Course summary

Course Overview Our Occupational Therapy course will equip you with the expertise to begin your career in this diverse and rewarding profession. You will build the knowledge, skills and experience to become a compassionate and work-ready practitioner, who understands the power of meaningful activity to transform lives. Throughout this course, which can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time, you will learn how to deliver evidence-based occupational therapy to individuals, groups and communities, supporting people of all ages to overcome barriers to participation, enhance their wellbeing and achieve their full potential. Through a mix of theoretical learning, immersive simulation and high-quality placements, you will build the knowledge and experience required to be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and become a registered occupational therapist. Areas of learning include: Occupational Science and the foundations of practice Mental and physical health across the lifespan Leadership, digital capability and evidence-based decision making Community, public health and socially responsive practice Why Occupational Therapy at Swansea? Our programme is fully aligned with Health Care Professions Council and Royal College of Occupational Therapist standards, and our teaching team have a wealth of experience in NHS, Social Care, Private and Third Sector settings. As the sole provider of occupational therapy in South-West Wales, our course is deeply connected to local communities and health services, enhancing both your employability prospects and your impact on the regional healthcare workforce. Providing if you can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as maintenance funding and a reduced rate loan from Student Finance. Please see our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying. https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/student-loans-and-grants/nhs-funding/ Your Occupational Therapy Experience Our excellent facilities in the School of Health and Social Care include realistic clinical suites within the Swansea University Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM), so you can learn practical skills in a safe, supervised environment before using them in a real-life situation. This simulation-based learning, combined with research-informed teaching and high-quality placement opportunities, in settings such as hospitals, schools, social care, prisons and the community (with additional opportunities to volunteer and shadow professionals), will enhance your real-world experience and ensure that you are well prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing health and social care landscape. Occupational Therapy Careers Completion of this course will enable you to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered Occupational Therapist. You can expect a starting salary of £31,515 rising to £55,531 for a highly experienced Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapy is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference to people’s independence and quality of life. There are many opportunities to specialise, for example working with older adults, in rehabilitation services, social care or with children, people with mental health issues or who have a learning disability.