Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health and social care profession that supports people experiencing challenges in their health and wellbeing as a result of injury, illness, or disability. Occupational therapists work collaboratively with their clients using a person-centred approach, helping them to participate in the roles and activities they want to, despite any challenges they might face.

Occupational therapists work with children and adults of all ages in a range of settings including health organisations, social care, housing, education, prisons, employment services, voluntary organisations, and in private practice. They work with clients facing challenges such mental health problems, physical illnesses or disabilities and learning disabilities.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, our Occupational Therapy BSc course explores the concepts, principles and theories of occupational science, human development, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. You will develop excellent communication skills and learn to work collaboratively with a range of clients, carers and communities to meet their goals.

Year 1 is primarily university based, although you will complete your first practice placement. Collaborative inter-professional education, with other health care students, helps you develop invaluable communication and team-building skills.

In Year 2 you will build on your understanding of theoretical concepts and develop the skills you need to deliver occupational therapy with a variety of clients in physical or mental health services, and with clients with learning disabilities. You will complete two practice placements giving you an opportunity to put theory into practice.

Year 3 includes a research project and another practice placement in which you will work with greater autonomy; this will help ease your transition into a practitioner.

This course will equip you with the skills you need to practise occupational therapy in a wide range of health and social care settings, as well as non-traditional settings such as working with homeless people and refugees. When you graduate you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which will allow you to practise as an occupational therapist in the UK.

**Course highlights**

- Placements in a range of diverse practice settings within the greater London area, and the opportunity for international placements

- Established links with local NHS and social care organisations, enhancing your employment prospects

- Jointly awarded by St George’s, University of London and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, a partnership with Kingston University

- Accreditation by Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and Royal College of Occupational Therapists

**About St George’s, University of London**

As the UK’s specialist health university, we’ve been improving health for over 250 years. Our close links with healthcare providers and our shared campus with one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, means St George’s will provide you with a unique taste of what your future working life holds.