A career in occupational therapy offers variety, purpose and immense job satisfaction. Successful completion of the degree ensures you are eligible to apply to the HCPC to join a rewarding profession where you can help people facing physical and mental challenges to overcome barriers to their independence.
A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions
Learn from a dedicated and skilled team who have worked in a broad spectrum of occupational therapy roles
Improve your practical skills in our superb facilities ranging from a rehabilitation kitchen to an immersive simulation suite
The Foundation Year course leads on to the full BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree that is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) meaning when you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply to the HCPC for registration to practice.
Please note that it is not possible to apply directly to the following course. For this foundation year course, it is only possible to attain a place if you do not get the grades expected having been provided with an offer for the BSc equivalent.
A worthwhile and rewarding career
Occupational therapists support people who have a range of difficulties to perform the everyday activities which are key to their health and wellbeing – from work, sport and leisure to aspects of self-care.
Ours was the first Occupational Therapy School set up under the auspices of the NHS back in 1948 so we have a strong heritage and reputation in this important field.
Beginning with a foundation year.
On completion of the Foundation Year you will then commence study on the full BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree, more information on this can be found on the following page.
Studying BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy with a Foundation Year is for you if you have the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to enter directly on to the honours degree programme. It provides you with a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge you need and introduces you to the subject area, enabling you to achieve your full honours degree in four years.
Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
All health and social care students will be assessed in their ability to communicate with service users, carers and other allied professionals from all sections of the community. Health and social care professionals have to communicate and share information in an open and honest way and; be able to listen actively and to talk to those requiring and using services as well as those caring for service users, with due respect for their age, ethnicity, culture, understanding and needs. This module will help students to understand the principles of, an importance of effective communication.
This module will introduce students to the economic, political and cultural drivers which have influenced the development and delivery of health and social care in the 21st century. At a time when health and social care delivery is changing, students will consider how their own professional attitude and behaviours will influence their role performance in future practice.
This module will offer students an introduction to the essential principles and elements of public health. The importance of public health is significant within recent government policy and the focus on public health is viewed as a key means of tackling inequalities in health and to improve the health of society. We all have a role in improving the health of populations, via direct client care and policy implementation. One key aspect of public health practice is demonstrating the ability to understand and respond to local health and care needs appropriately.
This is particularly important for the disadvantaged and vulnerable people in society. In order to recognise health and care needs, it is important to understand concepts of need and the different approaches employed to address them. Knowledge and understanding of the vulnerable or disadvantaged members of society is also required in order to ensure their specific needs are met.
This module will introduce students to the academic skills needed for study at undergraduate level, and enable them to plan for their future study and career.
This is a level 2 module. The module is oriented towards providing students with sufficient English skills to enable them to engage confidently with level 4 modules.
Introduction to a Recovery Model for Mental Health
This module will provide students with an introductory understanding of common mental health problems across the whole lifespan within the context of contemporary practice and a person centred and recovery approaches. It will provide students with insight into the bio/psycho/social factors of mental health problems to increase awareness and understanding of common mental health problems. It will provide understanding of key factors associated with creating positive therapeutic relationships with service users and carers and explore key principles such as stigma, inclusion & diversity.
Central to health and social care work is making informed responses to inequalities but why do they still exist in the 21st century? What is the balance between the power of social structures and individual responsibility? How much do we choose the life we live? The willingness to understand the experience of inequality, to ‘walk in someone’s shoes’, is at the heart of good practice and this module explores the limits and opportunities facing workers as they try to do this. Whilst experienced as personal, such things as health, well-being, choice, confidence, optimism, are related in complex ways to the social structures and processes of which we are part and which we recreate.
Through discussion, reading and small group tasks, students will be encouraged to think critically about the evidence of inequalities and the connection between social structure, human agency and experience. Evaluating evidence and, through a case study, showing an understanding of others’ experience form the basis of the assessment.
This module will introduce learners to the key concepts and core skills which underpin occupational therapy, including the occupational therapy process.
Learners will explore the evolution of the profession, its philosophies, values and beliefs and from this its unique contribution to the diverse range of settings in which occupational therapists work, in traditional/third sector and diverse settings.
