first-year students with household income under £25,000
Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Bachelor's degree at the University of Cumbria
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at University of Cumbria leads to a nationally recognised degree from a UK degree-awarding body. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
About this course
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BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Cumbria, based in In Carlisle. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Exploring Foundations for PracticeCore
Module details
Explore the origins and development of the occupational therapy (OT) profession. Learn about our paradigms and what 'occupation' means to us, especially the transformational nature of occupation for humans. Learn how to help people restore their lives by facilitating occupational focussed opportunities to wellness. You will explore and develop skills to use evidenced-based practice, facilitating your ability to bridge theory with real-world application in practice. You will examine how people, e
- Exploring Professional PracticeCore
Module details
This module sets the stage for your journey as a competent and ethical professional. There are three main sections to this module, the first being learning about professional conduct. In this first section you will learn regulatory and legislative requirements of OTs such as ethical and conduct expectations. In the second section you will learn about professional skills and collaborative practice. The second sections teach you about protocols and guidelines and how to use these in practice. This
- Exploring Occupational BeingsCore
Module details
This module examines human development across the lifespan from an occupational perspective, focusing on how individuals engage with their environments and the meaning of their occupational experiences. By integrating body structures and functions, human philosophy such as identity, health concepts, and occupational science, you will gain insights into the complexity of human occupational engagement and its impact on wellbeing. You will learn in simulated scenarios prior to applying your learnin
- Exploring Occupational EngagementCore
Module details
Discover how occupational science underpins effective therapy. You will learn about the therapeutic use of activities and media, examining their role in engagement in occupations and promoting health and wellbeing. You will analyse activity and occupational engagement, explore the effects of physiological factors, and appreciate the importance of cultural perspectives in therapeutic practices.
- Exploring Research and Evidence-based PracticeCore
Module details
Discover the research fundamentals crucial for advancing your practice. This module covers everything from research methods and data interpretation to ethical considerations. You will develop skills in critical thinking, evidence appraisal and scientific inquiry.
- Practice-based Simulation Placement 1Core
Module details
Prepare for hands-on practice with this 20-hour simulation placement. You will engage in practical exercises covering essential skills such as basic life support, infection control and effective communication. This module will help you build your professional identity further by adding to your confidence and competence in core areas, setting a solid foundation for your future practice.
- Occupational Therapy in Practice 1Core
Module details
This is your first practice placement, providing 187.5 hours of supervised experience. This module integrates academic learning with practical application, offering a range of experiences across different occupational therapy settings. You will develop key skills in assessment, professional reasoning, and communication under the guidance of a Practice Educator, preparing you further grow your professional identity for future professional roles.
Year 2 6 modules
- Developing Professional Practice SkillsCore
Module details
This module bridges theory and practice, focusing on applying life sciences and occupational theory in real-world contexts. You will justify professional decisions, learn best practices, and explore common conditions affecting occupational performance. Topics include anatomy, pathology, therapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration, enhancing your ability to address diverse client needs and further grow your professional skills which will enhance your acquisition of professional
- Developing Occupational Possibilities 1Core
Module details
Collaborate on a community-based health and wellbeing project, addressing contemporary challenges through occupational therapy. This module emphasises applying occupational science principles and understanding cultural and societal influences on service design. You will gain skills in analysis, evidence-based practice, and ethical intervention planning, all necessary for furthering your acquisition of professional identity.
- Developing Research SkillsCore
Module details
Enhance your research skills from year 1 with this module, which is focused on developing research proposals, gathering data, and analysing results. You will learn to formulate research questions, address ethical considerations, and design robust research projects. By the end of the module, you will be able to appraise evidence and present research findings effectively, further developing your professional identity.
- Developing Global Occupational Therapy PerspectivesCore
Module details
Explore occupational therapy's role on a global scale, considering social, geographical, and political contexts. This module covers sustainability, inclusive practice, and emerging global practices. You will evaluate how occupational therapy can address global challenges and empower marginalised communities, preparing you for a broader professional impact and identity.
