Undergraduate Degrees

BSc Occupational Therapy ( B920 )

UCAS Course Code:: B920
Duration:: 3 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Bachelor of Science
School of Study:: Allied Health Professions
Brochure:: Allied Health Professions Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:: Grades BBB required (Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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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. In the National Student Survey 2012, Occupational Therapy ranked joint 1st in the UK for teaching, and 1st overall with a satisfaction rate of 100%.

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.

OT Helps You

For more detail about what it is like to work as an Occupational Therapist, please visit the College of Occupational Therapists website:

http://www.cot.co.uk/ot-helps-you/ot-helps-you

Course Organiser:Ms. Jill Jepson

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 2012, the School of Allied Health Professions achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 96% in the National Student Survey (NSS).
Furthermore, in the NSS 2012, Occupational Therapy ranked joint 1st in the UK for teaching, and 1st overall with a satisfaction rate of 100%. Speech and Language Therapy ranked joint 2nd in the UK for teaching, and 4th overall with a satisfaction rate of 96%.

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 fulfil your full potential and get the best possible start in your chosen career.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
HUMAN SCIENCES 1	AHP-1HSY	40
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.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 1	AHP-1OPY	40
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.
PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 1	AHP-1PEY	20
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.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1	AHP-1PDY	20
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.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
HUMAN SCIENCES 2	AHP-2HUY	20
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.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 2	AHP-2OPY	30
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.
PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 2	AHP-2PEY	50
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
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2	AHP-2PDY	20
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.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
CONTEXT OF PRACTICE	AHP-3COY	20
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.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE 3	AHP-3OPY	20
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.
PLACEMENT EDUCATION - YEAR 3	AHP-3PEY	50
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.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3	AHP-3PRY	30
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.

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.

Entry Requirements

A Level:: Grades BBB required (Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
International Baccalaureate:: 31 points to include 6 5 5 at Higher Level
Scottish Highers:: BBBBB
Scottish Advanced Highers:: BBB
Irish Leaving Certificate:: BBBBBB
Access Course:: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
HND:: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (18 Units) - Distinction, Distinction, Merit

Entry Requirement

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.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and two satisfactory references

AHP Additional Requirements:

All Successful applicants will be required to complete a satisfactory enhanced police check, a satisfactory Occupational Health check and to provide a satisfactory second reference.

1. A satisfactory police screening - like other Higher Education Institutions, we ask all candidates for certain undergraduate courses to obtain evidence from the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) that they do not have a criminal record. This procedure is necessary because students on these courses will be dealing with vulnerable adults (under the recent POVA guidelines) and children. If you decide to accept our offer the CRB Team at UEA will contact you later in the cycle to begin this process. Please visit www.uea.ac.uk/crb for further information.

2. A satisfactory health screening - please note that the purpose of this screening is to find out whether you have any special needs and, if so, to enable us to assess whether the University and clinical placement areas would be able to provide the support that you need. Once you have been made an offer you will need to visit our Occupational Health website at: umsuea.co.uk/occhealth in order to download an Occupational Health Assessment Form. The deadline for this is 30 July prior to registration.

3. A second reference. Once you have been made an offer you will need to download the Reference Request form. The deadline for this is 30 July prior to registration.

All Applicants who are invited for interview will be required to undertake a numeracy and literacy test on the interview day. These tests will not form part of the selection process but are a requirement of the Strategic Health Authority.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in any component)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 98 overall (minimum 20 in Listening component, 21 in Reading and Writing components and 22 in Speaking component)
PTE: 70 overall (minimum 62 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Applicants submitting a UCAS application and passing initial screening will be invited to a selection interview at the University http://www.uea.ac.uk/ahp/Interviews

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 at grade C or above is required. Applicants are advised to contact the University to discuss their individual situation.

A full list of FAQ's can be found here

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.

Fees and Funding

Eligible students residing in the UK, studying BSc Occupational Therapy will not pay tuition fees; these will be covered by the NHS. In addition eligible students will normally receive a small non- means tested NHS Grant, currently £1,000 per annum, and may apply for a means tested Bursary. Students can also apply for a reduced rate non-means tested Living Cost Loan (also known as a Maintenance Loan) from Student Finance England.

NHS students are not eligible to apply for Living Cost Grant or a UEA bursary. Eligibility for bursaries is at the discretion of the NHS Business Services Authority and further information and criteria is available from http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students

For more information please visit: http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/Health+related+courses

The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships for Home/EU students. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

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 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.