Foundation Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
Undergraduate
BSc (Hons)
Occupational Therapy
School of Health and Society
Attendance
Full-time
Course
Three year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
As an occupational therapist, you'll work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures and across all age groups, helping them to live with a variety of physical and psychological problems. You'll work with your clients to consider how their physical health, mental health and social environment affect their ability to carry out daily living activities such as personal care, domestic tasks, socialising, leisure and work.
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
You will:
- Combine academic study with practice placements and develop a variety of professional and personal skills
- Be taught by highly skilled staff with a range of clinical backgrounds, involvement with professional boards and committees, national and international conference presentations and accreditation with the Higher Education Academy Board
- Benefit from our strong links with service users, clinical experts and industry partners, meaning we have an excellent reputation for training occupational therapists who are able to meet the demands of current clinical practice
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You want to improve the lives of others
2.
You have great communications skills
3.
You are practical and a problem solver
4.
You want to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds
5.
You are creative and flexible
6.
You are a good observer
All about the course
You will gain an understanding of function and dysfunction in the mind and body and the use of occupation in the assessment and treatment of illness. You will also look at the societal and institutional contexts of illness and health, and ethical issues in health care delivery.
You will attend lectures and undertake independent study that requires engagement from Monday to Friday. You will receive timetables in advance and be able to plan your time accordingly. All practice placements are full-time, Monday to Friday and typically 8.30-4.30.
*Please note this programme is going through the normal and required process of updating the course, and therefore it's modules, for 2024 delivery. As such, the modules currently listed below are subject to change*
If you require more specific information on modules for 2024 entry, please email: SHS-OTAdmissions@salford.ac.uk
Year one
Within this module you will develop a basic understanding of foundation concepts within occupational therapy and prepare for Practice Placement 1 (four weeks in duration). Models of practice, intervention and assessment skills are introduced within the context of the occupational therapy process.
Introduction to Professional Practice
This module aims to introduce the concept of being a health and social care professional. You will start to explore factors that influence practitioner and service user interactions and become familiar with issues such as moving and handling, infection control and safeguarding.
Experiencing Occupation Through the Lifespan
You will consider key elements of the basic sciences and their relationship to occupational therapy practice, human function and dysfunction and factors that impact on engagement with occupations across the lifespan. Factors that affect occupational participation and performance will be explored as will principles of service user engagement and the significance of service user perspectives.
Evidence Based Practice and Research 1
Basic skills of research and evidence based practice will be introduced as will their relevance to occupational therapy practice.
Practice Placement 1
This is a practice placement block of four weeks. Full time hours are typically 8.30-4.30. Please note that travel time to placement may be up to 90 minutes.
Year two
Understanding People as Occupational Beings (incorporates Practice Placement 2)
This module aims to provide an understanding of the importance of occupation for human health and well-being, the complex nature of occupations and to be able to analyse and understand the relationship between occupation, person and environment. You will develop skills in preparation for practice placement 2 which lasts for six weeks and fits within this module. An understanding of the Person Environment Occupation model will also be gained.
Occupation Focused Approaches to Practice
On this module you will learn about occupation focused models, plus assessment and intervention tools and techniques.
Evidence Based Practice and Research 2
You will apply elements of the research process to a range of professional scenarios that are relevant to occupational therapists.
Engaging Service Users in Occupational Therapy
Within this module you will recognise, evaluate and apply the core skills of an occupational therapist in practice, develop advanced communication skills, appraise the value of the therapeutic relationship in engaging service users and apply a culture of compassionate care.
Practice Placement 3
This is a practice placement block of six weeks.
Year three
Exploring Contemporary Practice
This module aims to support theoretical understanding of occupational therapy concepts, philosophy and core skills in complex and diverse settings. You will also learn to apply and promote occupational therapy concepts, philosophy and core skills using the evidence base for practice within a placement setting.
Evidence Based Practice and Research 3
This module will facilitate critical application of the research process to a specific topic relevant to occupational therapy practice.
Practice Placement 4
Within this six week placement you will work within an organisation that does not have an established occupational therapy role and will identify a potential emerging role for occupational therapy. You will negotiate and where appropriate, apply elements of an occupational therapy service to individuals or groups within the setting.
Into Employment
On this module, you will critically evaluate health and social care services in the context of current government policy, with a focus on the service received by the client within the multidisciplinary team. You will also reflect upon professional development and prepare for employment.
Into Practice
This module develops your competence as a practitioner and incorporates a practice placement of five to eight weeks in duration.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
PROFESSOR MATTHEW MOLINEUX
We are delighted to announce that Professor Matthew Molineux of Griffith University, Queensland, Australia was appointed as Honorary Professor at the University of Salford in 2023.
Matthew is an occupational therapist and occupational scientist who has worked in Australia and the United Kingdom for over 30 years and is passionate about occupational therapy and the unique perspective the profession has on humans and health. He is known for encouraging, and sometimes challenging, students and occupational therapists to reflect critically on how their practice aligns with the profession’s unique occupational perspective. Matthew will be working with staff and students, contributing to teaching and learning, and programme development.