There will also be an introduction to concepts integral to the occupational therapy process including an assessment and problem identification, intervention and evaluation.
In this module, the learner will be developing an understanding of the concept of occupation, how individuals develop as occupational beings and how this can influence the health and well-being of the individual. The learner will participate in a range of learning activities to develop their knowledge of core philosophies and skills that will guide your future practice.
This module will begin to form the learner’s knowledge of key concepts relating to professionalism and developing themselves as a professional. Within this learners will gain an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, the maintenance of a safe practice environment, including risk management, moving and handling, infection control, safeguarding. This module will include attendance at mandatory training and skills development sessions.
The module will enable learners to understand the importance of keeping skills and knowledge up to date and of career-long learning and engage learners in the production of continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio.
Learners will begin to understand the legal and ethical boundaries of occupational therapy and the importance of maintaining a professional and high standard of care. They will gain knowledge of relevant legislation that applies within occupational therapy practice. Learners will also work towards developing an understanding of inter-professional team working.
Learners will engage in a variety of learning experiences including on-line and experiential and will be encouraged to reflect on key aspects of the module as part of their professional development.
In this module, learners will acquire knowledge and understanding of informing sciences that enable occupational performance. Learners will participate in a range of learning activities that will enable you to develop understanding of the biopsychosocial components of health and well-being that are required to perform everyday activities.
In this module, learners will acquire knowledge and understanding of a variety of pathologies and life changes which result in occupational dysfunction. Learners will participate in a variety of learning activities that enable you to apply activity analysis to understand how these impact on occupational performance. Virtual simulation technologies will be utilised where appropriate.
Learners will develop professional use of verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills and consider the importance of these to their future practice. They will explore the importance of establishing and sustaining a therapeutic relationship, of which self-awareness is a key aspect. Within this, they will consider the need to respect the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of service users. The way that factors such as culture, ethnicity and gender can affect the characteristics of verbal and non-verbal communication will also be explored.
Experiential and reflective learning will consider dyadic and group interactions and dynamics. Learners will also consider the importance of working in partnership with service users and how interpersonal skills can be used to encourage their active participation.
The importance of written communication skills and the need to maintain accurate written records will also be introduced.
The practice-based learning introduces the learner to the occupational needs of individuals and to the occupational therapy process in practice, allowing them to apply and further develop their theoretical knowledge. The placement will enable them to develop, and demonstrate their practice, professional, communication, interpersonal and managerial skills at a basic level.
Assessment through the practice-based learning assessment report form will enable learners to demonstrate a basic level of competence for their stage of the study. A formative midway assessment provides constructive feedback and guidance for development, and summative assessment provides the final outcome. To achieve a pass on the placement learners are required to complete the required hours and achieve a pass grade in all areas of the practice-based learning assessment form.
NB For both BSc (Hons) and MSc learners no Fail and Return opportunities are available in Practice-Based Learning modules. There is only one fail grade permitted on Practice-Based Learning Modules over the course of the programme.
You will gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of a range of occupational therapy approaches and how these approaches relate to occupational therapy practice. Tutors will facilitate your application of theory through practical skills sessions.
You will learn to utilise the occupational therapy process to structure and focus on the development of your clinical and professional reasoning skills. This module will use a range of lectures, seminars and workshops to facilitate your learning. Tutor directed and peer-led practical activities will also be used.
You will gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of a range of occupational therapy models and how these models can relate to practice. Tutors will facilitate your application of theory through practical skills. You will learn to utilise the occupational therapy process to structure and focus on the development of your clinical reasoning skills.
This practice placement module enables you to build on the experience of your previous practice placement module. Within a different placement setting, it provides you with the opportunity to further develop occupational based practice skills and professionalism allowing further integration and development of your theoretical knowledge into practice. Your communication, interpersonal and management skills will also be further developed.
This module will enable you to explore the concept and construct of communities. You will develop your understanding of the occupational nature and needs of communities. You will undertake an exploration of the influence of communities on individuals and their roles, health, occupational opportunities and restrictions.
