Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession centred on enabling people to live the lives they want to lead. Occupational therapists work with individuals and groups across all ages and a wide range of conditions, helping people overcome the barriers that prevent them from engaging in the everyday activities, or occupations, that give life meaning: working, caring for oneself, pursuing hobbies, maintaining social relationships and participating in community life. The profession requires both a thorough understanding of health, illness and disability and the practical, creative and interpersonal skills to design and deliver interventions that make a real and lasting difference to people's lives.
At the University of Cumbria, this full-time three-year programme is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and leads to eligibility to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) on graduation. You will develop the theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills needed to work effectively across the varied settings in which occupational therapy is practised, from acute hospitals and community health services to social care, mental health services, schools and vocational rehabilitation. The programme is designed to respond to the ever-changing landscape of health and social care practice, preparing you to adapt to new contexts and contribute to shaping the profession's future.
Occupational Therapy graduates work in NHS hospitals and community settings, mental health services, social services, schools, prisons, charities and private practice. The profession offers considerable career diversity, with specialisms including physical rehabilitation, mental health, paediatrics, older people's services and vocational rehabilitation. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in occupational therapy research, specialist clinical areas or education, and the profession provides a well-structured pathway of continuing professional development throughout a career.