Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is the health profession concerned with enabling people to do the things that matter to them, when illness, disability, injury, or the circumstances of ageing make everyday activities difficult or impossible. Occupational therapists assess the interaction between a person, their occupations, and their environment, and they work creatively to remove barriers and build capacity, supporting individuals to lead meaningful and independent lives. The profession draws on psychology, anatomy, sociology, and public health, and it operates across mental health, physical rehabilitation, learning disability, paediatrics, and community care settings.

This two-year full-time accelerated programme at the University of Sunderland is designed for graduates from other disciplines who wish to train as occupational therapists in a compressed timeframe. The accelerated format covers the same professional content as a standard programme but at a faster pace, requiring a high level of commitment and academic readiness. You will study occupational science and theory, health and disability, therapeutic approaches, and the policy and legislative frameworks within which occupational therapists work.

Practical placements are embedded throughout the programme, giving you direct experience of working with clients across different settings and developing the professional judgement, communication skills, and therapeutic reasoning that effective practice requires.

Graduates are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council, which is required for practice as an occupational therapist in the UK. Employment opportunities are strong across the NHS, social services, independent healthcare, schools, prisons, and the voluntary sector. Many occupational therapists go on to specialise in particular areas of practice or move into research, management, or education, and the profession offers a clear pathway for continued professional development and career progression.