Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that enables people to participate in the activities of daily life that give meaning, structure, and purpose to their existence. Occupational therapists work with people whose ability to engage in everyday activities has been affected by illness, injury, disability, or social circumstances, helping them to develop, recover, or maintain the skills and routines that support their independence and wellbeing. The profession is grounded in the understanding that meaningful occupation is fundamental to health, and it combines scientific knowledge with creativity, practical problem-solving, and deep attention to the individual person.

At London South Bank University, you will study occupational therapy in a part-time programme, and the programme includes a foundation element for students who would benefit from additional academic preparation before the main professional training. You will develop a thorough understanding of occupational science, anatomy, physiology, psychology, neuroscience, and the evidence base for occupational therapy practice, alongside the clinical skills in assessment, intervention planning, and therapeutic activity that professional practice requires. Clinical placements in a range of healthcare, community, and social care settings are central to the programme, giving you supervised experience with diverse client groups and across different practice areas.

Graduates register with the Health and Care Professions Council and work across a wide range of settings, including NHS hospitals, community health teams, mental health services, learning disability services, paediatrics, care homes, and social care. Specialist roles in areas such as neurological rehabilitation, hand therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and housing adaptation develop with experience. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in occupational therapy, public health, or related fields.