1st in the North West for continuation and career prospects following graduation from Allied Health Profession Courses (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).

On this course you will...

  • Be a member of a close-knit cohort and work in small groups with your peers, with excellent learning support from highly experienced occupational therapists.  
  • Benefit from our practical approach to teaching and learning in our purpose-built mock wards and flat as well as simulation suits.  
  • Be fully supported by our teaching and student support teams, enabling you to learn your way.
  • Experience and learn from a range of practice placements which you are well prepared for with pre-placement practical skills and simulation learning.
  • Have a personal tutor who will support you throughout your time on the programme, providing extra academic and pastoral support.
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What our students say

  • Aimee Bowden, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    The course is so incredible and am thoroughly glad I got the chance to apply through clearing. I go on placement in few weeks, so I look forward to that also. The facilities, the lecturers and support from peers on the OT course is so amazing.

    Aimee Bowden, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Aimee's Clearing Story
  • Kiran Kadu, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    I thoroughly enjoyed my Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Cumbria. From the very beginning, I felt a strong sense of community and support from both my peers and lecturers. The university provided an excellent balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which allowed me to not only understand the concepts but also apply them in real-world settings.

    Kiran Kadu, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Discover Kiran's Journey
  • Lynsey Jenkins, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate

    I have loved my time at the university of Cumbria and would recommend the course to anyone who is seeking to make a positive difference to people, on a professional level.

    Lynsey Jenkins, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate

    Discover Lynsey's Journey
  • Cam Austin, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate

    If you come onto this course, you couldn't have landed in a better place, the support from tutors is sound. Just work hard, don't give up, use the support from tutors and enjoy it.

    Cam Austin, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Graduate

  • Silica Doinita Ionita, Occupational Therapy Graduate

    I was made to feel that I can achieve, I can move mountains (if needed!). The tutors discovered the part of me that I was not aware was there and gradually, with gentle guidance, prompted me to achieve.

    Silica Doinita Ionita, Occupational Therapy Graduate

    She was inspired by three close friends from Romania who had travelled to Carlisle to study with us. They’d reported back that it was a fantastic place to take that next career step.

    Discover Silica's Journey

Related Courses

BSc (Hons) - Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) - Diagnostic Radiography

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will learn the fundamental rights and beliefs of people to take part in the occupations that they need and value and to enable such engagement through the practice of occupational therapy. You will have a focus on leadership and entrepreneurial skills including the effective management of resources and promoting the profession to potential commissioners and users of services. Personal development planning is embedded throughout your programme to ensure an appreciation of, and progression in, the required skills for life-long learning.

The programme explores and applies the well-established theoretical and practical skills of occupational therapy and responds to the ever-changing world of health and social care practice. You will adapt to and be involved in actively shaping the many and varied settings where the occupational needs of people are addressed. You will contribute responsibly to individual and community wellbeing.

We also offer the option to study one year of our Health and Social Care Integrated Foundation Year before beginning this course. Not only will this prepare you to succeed in your BSc, with key modules in academic and professional skills as well as baseline introductions to mental health and human anatomy, it is also ideal for those applicants who do not hold the required qualifications for direct entry but are passionate about pursuing occupational therapy. You will also be supported by our academic team to make a strong application to your chosen transfer course.

