Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that works at the boundary of health, social care, and everyday life. Occupational therapists help people engage in the activities, or occupations, that are meaningful and necessary for them, whether those are self-care tasks, work, leisure, or social participation. When illness, injury, disability, or ageing affects a person's ability to do what they need and want to do, occupational therapists assess the situation, identify barriers, and develop interventions that may involve adapting tasks, modifying environments, or building new skills and strategies.

The profession takes a holistic, person-centred approach, recognising that participation in meaningful activity is fundamental to health and wellbeing.

At the University of Huddersfield, this full-time, three-year programme leads to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. You will develop both the theoretical knowledge and the clinical skills needed for professional practice, studying the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of occupation and health alongside practical assessment and intervention techniques. Clinical placements are integrated throughout the programme, placing you in real healthcare, social care, and community settings where you can apply and test your learning under supervision.

You will work collaboratively with service users and with the multidisciplinary teams in which occupational therapists practise, developing the communication and professional judgement the role demands. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Registered occupational therapists work across an exceptionally wide range of settings, including NHS hospitals, community health teams, mental health services, social services, schools, care homes, vocational rehabilitation, and private practice. The profession is consistently in demand, reflecting the growing recognition of occupational therapy's role in keeping people out of hospital, supporting independence, and promoting wellbeing. Career progression leads to specialist clinical roles, advanced practice, management, and education.

Many practitioners undertake further study at postgraduate level in specialist areas of occupational therapy or related health sciences.