Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health and social care profession grounded in the idea that being able to engage in meaningful occupation, whether work, leisure, self-care, or social activity, is fundamental to human wellbeing. Occupational therapists support people of all ages who are experiencing difficulties in participating in the activities that matter to them, whether as a result of physical illness or injury, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or the challenges of ageing. The profession works by understanding the relationship between the person, their environment, and the occupations they wish or need to carry out, and by modifying any of these three elements to enable greater participation.

At the University of Salford, this three-year full-time programme prepares you to meet the contemporary needs of diverse populations across a range of settings. You will study the theoretical foundations of occupational therapy, human anatomy and physiology, mental health, physical rehabilitation, developmental disorders, and the occupational science that underpins the profession's approach to health and wellbeing. The programme is designed to develop your clinical reasoning, your ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and your skill in adapting and designing interventions to the specific circumstances of individual clients.

Practice placements are a central part of the training, giving you supervised experience in real clinical and community settings.

You will also develop the communication, empathy, and professional skills that effective therapeutic relationships require. Reflective practice is integral to occupational therapy, and you will develop habits of critical self-evaluation that serve you throughout your professional career.

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, which is required to practise in the UK. Career settings include NHS hospitals, community health teams, mental health services, social care, schools, prisons, and the independent sector. With experience, occupational therapists move into specialist clinical roles, service management, education, and research.

Postgraduate study is available in a range of specialist areas.