On his appointment, Matthew said “I'm very excited to be working with the occupational therapy team at the University of Salford as they continue their work in creating innovative educational experiences for students.”
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
Rehabilitation Flat
Our purpose built rehabilitation flat provides the opportunity to learn and practice occupational therapy skills within a secure environment.
The flat has a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with a range of equipment and daily living aids such as:
- Specialist knives and adapted cutlery
- Utensil holders and openers
- A variety of dressing aids
- Non-slip mats and reachers
- Bath lift and grab rail
- Ceiling hoist
The flat is used to demonstrate equipment and the way in which an occupational therapist may assist a client to learn a new way to perform an activity and maintain their independence. Service users support the teaching in this environment during modules in the first and second year.
You will also have access to the occupational therapy resource room, equipment relating to activities of daily living, splinting and personal care, and use of community resources for experiential learning.
Take a 360 tour of the facilities here.
What about after uni?
As an occupational therapist, you will have considerable scope for career development in clinical specialities, management, research and education. Occupational therapists are employed in a range of health and social care settings, in addition to working for employers such as prisons, litigation services, voluntary organisations and private practice.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Occupational therapists are qualified to work in a range of clinical environments such as paediatrics, older people, acute and long-term mental health and physical settings and learning disability services. Alternatively, you may develop your career into medico-legal work, management, education and research. In addition to the NHS and social services, employers include prisons, private hospitals, litigation services, voluntary and charitable organisations and private practice.
Career Links
Placements
An integral part of your learning will be provided by a series of five supervised placements amounting to over 1,000 hours in health and social care settings. These placements include hospital settings and community services. Most of our placements are currently within the Greater Manchester area.
In addition to this you will have the opportunity to go on an innovative role emerging placement in your third year. These placements involve all students going to new organisations which promote professional development and facilitate innovation. Examples of role emerging placements include schools, charities and private organisations.
What You Need To Know
APPLICANT PROFILE
In your personal statement you will need to demonstrate:
- Your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the impact that illness and disability may have on a person's life. Therefore, you are strongly advised to visit at least two clinical occupational therapy departments as this will enable you to give examples of occupational therapists working in physical and mental health settings.
- Your personal attributes and communication skills that will enable you to be an occupational therapist.
- How your values align to the values of the NHS constitution.
- Your relevant experience of working with people. Volunteering or work-related roles in relevant health and social care areas would also give a stronger profile for applicants.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 7 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants who have previously been enrolled in an occupational therapy pre-registration programme or any other health professional education programme must submit a self-declaration confirming no previous fitness to practice concerns if an offer is made for a place on the programme.
All students will need occupational health clearance and DBS clearance in order to continue with the programme.
INTERVIEWS
Applicants will be put forward for interview if they meet the criteria in the applicant profile.
The interviews will focus on the applicants understanding of occupational therapy and an understanding of the impact of illness and disability upon occupational performance. An applicant will be expected to demonstrate good communication skills and show an ability to reflect on their experiences of engaging with others. The interview will last for 30 minutes approximately.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
We strongly advise any students who may need additional support with their learning to get in touch with our admissions team as soon as possible.
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
Five GCSE's at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) including English Language, Maths and Science. Equivalents accepted. You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
UCAS tariff points
120 points (points must be awarded in the same sitting)
A level
120 points from a minimum of three A-Levels. Preferred subjects include biology, psychology and sociology. Must be achieved in one sitting
T level
T- Level - Healthcare Science - Assisting with Healthcare Science specialism - Distinction. T Level – Health - Distinction
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 65% to include Biology
BTEC National Diploma
DDM in health/science related subjects
Scottish Highers
120 points, science preferred
Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS points required, points from H1-H3 grades (A/B grades in the old system) considered only. H4 grade (C grade in the old system) and below will not contribute towards tariff requirement. Must include English, Mathematics and a Science at Higher H6 grade or above (D3 grade in the old system) or Ordinary O4 grade or above (C2 grade in the old system). At least one science subject, preferably biology/human biology, at grade H3 (or B3 in the old system) is required. Applicants without biology/human biology but with other science subjects (physics, chemistry, psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care) will be considered.
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Access to HE
A minimum of 120 UCAS points to include specific subjects access to health, or health science or allied health
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
The University offers two routes for entry under the scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. As this course is part of the School of Health and Society you will only be considered under Entry Route 1.
Find out more about the scheme here.
How Much?
ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS
The NHS Learning Support Fund is available to students studying the following courses:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Occupational Therapy (including pre-registration Master's)
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry (including pre-registration Master's)
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Midwifery
- Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability, joint nursing/social work; including pre-registration Master's)
Visit the NHSBSA website for further information.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £18,300.00per year |
Additional costs
For more information about uniforms, DBS, Occupational Health clearance, and immunisations, visit our page of: Information for Students
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships worth up to £5,000. Our international scholarships include the Salford International Excellence Scholarship.
For more information go to International Scholarships.