School of Allied Health Professions BSc Occupational Therapy

Overview

Why choose an Occupational Therapy degree?

By studying on our Occupational Therapy course, you are choosing an exciting and rewarding caring profession that focuses on developing extraordinary partnerships with people and helping to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.

An Occupational Therapy BSc is complex. You will be working with people from all ages and walks of life, as well as families, groups and communities. Your aim is to accurately assess the physical, mental and social needs of individuals and put in place bespoke treatment plans to help them achieve their personal goals – using all the skills, knowledge and facilities at your disposal. Quite a challenge!

So if you’re motivated, highly patient focused, a good communicator, creative and excellent at problem solving, this could be the career for you!

Once you have qualified, your work could take you to any number of health, social and private care environments – including mental health, social services, prisons, hospitals or working with the homeless. Your range of choices is far-reaching and will have enormous significance for the people you come into contact with.

An Occupational Therapy course at the UEA – a life-changing career

When you begin your Occupational Therapy BSc at UEA you will receive the best possible academic grounding. We are very proud of our outstanding teaching record and innovative teaching methods – all delivered by individuals whose passion and knowledge are second to none. The university staff are continually involved in research, which means they are at the cutting edge of developing the practices and techniques that are relevant to ever-changing social needs.

You will be part of small teaching groups, which encourages a close-knit student body and a supportive learning culture. We ensure students have early patient contact and offer enquiry-based, interrogative and problem based learning. Also, elective placement opportunities mean you can put into practice what you have learned here, in the environment of your choice.

Our superb, dedicated facilities include a multi-sensory room, kitchen, woodwork and craft shops – all designed to help you develop your skills and abilities for this challenging profession. Your studies will also include creative modules such as film-making.

The UEA is a fantastic place to study. For five years running we have been placed in the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction and you will love being here, learning and making lasting friendships. By taking an Occupational Therapy course at the UEA, you are guaranteed a flying start in this unique career.

Course Organiser

Ms Jill Jepson

Course Brochure

View Course Brochure

Why Choose Us?

If you are interested in a career in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Speech & Language Therapy, we offer a wide range of both pre and post-registration courses that will ensure you are fully prepared to practice in these rewarding and challenging professions.

When you study in the School of Allied Health Professions (AHP) you will receive an academic and clinical education which is second to none. We are very proud of our innovative teaching methods and the passion and dedication of our staff will inspire you to be the best you can be.

Students have told us our courses are dynamic and fascinating. That’s because our approach is based on problem-solving, evidence-based learning and early patient contact. The courses include the following elements:

Interprofessional Learning – You will meet up with students from other health-related disciplines to exchange knowledge, practice and ideas.
Research – The teaching staff are continually involved in research, which means you will benefit from their knowledge of the very latest practices and techniques.
Supportive Culture – Teaching groups are small, which encourages a close-knit student body and a supportive learning culture. You will be assigned your own personal mentor and qualified professional who will be there every step of the way to guide you through the course.
Elective Placement – You will have the opportunity at the end of your course to put into practice what you have learned in the clinical environment of your choice.

This interactive and highly effective method of teaching means that AHP is continually recognised for its excellence and ranks highly in both student surveys and league tables:

In 2009 our courses in Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy scored 100% satisfaction across a number of measures in a national student survey.
For five years running UEA has been placed in the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction.

The University of East Anglia is a fantastic place to study and has a unique atmosphere. You will love being here, learning and making lasting friendships. Studying in the School of Allied Health Professions will ensure you fulfill your full potential and get the best possible start in your chosen career.

Entry Requirements

For School Leavers the minimum entry requirements for University matriculation, and the requirement of the professional body, are five GCSEs at grade C or above which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.

Those studying the Access to Higher Education Course will also require GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above if these subjects are not covered by the Access Course.

A Level Grades BBC required (Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
International Baccalaureate 30 points to include 6 5 5 at Higher Level
Scottish Highers BBBCC
Scottish Advanced Highers BBC
Irish Leaving Certificate BBBBC
Access Course Pass with Merit the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3.
HND 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma - Distinction, Distinction, Merit

Students for whom English is a foreign language

We require candidates for the Occupational Therapy BSc to have taken an appropriate English Language test, e.g IELTS where an overall score of 7 is required, with a minimum of 7 in all four elements, or equivalent at TOEFL.

Interviews

Applicants submitting a UCAS application and passing initial screening will be invited to a selection interview at the University.

