Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health profession built on a deceptively simple but profound idea: that being able to engage in meaningful activities is central to human health and wellbeing. When illness, disability, injury, or the challenges of ageing disrupt a person's ability to do the things that matter to them, occupational therapists work alongside those individuals to help them regain function, adapt, and participate fully in daily life. The profession operates across physical and mental health settings, in community and hospital environments, and with people of all ages.

This four-year programme at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, prepares you for registration and practice as an occupational therapist, qualifying you with a master's level award on completion. You will develop the expertise, skills and understanding needed to enable clients to rediscover their passions, overcome challenges, and live life to the fullest. Your studies cover the theoretical foundations of occupational science and therapy, human anatomy and physiology, mental health, disability studies, and professional and ethical practice.

Clinical placements are a central part of the programme, taking you into real practice settings where you apply your learning alongside experienced clinicians and develop the professional judgement the role demands.

Occupational therapy graduates are qualified to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practise across the NHS, social care, the independent sector, charities, and international healthcare settings. Specialisms include paediatrics, mental health, neurology, learning disabilities, older adult care, and community rehabilitation. The profession is consistently identified as having strong employment prospects and high rates of job satisfaction.

Further study at doctoral level is an option for those interested in research or advancing clinical knowledge within the profession.