BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy at University of Derby is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, ensuring graduates meet professional standards for practice.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% 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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 89% (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 6 modules
- An Introduction to Occupational Therapy: The Art and ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
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. It will introduce learners to key concepts and core skills which underpin the unique focus of occupational therapy practice. 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. There will be an introduction to concepts integral to occupational therapy practice such as the occupational therapy process, including assessment and problem id
Assessment: Coursework
- Understanding Occupational PerformanceCore20 credits
Module details
In this module, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of informing sciences that enable occupational performance. Learners will participate in a range of learning activities that will enable them to develop an understanding of the biopsychosocial components of health and well-being that are required to perform everyday activities. This module will introduce the informing sciences that underpin occupational performance. Learners will acquire an understanding of how biopsychosocial components of health and well-being influence normative development, occupational performance, and occupational engagement. Learners will explore how biopsychosocial components of health and well-being f
Assessment: Exam
- Practical SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, the learner will begin to develop their knowledge of becoming a professional. The learners will complete mandatory training and preparation required for professional practice. The module will enable learners to understand the importance of keeping skills and knowledge up to date and of career-long learning, engaging learners in the production of a 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.
Assessment: Coursework
- Communication Skills for PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
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 as part of the therapeutic use of self. Aspects of anti-discriminatory practice including the need to respect the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of individuals will be considered. 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 inter
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Life Changes and Pathologies - Impact on Occupational PerformanceCore20 credits
Module details
In this module, learners will acquire knowledge and understanding of a variety of life changes and pathologies which may impact on individuals. Through the application of activity and occupational analysis, learners will understand how life changes and pathologies impact on occupational performance
Assessment: Coursework
- Placement 1Core20 credits
Module details
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 learning assessment report form will enable learners to demonstrate a basic level of competence for their stage of study. Formative midway assessment provides constructive feedback and guidance for development, and summative assessment provides the final outcome.
Assessment: Practical
Year 2 5 modules
- Application of Occupational TherapyCore20 credits
Module details
This module will allow learners to understand a range of occupational therapy assessments, interventions and outcome measures for individuals, required for key areas of occupational therapy practice. Knowledge and skills will be developed by building upon aspects of biopsychosocial dysfunction through consideration of potential arising occupational needs. Learners in this module will study a range of occupational therapy assessments, interventions and outcome measures that may be used to identify and meet these occupational needs. Theory and practice will be blended to equip learners with the ability to select, implement, analyse and evaluate assessments, interventions and outcome measures b
Assessment: Exam
- Understanding the Evidence BaseCore20 credits
Module details
In this module, the learner will develop an understanding of evidence-based practice. Learners will understand the importance of evidence-based practice and how to locate and appraise this. Learners will explore different ways to create evidence and consider how qualitative, quantitative and interprofessional evidence can be used to inform practice.
Assessment: Coursework
- Placement 2Core40 credits
Module details
Pre-requisites:- Learners must have successfully passed Placement 1 Placement 2 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 learning assessment report form will enable learners to demonstrate a basic level of competence for their stage of study and practice experience. The formative midway assessment provides constructive feedback and gu
Assessment: Practical
- Practice InfluencesCore20 credits
Module details
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 explored. This will occur alongside analysis of governance-related issues which underpin aspects of professional reasoning.
Assessment: Coursework
- Group Work in Occupational TherapyCore20 credits
Module details
This module will focus on the therapeutic use of group work skills used within occupational therapy practice. Learners will develop an understanding of group work theory and understand practical implications such as risk assessments and cultural appropriateness. Through planning and delivery of groups, learners will develop their self-reflection and evaluation skills. Learners will participate in peer-led groups to experience group work from the perspective of the people we work with.
Assessment: Exam
Year 3 5 modules
- Placement 3Core40 credits
Module details
Placement 3 builds on the experiences of the previous placement within a different practice setting and offers the learner the opportunity to further develop and consolidate occupational-based professional and practice skills, communication, interpersonal and management skills. Reflection and critical evaluation of these are key components of this Practice-Based Learning in order to become a competent occupational therapist. Assessment through the Practice Based Learning assessment report form will enable learners to demonstrate a basic level of competence for their stage of study. The formative midway assessment provides constructive feedback and guidance for development, and the summative
Assessment: Practical
- Transitioning to PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will prepare learners for occupational therapy practice within diverse working environments. Learners will reflect on what they have learnt about themselves, occupational therapy and their professional identity, drawing upon both their practice-based learning experiences and previous academic learning.
Assessment: Coursework
- Future Focused PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will enable learners to critically consider the future direction of occupational therapy within the global arena. Learners will consider the potential for occupational therapy practice to meet the needs of different groups across diverse settings and in new and emerging areas of practice. Learners will critically review the concept and construct of communities. Learners will develop an understanding of the occupational nature and needs of communities, and the individuals within them. Learners will critically review national and global public health agendas. They will consider the impact of social determinants on communities their roles, health, occupational opportunities, and res
Assessment: Practical
- Research DesignCore20 credits
Module details
The ability to be a skilled consumer and producer of research is a key requirement of occupational therapy practice. Through this module the learner will evaluate a body of literature of relevance to an aspect of occupational therapy practice in order to identify a possible area for future research through production of a research proposal.
Assessment: Coursework
- Specialisms in PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will enable learners to focus on one area of occupational therapy practice. There will be an emphasis on developing in-depth/complex specific skills and critically evaluate professional reasoning for the use of these practical skills. The module will focus on learners developing their own aptitude and confidence in relation to this critical evaluation, hence promoting the need for professional accountability. On successful completion of the module, learners will be able to both advocate for and defend the use of, these skills as part of the occupational therapy process to enable occupation. This module will facilitate consolidation of earlier learning related to professional reas
Assessment: Exam
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
You'll study the theory and practice of occupational therapy across three years, building from foundations in clinical skills and human biology through to complex care and evidence-based practice. A course like this typically begins with core modules in occupational therapy fundamentals, communication and person-centred care, alongside anatomy and physiology. From Year 2, you'll move into more specialised areas such as mental health, community and primary care, or children's work, while learning medicines management and safe clinical decision-making. Throughout all three years, you'll undertake supervised placements, roughly 50% of your time in practice settings, allowing you to develop competence in different healthcare environments. In your final year, you'll focus on complex care, leadership and evidence-based practice, culminating in consolidation of your professional competence.
Who it's for
This course suits graduates seeking a career in occupational therapy. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 144–159 points. You'll study occupational therapy within the broader Nursing & Health field, which encompasses related specialisations such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Paramedic Science.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree taught in English at the University of Derby, a public university on the Derby Campus. The course is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), ensuring graduates meet the professional standards required to practise occupational therapy. University of Derby is a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university achieved Gold in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
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.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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 | 58% |
| an Access course | 18% |
| a previous degree | 16% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 3% |
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 (code B920). 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 Derby →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
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
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
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
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 | 35 |
| 3 years after | £26,000 | £23,500 – £28,500 | 95 |
| 5 years after | £30,000 | £21,500 – £33,500 | 95 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. 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 · 100% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
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: 80; 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.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs 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
95% 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 85.1% · in work or study 95% · continued 89%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Derby
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 Derby Campus - Kedleston Road
642 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 Derby from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,500 / 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 Derby’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 Derby and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Derby
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.