Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Courses
  • Occupational Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

Occupational Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

    • How to apply

    Note: Prospective apprentices must consult with their employers to initiate the application.

    Undergraduate Open Days
    Undergraduate Open Days
    {{menu.previous.name}}
    {{menu.center.name}}
    {{menu.next.name}}

    Overview

    This course has been designed to provide you with the opportunity to study Occupational Therapy BSc(Hons) whilst being employed in a health or social care role. It helps you gain a strong grounding in the theory exploring what is involved in the various components of occupational therapy practice.

    In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation and spend approximately four days (30 hours) a week in your current workplace and one day (7.5 hours) a week at the University undertaking theory work or alternative practice placements in areas outside of your organisation. At the end of the course you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is integrated into the course and verified at the course assessment board. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), as well as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

    If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

    Why study Occupational Therapy (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

    During this course, you’ll work with people of all ages in different situations, you’ll assess their needs and collaboratively develop interventions facilitating them to achieve their potential and enjoy maximum quality of life. This will assist you in developing an in-depth understanding of occupational therapy through placements in different settings, including old people’s homes, hospitals, local authorities, schools, charities, and prisons.

    Our purpose-built occupational therapy skills lab enables you to learn in authentic simulated situations and environments. You can also hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

    Occupational therapists work interprofessionally, alongside other healthcare professionals. You’ll therefore study alongside students from other healthcare professions courses and you’ll have the chance to carry out a research project and develop entrepreneurial and change management skills with them.

    The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, enabling our Occupational Therapy students to benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

    The University of Huddersfield has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) among Higher Education Institutions in England.*

    Our 2023/24 QAR was 87.6% and coupled with our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating displays the excellent learning experience for apprentices and their employers at the University of Huddersfield.

    *Excludes providers with fewer than 100 apprentices.

    Entry requirements

    BBB at A Level preferably in a health-related subject.

    Merit in T Level in Health or Healthcare Science.

    DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Applied Science.

    • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care at Grade B.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.

    In addition you will:

    • Be at least 16 years old.
    • Be employed in a Health or Social Care setting and supported by your employer to undertake the course.
    • Be employed in a role relevant to your apprenticeship for more than 30 hours per week in England (or have at least 50% of their working hours in England).
    • Have lived in the EEA for the past 3 years and currently reside in the United Kingdom.
    • Be paid more than the Apprenticeship National Minimal Wage.
    • Have an understanding of the Occupational Therapy profession.
    • Have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent.
    • Be ‘eligible’ as outlined in ESFA’s Funding Rules.

    If you have alternative qualifications, along with relevant working experience, these will be considered on an individual basis. Any alternative qualifications must meet the University's minimum entry requirements.

    You’ll need to complete a Rehabilitation of Offenders form and have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health clearances. We arrange these as part of the application process. You’ll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year confirming you have no previous fitness to practise concerns or a criminal record. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

    You’ll also be required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment.

    If you have previously been enrolled in an Occupational Therapy Pre-Registration programme or any other health professional education programme you must submit a self-declaration confirming no previous fitness to practice concerns.

    Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

    You’ll also required to meet the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct at all times. Copies of these documents will be given to learners at the beginning of the course.

    You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is where you can claim academic credit for your prior learning achieved from an accredited course. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) involves claiming academic credit for prior learning gained through experience and not from an accredited course. The University only accepts claims for APL, which combined with the chosen course of study will not exceed six years.

    The recognition of prior learning will be considered on an individual basis by the Admissions Tutor. The assessment of recognition of prior learning applications will be undertaken through a collaborative process between the education provider and the employer. The maximum amount of prior learning must be less than or equal to one third of the total pre-registration programme, and may include practice-based learning in accordance with Royal College of Occupational Therapists standards for pre-registration education (RCOT, 2019).

    You must comply with the regulations of the University regarding conduct.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Context of Occupation and Practice

    This module examines different contexts in which occupational therapy is practiced. Working in a group, you'll consider the wider socio-political issues affecting the occupation of communities and populations. You'll explore the environmental and cultural influences on occupational performance as well as wider socio-political issues including occupational issues of communities and populations. Drivers and current issues influencing the delivery of occupational therapy will be addressed. You’ll engage with the module material in a reflexive way and will be given opportunities to develop your reflective skills.

