Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health profession focused on enabling people of all ages to participate in the activities that are meaningful to them, whether that is self-care, work, education, leisure, or community life. When illness, injury, disability, or the challenges of ageing limit people's ability to do the things that matter to them, occupational therapists assess their needs and develop interventions that rebuild, adapt, or support those capabilities. The profession works across physical and mental health, with children and adults, in hospitals, community settings, schools, and people's own homes.

Keele University's three-year full-time BSc Occupational Therapy is accredited and approved, and carries a typical entry tariff of 120 points. As the course itself describes, it combines innovative teaching, hands-on practice-based experience, and cutting-edge facilities to prepare you for a dynamic role in this rapidly evolving profession. The programme is built around an understanding of the contribution that meaningful occupation makes to physical and mental health and wellbeing, developing your clinical reasoning, therapeutic skills, and professional values alongside the scientific and evidence-based knowledge the profession demands.

Practice-based placements in a variety of healthcare and social care settings are an integral part of the programme, giving you direct clinical experience throughout your training.

Graduation from an accredited programme leads to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, enabling you to practise as an occupational therapist in the NHS, social care, independent practice, education, and the voluntary sector. Many occupational therapists go on to develop expertise in particular areas such as neurorehabilitation, paediatrics, mental health, or hand therapy. Others move into management, education, or research.

The profession offers a clear career pathway and strong job security, alongside the genuine satisfaction of helping people regain the independence and the activities that make their lives meaningful.