Why you should study this course
Occupational therapists can empower individuals, groups and communities to participate in the everyday occupations that are central to their health and wellbeing, to their sense of who they are, and to the life they want to lead. They work in partnership with people across the lifespan in a range of circumstances to address the barriers that prevent them from engaging in the everyday activities that they want and need to do.
This course aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience required for an occupational therapist, through academic study and professional practice placements (help searching for a placement is provided by the university).* You will explore the power of occupation to transform people’s lives and be supported to develop a professional approach that is compassionate and respectful. You will be encouraged to think in creative and critical ways to give you the opportunity to develop sustainable solutions to complex problems, and you will also have the opportunity to develop effective leadership and communication skills.
Successful completion of our Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) will provide you with an academic qualification, and eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to seek practise as an occupational therapist (application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements, membership and registration fees/additional fees may apply). Our course is also accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) for the 2022/2023 intake, and successful completion therefore confers eligibility to apply for membership of the RCOT and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists which can assist you to make the most of national and global professional opportunities (application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements, membership and registration fees/additional fees may also apply).
Please see the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section and the HCPC and RCOT websites for further information
Upon successful completion, our course aims to help develop you in being flexible and adaptable in response to evolving healthcare provision, whilst upholding professional standards of practice - key skills of an occupational therapist
Your learning experience through academic study and professional practice placements is designed to support you to adopt the professional values and behaviours expected of an occupational therapist such as empowering service users, collaborative working, ethical decision-making, and delivering and evaluating interventions based upon the best available evidence.
Throughout the course you will also be supported to take responsibility for your personal and professional development, for example through discussions with your Academic and Personal Tutor, opportunities for reflection, and supervision with your professional practice educators. The skills you should develop are intended to lay the foundations for your continuing professional development throughout your potential future occupational therapy career following graduation.
A distinctive feature of our course is our approach to teaching and learning. Our state-of-the-art simulation facilities in the Alison Gingell Building will enable you the opportunity to practise occupational therapy skills in realistic settings. We are proud of our creative approach to assessment which aims to provide you with varied opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas relevant to practice. Service user involvement in the teaching and learning process provides you with the chance for real-world experience and feedback. There are also opportunities for collaborative learning with students undertaking other professional healthcare courses at Coventry University.
Our strong focus on employability means that career options for our graduates are excellent. Upon successful completion, a degree in occupational therapy can open the door to a wide range of rewarding career options.
What you'll study
Year one
The first year aims to develop your understanding of the fundamentals of Occupational Therapy, including human anatomy and physiology and the importance of Occupation to an individual’s identity and wellbeing.
Modules
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The Human Body, Mind and Occupation Part 1 - 10 credits
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Occupational Therapists: Doing, Being, Becoming & Belonging - 20 credits
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Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice - 20 credits
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The Human Body, Mind and Occupation Part 2 - 10 credits
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Health and Wellbeing in the Community - 20 credits
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Delivering Theory-Based Occupational Therapy - 20 credits
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Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 1* - 20 credits
Year two
In year two you will explore the importance of evidence-informed practice in occupational therapy and should build on your understanding of the significant difference occupational therapists make in the quality of life of service users. You will further have the chance to develop your theoretical understanding and practical application of occupational therapy practice.
Modules
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Skills for Occupational Therapy Practice - 30 credits
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Reasoning & Decision-Making in Occupational Therapy Practice - 20 credits
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Developing Evidence Informed Practice - 10 credits
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Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 2* - 40 credits
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Understanding Occupational Therapy’s Unique Contribution - 20 credits
Final year
In the final year you will be encouraged to look at how to prepare for entering the workplace as a qualified occupational therapist upon graduation (and registration with the HCPC). You will study leadership and management in an occupational therapy context and have the opportunity to choose from a range of option modules to study an aspect of occupational therapy of particular interest to you.
Modules
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Enhancing Employability as an Occupational Therapist - 20 credits
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Occupational Therapy Practice Placement 3* - 40 credits
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Evidence Based Research Project - 20 credits
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Leadership & Management for Healthcare Professionals
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Optional Modules