This module will enable you to consider the ever-changing governance drivers that influence and shape current and future occupational therapy practice. The module will facilitate your exploration of issues of governance in traditional and non-traditional practice settings. It will enable you to understand and evaluate research literature and to appropriately consider its application to practice. The module will inform your development as a responsible, ethical and professional practitioner.
This module will focus on core occupational therapy assessments and interventions for individuals, required for key areas of occupational therapy practice. A range of keynote teaching in the form of lectures and online resources will consider core theoretical concepts such as occupational therapy models, approaches and standardised and non-standardised assessments, with the inclusion of how these contribute to professional reasoning.
The module will have a practical and experiential focus on developing core transferrable occupational therapy skills and knowledge, required to undertake assessments and interventions across a wide diversity of practice areas, in both short and long term settings.
Knowledge and skills will be developed by building upon on a number of core aspects of biopsychosocial dysfunction, studied earlier in the programme, through consideration of potential arising occupational needs. Through practical workshops, including activities such as virtual simulation, learners in this module will study a range of occupational therapy assessments and interventions that may be used to identify and meet these occupational needs, associated with that area of dysfunction. Theory and practice will be blended to equip learners with the ability to select, implement, analyse and evaluate assessments and treatments, by the inclusion of case studies.
This module will focus on group work skills including the planning, delivery and evaluation of group work, with analysis and evaluation of how group work can be used therapeutically in occupational therapy practice.
Development of practical skills in group planning, facilitation/leadership and evaluation, including learners delivering groups for their peers, will occur through experiential workshops. These practical skills will be underpinned by teaching and learning of core theoretical concepts relating to group work. Learners will be encouraged to develop self-awareness through reflection and self-evaluation of their own evolving group leadership skills and provide feedback to their peers to facilitate the learning process for all.
Analysis and evaluation of core occupational therapy interventions that may be delivered within a group setting, across a range of services will be included. Through undertaking self-directed visits to third sector/ diverse settings, learners will also analyse the potential role of groups in these areas of practice. The debate of issues that underpin the use of groups by the profession, and exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking group work, will facilitate skills in evaluating when a group programme may be valuable.
Pre-requisites:- Learners must have successfully passed Practice-Based Learning 1
The Practice-Based Learning builds on the experiences of the previous placement within a different practice setting. It provides the learner opportunity to further develop occupational based practice skills and professionalism allowing further integration and development of their theoretical knowledge into practice. Communication, interpersonal and management skills will also be further developed.
Assessment through the practice-based learning assessment report form will enable learners to demonstrate a basic level of competence for their stage of the study. The formative midway assessment provides constructive feedback and guidance for development, and summative assessment provides the final outcome. To achieve a pass on the placement learners are required to complete undertake the required hours and achieve a passing grade in all areas of the practice-based learning assessment form.
NB For both BSc (Hons) and MSc Learners no Fail and Return opportunities are available in Practice-Based Learning Modules There is only one fail grade permitted on Practice-Based Learning Modules over the course of the programme.
This module will analyse and evaluate the influence of practice agendas and wider governance issues on aspects of professional reasoning for assessments, interventions, and outcome measures for individuals. This will include how these can both enhance and challenge the delivery of occupational therapy at a service level.
Key current service priorities arising from practice agendas will be identified. Practical workshops considering assessments, interventions and evaluation, which could provide opportunities for occupational therapy to respond to such key agendas will be undertaken. This will occur alongside analysis of governance-related issues which underpin aspects of professional reasoning for their delivery. Learners will be encouraged to analyse the essential nature of outcomes and audits in order to provide evidence for further service development. Online resources will be used as appropriate.
An ability to formally present such justifications for assessments and interventions is vital to future practice and service development hence is integral to the module.
In this module, the learner will develop an understanding of Evidence-Based Practice, what constitutes evidence and how to appraise this as a consumer. This is important in order to inform occupational therapy practice. Learners will explore a variety of data collection tools and how they generate evidence to inform practice. They will also consider how qualitative, quantitative and interprofessional evidence can be used to inform practice.
This practice placement module enables you to build on the previous practice placement experience and offers you the opportunity to consolidate occupational based professional and practice skills, communication, interpersonal and management skills.
