)
Health Therapies at UEA
Find out more about studying Health Therapies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- B920
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Course Overview
Why Occupational Therapy at UEA?
Ranked 1st in the UK for three consecutive years, we prepare you for a career that transforms lives. Learn through real-world experience, expert teaching, and a supportive, close-knit community.
Why choose UEA?
- Leading Occupational Therapy: Consistently ranked 1st in the UK for Occupational Therapy (Complete University Guide 2026)
- Placement experience: Build experience across six placements, with a final opportunity to choose a setting that reflects your interests
- Professional practice: Work with local schools, charities, and services from early in the course, applying your skills in real-world settings
What is BSc Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a science-based healthcare profession that draws on biological, psychological and social knowledge to support health and well-being. It takes a person-centred approach, focusing on what matters most to each individual.
You’ll learn how everyday activities can be used therapeutically to support physical, emotional and cognitive functions. This includes areas such as self-care, work, education and leisure.
Occupational therapists work across health, social care, education and community settings. They support people of all ages to adapt, recover, and participate in meaningful daily life.
)
Placement Year
Your final placement is a professional development opportunity shaped by your interests and previous experience. You’ll organise this with support from your academic team, allowing you to explore an area of practice in more depth. There may also be opportunities to complete this placement overseas, offering insight into occupational therapy in different cultural and healthcare contexts, subject to current guidance.
Accreditations
Our programme is approved by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for HCPC registration, allowing you to practice as an occupational therapist in the UK. This qualification is also recognised internationally, although in some countries like the USA and Canada, you may have to sit a further exam.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc Occupational Therapy degree, you could launch a career in:
- NHS and community services
Support individuals to regain independence following illness, injury, or life changes - Paediatric services and Schools
Help children develop skills for learning, play and everyday activities - The voluntary sector including charities
Provid specialist assessments and interventions in a range of settings - Higher Education, Research or Emerging roles
Contribute to service development, teaching, or roles in areas such as social care or justice services.
Career Support
Employability is embedded throughout the course. You’ll develop professional skills through placements, collaborative learning and practical experiences. You’ll be supported by academic advisors and placement educators, with opportunities to prepare for applications and interviews. This ensures you feel confident entering professional practice.
UEA Career Central will offer support and guidance during your time at UEA and after graduation.
After the Course
Our graduates are well prepared for professional roles and go on to secure employment shortly after graduating. You’ll leave with a broad range of placement experience and a clear professional identity. Your qualification enables you to register with the HCPC and begin practice as an occupational therapist. We’ll support you in developing your portfolio and will work closely with you to get your career off to the best start.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll develop Occupational Therapy knowledge and skills in a structured way, with a curriculum made up of carefully planned compulsory modules. All modules are year-long and consist of a mix of profession-specific and interdisciplinary learning, varying in weight from 20 to 60 credits.
You’ll begin by developing a strong foundation in occupational therapy, combining theoretical learning with practical experience. You’ll explore occupational science and how everyday activities can support health and wellbeing.
You’ll study human sciences, including anatomy (supported by our dissection labs), physiology, psychology and sociology. Alongside this, you’ll develop communication and group-work skills and take part in creative and practical activities such as horticulture and baking.
Early in the course, you’ll have opportunities to work with local schools and charities, helping you apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. You’ll also complete two placements, building confidence and beginning to link theory with practice.
You’ll be introduced to research and evidence-based practice, preparing you for later study and your final-year research project.
You’ll also work with students from other disciplines, developing professionalism and employability skills.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll build on your foundational knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of occupational therapy across different populations and settings. You’ll explore how physical, mental and social factors influence health, wellbeing and participation in daily life.
Learning becomes even more applied, with hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills in a supportive environment. You’ll take part in experiential groups, presenting and reflecting with peers, and begin to learn specialist skills such as splinting.
You’ll complete two further placements, allowing you to apply your learning in practice and build confidence in a range of settings.
