Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession concerned with enabling people to participate in the activities that matter to them, whether those activities involve work, self-care, leisure, or social connection. When illness, disability, injury, or ageing limits a person's ability to engage with daily life, occupational therapists assess the barriers and work with their clients to find practical, personalised solutions. The discipline draws on anatomy, psychology, sociology, and the neurosciences to understand human function, and it applies that understanding in creative, client-centred ways across a huge range of settings.

At the University of Brighton, this programme is offered on a part-time basis, making it accessible to students who need flexibility in how they study. You will explore the theoretical foundations of occupational therapy alongside the clinical skills needed to practise in a regulated health profession. This includes understanding how physical and mental health conditions affect participation, how to conduct assessments, how to design therapeutic interventions, and how to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

You will also develop the reflective and communication skills that are central to effective practice, and you will engage with current debates about the evidence base for occupational therapy and its role within health and social care.

Occupational therapy is a profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council, and graduates of accredited programmes are eligible to apply for registration and practise as qualified occupational therapists. The career opportunities are wide. Occupational therapists work in NHS hospitals and community health teams, mental health services, social care, schools, prisons, and private practice, as well as in housing adaptation and assistive technology.

The part-time route makes this programme particularly well suited to career changers and those already working in health or social care who want to formalise their expertise. Further study at postgraduate level is available for those who want to specialise or move into research and education.