    Foundations of Occupational Therapy

    This module examines the key concepts, foundations and philosophy of occupational therapy practice. You'll consider the application of occupational therapy model to occupational therapy practice. You'll explore the concepts of occupation, as well as the emerging role of occupational science and its influence on practice. You'll also consider models of practice, the occupational therapy process and fundamental to this module, is placing the client at the centre of occupational therapy practice.

    Health and Occupational Performance

    This module explores health from an occupational perspective, including the relationship between health and occupation. You’ll be introduced to the structure and function of the human body, along with the underlying physiological and psychological processes supporting healthy human behaviour.

    Occupational Disruption

    This module explores health from an occupational perspective, including the relationship between health and occupation. You’ll examine physiological and psychosocial factors which can affect occupational performance. You'll be introduced to the cause and effect of occupational disruption and deprivation, as well as a range of occupational therapy assessment methods.

    Practice Based Learning (1)

    You’ll be introduced to a variety of occupational therapy practice settings through completing a practice placement. This will provide the opportunity for you to develop and apply your practical skills, as well as gain an understanding of appropriate professional behaviour and standards, which you’ll demonstrate during the practice experience. You’ll also examine the nature and development of communication strategies in relation to therapeutic relationships and working with other health and social care professionals. Alongside a practice based educator you’ll develop a learning contract to identify learning outcomes for your placement.

    Professional Skills Development

    This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental academic skills to understand and report current relevant research, as well as those required to underpin lifelong learning and personal development planning. You’ll be introduced to the concept of reflective practice and be encouraged to utilise experience to develop this throughout the module.

    Core modules:

    Enabling Occupational Performance for Groups and Communities

    In this module you’ll explore issues of assessing, enabling and enhancing the occupational performance of communities and groups of people. As well as developing planning, intervention and evaluation skills you’ll have the opportunity to review the ethical, legal and policy framework effecting service delivery through a 30-minute therapeutic group facilitation. You’ll have opportunity to lead practical therapeutic groups, to help you develop your confidence and creative abilities. Throughout the module you'll learn about the aspects of research and applying these concepts within occupational therapy practice.

    Enabling Occupational Performance for Individuals

    In this module you’ll explore issues of assessing, enabling and enhancing the occupational performance of individuals. You’ll develop planning, intervention, and evaluation skills whilst having the opportunity to review the ethical, legal and policy framework effecting service delivery through case study exploration.

    Practice Based Learning (2A)

    This module provides the opportunity to complete a six week placement in a practice environment. You’ll focus on client-based assessment and use a range of occupational therapy skills and interventions to support clients in the achievement of their personal goals. You’ll also begin to work with other members of the wider health and social care team. Alongside a practice-based educator, you’ll develop a learning contract to identify learning outcomes for your placement, which will be reviewed and developed throughout the placement.

    Practice Based Learning (2B)

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete a six week placement during which you’ll apply your occupational therapy skills in a wider variety of contexts. This will involve taking a greater degree of responsibility for overall client care and learning to select and justify appropriate assessments and interventions for individuals, groups and communities. You’ll also engage with health and social care professionals from a range of disciplines. Alongside a practice-based educator, you’ll a learning contract to identify learning outcomes for your placement.

    Core modules:

    Applied Evidence and Research

    This module is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically engage with research methodologies and evidence-based practices within their clinically relevant fields. Learners will explore a variety of research methods, research design, along with considerations for data collection, analysis and research ethics. By the end of this module learners will be able to critically assess research literature, identify gaps in current knowledge and complete an independent research proposal for a project that would contribute to research findings in their field.

    Broadening Occupational Therapy Practice

    This module involves focusing in-depth on an area of occupational therapy in a variety of contexts such as health, social care and third sector. Through lectures and workshops you’ll have the chance to gain the skills required to evaluate an area of occupational therapy and develop a proposal for enhancing the service. You’ll use and evaluate these skills whilst undertaking an assessed practice placement in a service area.