Year one
  • Exploring Foundations for Practice
    Explore the origins and development of the occupational therapy (OT) profession. Learn about our paradigms and what ‘occupation’ means to us, especially the transformational nature of occupation for humans. Learn how to help people restore their lives by facilitating occupational focussed opportunities to wellness. You will explore and develop skills to use evidenced-based practice, facilitating your ability to bridge theory with real-world application in practice. You will examine how people, environments, and occupations interact and look at different practice models. Y The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT professional knowledge to help you begin to form your professional identity.
  • Exploring Professional Practice
    This module sets the stage for your journey as a competent and ethical professional. There are three main sections to this module, the first being learning about professional conduct. In this first section you will learn regulatory and legislative requirements of OTs such as ethical and conduct expectations. In the second section you will learn about professional skills and collaborative practice. The second sections teach you about protocols and guidelines and how to use these in practice. This second section also teaches you communication skills such as interpersonal skills and professional role working. In the third section you will learn about continuing professional development, methods of recording it, reflective practice and maintaining your own health and wellbeing are just some of the learning included in this third section. Additionally, you will learn about competencies in a digital world. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT professional expecta
  • Exploring Occupational Beings
    This module examines human development across the lifespan from an occupational perspective, focusing on how individuals engage with their environments and the meaning of their occupational experiences. By integrating body structures and functions, human philosophy such as identity, health concepts, and occupational science, you will gain insights into the complexity of human occupational engagement and its impact on wellbeing. You will learn in simulated scenarios prior to applying your learning to your taught sessions and during practice placements. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of health and wellbeing and OT theories to help you begin to form your professional identity.
  • Exploring Occupational Engagement
    Discover how occupational science underpins effective therapy. You will learn about the therapeutic use of activities and media, examining their role in engagement in occupations and promoting health and wellbeing. You will analyse activity and occupational engagement, explore the effects of physiological factors, and appreciate the importance of cultural perspectives in therapeutic practices. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT skills of engagement of service users to help you begin to form your professional identity.
  • Exploring Research and Evidence-based Practice
    Discover the research fundamentals crucial for advancing your practice. This module covers everything from research methods and data interpretation to ethical considerations. You will develop skills in critical thinking, evidence appraisal and scientific inquiry. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of integrating OT evidence from research into your practice placements and future professional practice, further developing your professional identity.
  • Practice-based Simulation Placement 1
    Prepare for hands-on practice with this 20-hour simulation placement. You will engage in practical exercises covering essential skills such as basic life support, infection control and effective communication. This module will help you build your professional identity further by adding to your confidence and competence in core areas, setting a solid foundation for your future practice.
  • Occupational Therapy in Practice 1
    This is your first practice placement, providing 187.5 hours of supervised experience. This module integrates academic learning with practical application, offering a range of experiences across different occupational therapy settings. You will develop key skills in assessment, professional reasoning, and communication under the guidance of a Practice Educator, preparing you further grow your professional identity for future professional roles.
Year two
  • Developing Professional Practice Skills
    This module bridges theory and practice, focusing on applying life sciences and occupational theory in real-world contexts. You will justify professional decisions, learn best practices, and explore common conditions affecting occupational performance. Topics include anatomy, pathology, therapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration, enhancing your ability to address diverse client needs and further grow your professional skills which will enhance your acquisition of professional identity.
  • Developing Occupational Possibilities 1
    Collaborate on a community-based health and wellbeing project, addressing contemporary challenges through occupational therapy. This module emphasises applying occupational science principles and understanding cultural and societal influences on service design. You will gain skills in analysis, evidence-based practice, and ethical intervention planning, all necessary for furthering your acquisition of professional identity.
  • Developing Research Skills
    Enhance your research skills from year 1 with this module, which is focused on developing research proposals, gathering data, and analysing results. You will learn to formulate research questions, address ethical considerations, and design robust research projects. By the end of the module, you will be able to appraise evidence and present research findings effectively, further developing your professional identity.
  • Developing Global Occupational Therapy Perspectives
    Explore occupational therapy’s role on a global scale, considering social, geographical, and political contexts. This module covers sustainability, inclusive practice, and emerging global practices. You will evaluate how occupational therapy can address global challenges and empower marginalised communities, preparing you for a broader professional impact and identity.
  • Developing Occupational Possibilities 2
    Lead, implement and evaluate a new occupational therapy intervention in a contemporary setting. This module will develop your teamwork and leadership skills, focusing on promoting health and wellbeing. You will organise and deliver a group intervention, evaluate its effectiveness, and reflect on your professional growth of identity and responsibilities.
  • Occupational Therapy in Practice 2
    Advance your practical experience with a 300-hour placement, enhancing your skills in varied clinical settings. Guided by a Practice Educator, you will refine your assessment, communication, and professional reasoning skills, focusing on person-centred care and evidence-based interventions while maintaining high professional standards. The placement will also involve developing a professional portfolio, reflecting your growth of identity and readiness for autonomous practice.
Year three
  • Applied Occupational Therapy
    Build on your foundational knowledge to tackle contemporary challenges in occupational therapy. This module emphasises managing clinical complexity and integrating digital health solutions. You will apply theories and evidence to practice, enhancing your skills in goal setting, workload management and continuous professional development, developing your professional identity further.
  • Applied Research Skills
    You will advance your research capabilities through a secondary research project relevant to your professional practice. You will critically examine evidence, design, and conduct a research project, and analyse findings to inform practice. The module covers research design, data analysis, project management, and adherence to ethical and governance standards, including HCPC and RCOT guidelines. This module enhances your ability to apply research skills in real-world contexts.
  • Future Leaders
    This module equips you with essential skills for transitioning from student to a newly qualified occupational therapist, with a fuller formed professional identity. You will develop leadership, change management and digital capabilities necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of health and social care. You will critically reflect on your practice, enhance your employability skills, and evaluate how leadership can influence the profession.
  • Occupational Therapy in Practice 3
    This module provides a comprehensive full-time 6-week placement, totalling 240 hours, during which you will integrate and apply previous learning across a variety of occupational therapy contexts. Emphasis is on occupation-based interventions, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice, all while adhering to legal and ethical standards. You will develop your professional identity further and professional skills in caseload management, professional communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork. You will be guided throughout by your Practice Educator.
  • Occupational Therapy in Practice 4
    This is your final practice placement, comprising 20 hours of simulation-based learning followed by 8 weeks (320 hours) of assessed practice-based learning in a clinical setting. This module consolidates your learning and transitions you from a student to a newly qualified occupational therapist. You will practice within legal and ethical boundaries, demonstrating advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and communication. Emphasis is on independent practice, professional development of your professional identity, and preparation for professional registration, guided by your Practice Educator.

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Occupational Therapy Students practising their skills
Occupational Therapy students learning basic skills
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  • Location

    Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus

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  • Location

    Lancaster Campus

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