Intakes

September

Alternative Qualifications

Applicants will be expected to show evidence of study skills and academic study within the last five years in the form of nationally recognised qualifications such as an A-level in a relevant subject, Access course in Science or Health Sciences or an Open University 60 credit course in a relevant subject. GCSE Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent) at grade C or above is required. Applicants are advised to contact the University to discuss their individual situation.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Course Open To

Please note that, at this time, we are unable to accept international applications for this course.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Human Sciences 1 This unit offers students an opportunity to explore biopsychosocial processes governing human function. The students will study human physiology, anatomy of the upper and lower limb and spine and key concepts in health sociology and psychology. more...	AHP-1HSY	40	Year Period
Occupational Therapy Practice 1 This unit introduces the core concepts of theory and practice in occupational therapy. Core skills, professional models and activity are brought together and applied to physical, psychological and social problems. Human occupation as a central tenet to practice will be stressed and practical application is considered through workshops in which creative and constructive skills will be acquired. A two week observational placement in January and a four week placement in June will form part of this unit. more...	AHP-1OPY	40	Year Period
Placement Education - Year 1 This unit introduces the student to placement experience through Placement 1, a 2 week introductory experience and Placement 2 which is a 4 week period of practice. Placement learning will contribute to the student's CPD portfolio under the HPC CPD criteria of work based activity. The students will be prepared for professional practice and will undertake reflective feedback both verbally and within assessed portfolio evidence. The unit will integrate learning from all level 1 units. more...	AHP-1PEY	20	Year Period
Professional Development 1 This unit prepares occupational therapy and physiotherapy students for success on the course. Transferable academic, professional and clinical skills are introduced. The three threads of transferable skills, health and social care contexts and preparation for safe practice are integrated through problem-solving. Reflective practice and use of portfolios and other tools for continuing professional development are introduced. more...	AHP-1PDY	20	Year Period

Year 2

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Human Sciences 2 The major concern of this unit is a (continuing) exploration of the biopsychosocial processes governing human function and dysfunction. It represents in part a continuation of the Human Sciences 1 unit of Year 1, though with a greater emphasis on dysfunction rather than function. The unit will aim to explore some key disorders of function through the integration of relevant material from within the areas of physiology, anatomy, psychology, sociology and pathology. more...	AHP-2HUY	20	Year Period
Occupational Therapy Practice 2 This unit is designed to further develop understanding of the principles and practice of occupational therapy. Building on the first year study of models students address physical and psychological problems of specific client groups through problem- solving. The unit focuses on specific areas of practice through central themes of assessment and skill development. The unit includes two fieldwork placements one of 6 weeks and one of 8 week duration. more...	AHP-2OPY	30	Year Period
Placement Education - Year 2 This unit progresses the student's placement experience through Placement 3, a 6 week period of experience, and Placement 4 which is 8 weeks. The areas of practice undertaken will develop the student's individual profiles of experience and will build on Year one knowledge and skills. Placement learning will provide further evidence for the student's CPD portfolio under the HPC CPD criteria of work based activity more...	AHP-2PEY	50	Year Period
Professional Development 2 This unit focuses on methods of enquiry and continues to develop students' use and understanding of reflective practice through taught sessions and individual tutorials. The research component will introduce qualitative and quantitative methodologies using activities to develop skills in conducting primary research and critical appraisal of research. more...	AHP-2PDY	20	Year Period

Year 3

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Context of Practice In this unit students will be prepared for management issues, as these will affect them in their future working lives. It will build on their knowledge of health policy gained on fieldwork placements and in other parts of the course and will look formally at evolving government initiatives, issues of community care, clinical governance and best value and legal aspects of working in the private sector, the NHS or in Social Services. It will also address the wider context of practice by looking at the contribution other professionals and carers make to health and social care delivery. more...	AHP-3COY	20	Year Period
Occupational Therapy Practice 3 This unit will draw together the theory and practice of occupational therapy and prepare students to become basic grade occupational therapists. It will include a menu of uni-professional and shared options from which students can choose in order to develop specialisms consolidate skills in core areas or widen their experience. The unit includes a six week placement and an elective eight week placement based on the students' present and future learning goals. more...	AHP-3OPY	20	Year Period
Placement Education - Year 3 This unit enables the student to build on previous placement learning and to further acquire experience in differing areas of health and social care. The emphasis of practice will be on working with complex interventions in preparation for becoming a competent and independent practitioner. The unit includes two periods of practice, Placement 4 which is 6 weeks of practice, and Placement 5 which is an 8 week period of practice. The ethos of CPD will continue to be demonstrated through the development of the portfolio. more...	AHP-3PEY	50	Year Period
Professional Development 3 In this unit students will complete a final year research project on a professionally related topic and under supervision. The unit will also prepare students for their imminent move to a professional career in the health and social care sectors by addressing key issues that will facilitate their transition to be qualified practitioners. more...	AHP-3PRY	30	Year Period

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Fees And Funding

Occupational therapy BSc programmes are funded by the East of England Strategic Health Authority. Students can also apply to the NHS Student Grants Unit for a means tested bursary https://www.uea.ac.uk/sixthform/2012+Fees/Health+related+courses

Further information is available from: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students

Once nominated, all successful candidates should apply for this means tested bursary. Students should also apply to the Student Loans Company in advance of starting their course, if they wish to ensure that they are later eligible to apply for a student loan.

Further information is available from: www.slc.co.uk

How To Apply

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Allied Health Professions)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of Allied Health Professions Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

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