You’ll also continue to develop your understanding of research and evidence-based practice, supporting your progression towards independent learning.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Your final year supports you to develop greater autonomy through specialist learning, leadership development and placement experience. A distinctive feature of the course is the opportunity to design and develop a business model focused on delivering occupational therapy to underserved groups.
You’ll explore contemporary issues in health and social care, including policy, leadership and emerging areas of occupational therapy.
You’ll develop greater independence in your learning, alongside advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. There are opportunities to explore both traditional and non-traditional areas of practice.
You’ll complete two final placements, including one that you can shape around your interests and future career goals.
By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to enter practice as a confident, reflective and autonomous professional.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions.
Teaching is interactive and designed to support the application of theory to practice. You’ll be encouraged to develop independence, critical thinking and reflective skills.
Each student is supported by a member of the occupational therapy team, who acts as their academic advisor throughout the course.
Year one will include structured teaching, combined with practical learning experiences. You’ll be introduced to key concepts alongside early placement experiences.
During year two, learning becomes even more applied, with opportunities to develop practical skills. You’ll take part in experiential groups, presenting and reflecting with peers, and begin to learn specialist skills such as splinting.
Your final year supports you to develop greater autonomy through specialist learning, leadership development and placement experience. A distinctive feature of the course is the opportunity to design and develop a business model focused on delivering occupational therapy to underserved groups.
Working with external partners, you’ll shape your ideas into a viable service, gaining insight into innovation, service development and alternative career pathways.
You’ll also apply your research skills through your final research project, bringing together your learning from across the course.
Assessment
Assessments on our course are designed to reflect the realities of professional practice. You’ll complete a range of coursework that develops your ability to communicate, problem-solve, and apply knowledge in practical contexts.
Rather than focusing heavily on traditional exams, assessment emphasises real-world tasks such as presentations, portfolios, and applied projects like designing conference posters and business plans. Continuous feedback supports your development and confidence throughout the course.
Practice placements are also assessed, ensuring you meet the standards required for safe and effective professional practice.
In year one, you’ll build foundational skills through a mix of assessments, including presentations, written work, and your only formal exam, alongside placement learning.
In year two, assessment becomes more applied, focusing on health promotion, service development, and communicating ideas through a range of formats.
In year three, you’ll complete advanced, practice-focused assessments, including a research project and work that reflects leadership, innovation and professional readiness.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We require 5 GCSEs to be complete at grade C or 4, including English Language, Mathematics, and at least one Science subject.
If you hold or are working towards Mathematics and English Language GCSEs but do not hold 5 GCSEs/a science GCSE, please contact Admissions.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB.
Contextual offer: BCC.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Health, Care, Science.
Contextual offer: DMM in Health, Care or Science.
See BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 section below for further information on accepted subjects.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject.
Contextual: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. We accept: Any.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Offers are also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)(opens in a new window) check. Future employment may be subject to these conditions. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health-related subject , we will consider the relevance, level, recentness, and outcome of that study alongside evidence of your academic potential to succeed on the course. Applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful prior study may be required to provide additional information.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic(opens in a new window), which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
Placement allocation primarily takes place across a variety of settings, which may include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services, and voluntary or private organisations. These placements are located throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2027. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We require 5 GCSEs to be complete at grade C or 4, including English Language, Mathematics, and at least one Science subject.
If you hold or are working towards Mathematics and English Language GCSEs but do not hold 5 GCSEs/a science GCSE, please contact Admissions.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB.
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Offers are also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)(opens in a new window) check. Future employment may be subject to these conditions. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health-related subject , we will consider the relevance, level, recentness, and outcome of that study alongside evidence of your academic potential to succeed on the course. Applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful prior study may be required to provide additional information.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic(opens in a new window), which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
Placement allocation primarily takes place across a variety of settings, which may include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services, and voluntary or private organisations. These placements are located throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2027. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
To ensure you gain a broad range of placement experiences, you may be required to travel to placement settings across a wide geographical area. This may include the need for temporary accommodation.
You can find information regarding additional costs associated on our Fees and finance webpages.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS(opens in a new window) to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: