Work experience
Applicants must gain some work experience, shadowing an Occupational Therapist and have thoroughly researched the breadth of the Occupational Therapy profession. They must be aware of the core areas of practice and where Occupational Therapists work, within and outside of the NHS. The diversity of the profession cannot be understood from one workplace visit and further research will be needed. Applicants should access information about the profession from the following websites, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health and Care Professions Council, and Step into the NHS and Health Careers .
Personal Statements
Applicants should ensure that their personal statements are focused on a clear interest and motivation for becoming an Occupational Therapist. Applicants should also:
- Be able to reflect on their work experiences in relation to their future studies and their career
- Demonstrate team-working and leadership skills; for example in your work, hobbies or sports
- Show clear awareness of the qualities and values that are needed to become a healthcare professional
- Demonstrate strong verbal and inter-personal communication and listening skill
- Be able to work with a wide variety of different people as individuals, and provide examples of this
- Have strong and creative problem solving and thinking skills
- Have clear motivation for a career in Occupational Therapy, and have made a reasoned career choice
- Be able to articulate clearly why they are interested in a career in Occupational Therapy
All offers are subject to satisfactory Health Clearance, including fitness to undertake placement, and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service. Students will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct and Fitness to Practice disclosure on commencement of the course.
No offers will be made without Interview. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview, or a place on the course.
For full details please see the UCAS website.
The University strongly recommends that all students join the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT). Joining this professional body will enable you to access a wide range of academic material that will enhance your learning. Additional benefits include clinical negligence insurance that may be necessary for practice learning in some non-NHS practice placements. Not becoming a member may affect your opportunities to experience the widest range of placements.
English Language Requirements:
Applicants whose first language is not English and who are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of their proficiency must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5. (HCPC 2018)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - 7.0 with no element below 6.5
Don't quite meet the entry requirements?
If you don't currently meet the entry requirements, or are returning to education, consider studying a Healthcare Professions Foundation Year.