Within a different placement setting, it provides you with the opportunity to further develop these skills allowing further integration and development of your theoretical knowledge into practice. Reflection and critical evaluation of these are key components of this practice placement in order to become a competent Occupational Therapist.
Addressing Occupational Injustice Through Contemporary and Future Practice
You will have the opportunity to research and critically explore an area of evolving occupational therapy practice. The module will facilitate the development of your entrepreneurial and marketing skills essential to the promotion and progression of occupational therapy in relation to current external drivers.
We will work in partnership with clinicians, managers and colleagues in the business school and other relevant faculties within the university to enable you to get the most from the module. You will explore the place of service improvement in relation to current and future practice. In order to focus your learning, you will explore the occupational injustices that occur both nationally and internationally. Your consideration of evolving areas of practice will focus on addressing these occupational challenges. Within this module, a range of lectures, guest speakers, seminars and workshop groups and guided independent study will be used to facilitate your learning.
The module will enable you to experience and participate in an identified skill/medium. The module will facilitate your use of professional reasoning to critically explore the utilisation of the skill/medium in occupational therapy practice.
During the module, you will have the opportunity to engage with a particular skill/medium and critically debate its use in occupational therapy. This module will initially present theories of professional reasoning through a keynote lecture. In consecutive weeks you will participate in tutor and student-directed seminars and workshops, focussing on a specific skill or media, with an emphasis on experiential learning and critical debate of professional reasoning.
Through guided independent study you will research the identified skill/media and prepare a critical appraisal of this research to share with your peers, including how this might inform your professional reasoning of the use of this particular skill or media with different client/service user groups.
This module enables you to synthesise your learning from other modules of the programme and demonstrate your academic and professional competence. You will select a topic of particular interest to occupational therapy, and apply your skills of enquiry and research to the chosen project area. You will critically evaluate current published research in order to demonstrate your depth of understanding and learning.
40 Credits
core
Coursework
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
From day one you’ll get all the benefits of being a University of Derby student, plus extra support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence.
Our teaching team is made up of registered occupational therapists who have worked in a variety of settings. Practitioners from specialist areas in occupational therapy, ‘experts by experience’, patients and carers will also come into the University to share their insights with you.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Sian is the programme lead for the BSc (hons) in Occupational therapy here at the University of Derby. Sian is a member of the occupational therapy subject team which delivers both pre registration occupational therapy programmes and masters levels programmes.
GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study.
Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 0 Merit: 30 Pass: 15
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Additional requirements
An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required. More information
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Fees and funding
2020/21 Fees
Full-time
Part-time
UK/EU
£9,250 per year*
N/A
International
N/A
N/A
* The fees stated above are for the 2019/20 academic year; fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. We will update this information as soon as it is available.
Students on Nursing and Allied Health Profession (AHP) courses take out maintenance and tuition loans like other undergraduate courses. Additional financial support is available from the NHS for this course. Please see the NHS website for more information.
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
This course is only available to students who have applied for the equivalent three-year degree and have been offered this as a more suitable alternative by our Admissions team.
We are not currently accepting direct applications.
Careers
Occupational therapy is an exciting and fulfilling career choice.
Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and could progress to important roles in many areas of the NHS, such as:
Acute medical care
Paediatrics
Mental health and secure environments
You could also consider working in social services, charities and voluntary organisations, schools, prisons, companies and businesses, or in private practice.
Take your studies to the next level.
As a qualified occupational therapist, you will have excellent foundations for your career but you will undoubtedly want to build on your knowledge and strengthen your prospects as your progress in your role.
We offer a full range of professional development options to help you gain more advanced and specialist skills – from part-time stand-alone CPD modules which can be incorporated into your workplace practice through to postgraduate study up to doctoral level.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Travel and accommodation expenses associated with placements are to be met
Uniforms
Markers, name badges and ID holders
DBS Check
Health screening and vaccinations
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Costs related to placement, including accommodation, travel, car parking
Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements approx. £40
Optional costs not included in your fees
Local travel in order to access community facilities approx. £10
Materials required for student facilitated group activities, approx. £10
Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library various prices depending on content
Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired approx. 5p per sheet
Student BAOT membership approx. £5 per month
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