- Developing Occupational Possibilities 2Core
Module details
Lead, implement and evaluate a new occupational therapy intervention in a contemporary setting. This module will develop your teamwork and leadership skills, focusing on promoting health and wellbeing. You will organise and deliver a group intervention, evaluate its effectiveness, and reflect on your professional growth of identity and responsibilities.
- Occupational Therapy in Practice 2Core
Module details
Advance your practical experience with a 300-hour placement, enhancing your skills in varied clinical settings. Guided by a Practice Educator, you will refine your assessment, communication, and professional reasoning skills, focusing on person-centred care and evidence-based interventions while maintaining high professional standards. The placement will also involve developing a professional portfolio, reflecting your growth of identity and readiness for autonomous practice.
Year 3 5 modules
- Applied Occupational TherapyCore
Module details
Build on your foundational knowledge to tackle contemporary challenges in occupational therapy. This module emphasises managing clinical complexity and integrating digital health solutions. You will apply theories and evidence to practice, enhancing your skills in goal setting, workload management and continuous professional development, developing your professional identity further.
- Applied Research SkillsCore
Module details
You will advance your research capabilities through a secondary research project relevant to your professional practice. You will critically examine evidence, design, and conduct a research project, and analyse findings to inform practice. The module covers research design, data analysis, project management, and adherence to ethical and governance standards, including HCPC and RCOT guidelines. This module enhances your ability to apply research skills in real-world contexts.
- Future LeadersCore
Module details
This module equips you with essential skills for transitioning from student to a newly qualified occupational therapist, with a fuller formed professional identity. You will develop leadership, change management and digital capabilities necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of health and social care. You will critically reflect on your practice, enhance your employability skills, and evaluate how leadership can influence the profession.
- Occupational Therapy in Practice 3Core
Module details
This module provides a comprehensive full-time 6-week placement, totalling 240 hours, during which you will integrate and apply previous learning across a variety of occupational therapy contexts. Emphasis is on occupation-based interventions, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice, all while adhering to legal and ethical standards. You will develop your professional identity further and professional skills in caseload management, professional communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Occupational Therapy in Practice 4Core
Module details
This is your final practice placement, comprising 20 hours of simulation-based learning followed by 8 weeks (320 hours) of assessed practice-based learning in a clinical setting. This module consolidates your learning and transitions you from a student to a newly qualified occupational therapist. You will practice within legal and ethical boundaries, demonstrating advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and communication. Emphasis is on independent practice, professional development of your
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy equips you with clinical skills and evidence-based knowledge for health and social care practice. A course like this typically progresses from foundational anatomy and core therapeutic principles in Year 1, moving through assessment and intervention techniques in Year 2, and consolidating complex case management and professional leadership by Year 3. You'll usually study core modules alongside supervised practice placements throughout, placements are embedded at every stage to build competence in real settings. Specialisations such as adult practice, mental health, children's services, community and primary care are commonly available. You'll develop communication skills, person-centred approaches and the ability to appraise and apply research to practice.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent, with a typical UCAS tariff of 160–175 points among recent entrants. The programme is taught in English and delivered full-time over three years.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 87% of those working are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £27,000 to £30,500, rising to £23,800–£33,600 after three years and £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These are national figures for the field, not university-specific guarantees. Related specialisations in health and social care include Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Paramedic Science.
University & format
The University of Cumbria is a UK degree-awarding university located in Carlisle. This BSc (Hons) is delivered full-time over 3 years in English. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is recognised as a nationally recognised degree-awarding body.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 40% |
| a previous degree | 25% |
| another higher-education qualification | 25% |
| an Access course | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Cumbria →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,500 | £28,000 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £22,000 – £29,500 | 85 |
| 5 years after | £31,000 | £28,500 – £34,000 | 75 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 90% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 87.1% · in work or study 85% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Cumbria
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around In Carlisle - Fusehill Street
1,445 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Around In Lancaster
870 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Cumbria from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Cumbria’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Cumbria and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Cumbria
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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