    Integration of Occupational Therapy Practice

    You’ll have the opportunity to further develop your understanding of the theories, principles and concepts, which influence current practice within occupational therapy. Using case studies, you’ll be required to adopt an enquiry based, critical evaluation of the theoretical and practical approaches to working with individuals, groups, communities and populations. You’ll demonstrate your ability to apply occupational therapy intervention to a selected case study.

    Practice Based Learning (3)

    You’ll have the opportunity to work with increasing independence by learning how to manage your time and prioritise your workload during an eight week placement within the NHS, social care or non- traditional settings. You’ll encounter clients with complex and challenging needs and contribute to the management of the service, working effectively as part of a team. Alongside a practice- based educator, you’ll develop a learning contract to identify learning outcomes for your placement.

    Leadership and transition to practice

    This module involves the consolidation of occupational therapy practice skills by focusing on how health and social care is provided in the UK and how leadership at all levels is an important part of this, enabling you to prepare for future employment. Through lectures and workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to gain the skills required to prepare you for the transition into practice in order to become a safe and competent occupational therapist.

    Teaching and learning is delivered through a combination of online and on campus sessions which include seminars, group work, practical experience, lectures, presentations and simulation.

    Assessment involves a combination of coursework, practice/competency based learning, examinations and essays. This also includes a variety of innovative methods such as reflective logs, group presentations, case studies, portfolios of learning, poster presentations and practice-based reports. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Throughout the course you’ll also have tripartite meetings with the University and your employer to support you and help track progress whereby you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long-term career goals.

    At the end of the course there is an End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA plan is informed by consultation with employers, Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the University. The purpose of the EPA is to assess the values, skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard to confirm that the apprentice is occupationally competent.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Practice based learning is an important and compulsory part of the course, so practice based learning placements are undertaken throughout the three years.

    You're required to successfully complete 1000 hours of assessed professional practice throughout the course in a range of health, social and third sector care settings, outside of your usual employment environment. This will be equivalent to placements of five weeks in Year 1, 12 weeks in Year 2 and 10 weeks in Year 3.

    Your practice based learning provides you the opportunity to apply and develop skills under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner.

    Real-world practice in our Community House
    Students learning safe sit-to-stand techniques
    Students learning how to safely use a slide sheet
    Students assessing daily living skills
    Exploring how individuals engage in occupations.
    Students working in a group on a case study.

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

    Discover the job roles our graduates are working in now.

    Professional links and accreditation

    Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate.

    Careers advice

    Check out the personalised guidance we offer you.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can thrive.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    When you enrol as an apprentice learner of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and our disciplinary procedure. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you'll be asked to agree to them when you join us as an apprentice. You'll find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you'll also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

    If we propose to make a major change to an apprenticeship course that you have applied for, then we will tell you and your employer as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Although we always try and run all the courses we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or delay your course start date if we consider this reasonably necessary, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you and your employer as soon as reasonably possible. In such instances, we will work with you and your employer to agree a deferred start date, or cancel your application and, if appropriate, provide information regarding other local apprenticeship providers.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that materially changes the services available to you, or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days, classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the requirements of an updated version of the apprenticeship standard relevant to your course; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered or claiming an interim award and exiting the University.

    If a major change affects your course, we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible and will carry out suitable consultation with affected apprentices. If you and your employer reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment we will work with both of you to try to find an appropriate solution. Where one cannot be found we will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring your remaining apprenticeship learning to another training provider if you and your employer wish to do so.

    Termination of employment

    As your employer is funding your apprenticeship course, you must remain in relevant employment for the duration of the course until you have completed your end point assessment. Under the apprenticeship rules, if you are made redundant and you have completed 75% of the practical period or have less than 6 months left, then you may complete the course. Otherwise, unless you find alternative relevant employment within 12 weeks of the date you are made redundant, then you'll be withdrawn from the course.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University. The ESFA is the principal regulator for your apprenticeship course.

    You may also be interested in...

    Occupational Therapy BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    Study to become an Occupational Therapist through clinical placements, practical and theory sessions in our specialist facilities.

    Find out more How to apply
    View more courses