Help
others to live a full life. Foundation to BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.
Join one of the longest-established occupational therapy schools in the UK. ■
Practical experience through annual placements
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anked 11th in the UK for health profession R subjects (Guardian, 2017)
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ffiliated by the World Federation of A Occupational Therapists
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0th in the UK and Top 5 for Student Satisfaction 1 (Complete University Guide, 2017)
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inks with Hong Kong Polytechnic and L JAMK University, Finland
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Over 75 years of teaching experience.
An exciting, varied and highly rewarding career. For those students with a passion for helping people who have physical, mental or social difficulties, a career in occupational therapy is an exciting, varied and highly rewarding career. Occupational Therapists play a huge role in supporting patients from all ages and walks of life, helping them to live independently. The term ‘occupation’ relates to everyday activities that provide individuals with a sense of purpose, fulfilment and satisfaction. This may include going to work, carrying out leisure activities or taking care of yourself, such as preparing a meal. The University of Northampton has one of the longest established occupational therapy schools in the country and explores all aspects of this varied profession to fully prepare you for your chosen healthcare career.
How will I study? You will learn through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars, placements, practical and skills based sessions online and independent learning.
Facilities The University has its own daily living suite with fully equipped kitchen, bedroom and shower room allowing students to practice practical skills and techniques for themselves. The University library and computer rooms are also open 24/7 for students.
UNIC Foundation The Foundation Year with UNIC is two semesters, during this time you will study nine modules that will provide you with a general knowledge and understanding of science and healthcare to prepare you for your degree studies. During the Foundation, UNIC students will visit an Occupational Therapy Open Day on campus and participate in a Discovery Day with the University. The Faculty will also provide all students with an information pack prior to them starting the degree course.
What will I study at the University of Northampton? After completing your Foundation at UNIC and successfully passing the interview, Stage 2 of your studies will provide you with the foundations for your degree in Occupational Therapy with modules such as ‘Understanding Occupational Beings’ and ‘Foundations of Professional Practice’. You will also study Functional Human Science. In each stage of the degree there is a module that supports the placement. For a full list of the modules please go to: northampton.ac.uk/study/courses/occupational-therapy-bsc-hons The course is structured to provide support for students and at Level 6 is designed to enable them to prepare for their first job applications. In addition, the University of Northampton offers support for graduates in obtaining a suitable post including employability skills and interview skills.
Who will I be taught by? All lecturing staff at the University of Northampton are qualified Occupational Therapists who also have additional teaching qualifications, Master’s or PhD qualifications. Tutors have a variety of clinical backgrounds and expertise which can include mental health, physical areas, paediatrics and learning disabilities.
Typical hours: For the full-time course at the University you will have approximately 20 hours of direct contact plus additional study hours per week.
Progression to the University of Northampton All students will have to submit a personal statement and pass an interview before they can progress onto Occupational Therapy at the University of Northampton. Students will be prepared for this as much as possible as part of their Preparing for a Career in Healthcare module which has been specifically designed to support students to pass the interview and write their personal statements. It is essential that prior to interview students arrange shadowing opportunities with Occupational Therapists in practice. Please be very aware your place on the BSc Occupational Therapy Degree is not guaranteed on being accepted to the UNIC Foundation and is entirely dependent on you passing the interview stage.
What if I don’t pass the interview? Students who do not successfully complete the interview after the second attempt can choose to transfer onto another science related course including; Biology, Psychology, Human Bioscience, Environmental Science and Sport and Exercise Science.
Stage 1: Foundation
(two semesters) UNIC at the University of Northampton
Stage 2: First Year university studies
University of Northampton Skills Suite
Stage 3: Second Year university studies
Stage 4: Final Year university studies
(including 6 week placement)
(including 9 week placement)
(including 12 week placement)
University of Northampton
University of Northampton
University of Northampton
A placement is an invaluable opportunity to gain an insight into your chosen industry. You will do a placement each year of your course with the University of Northampton. All placements are unpaid and assessed as a stand alone module counting towards your overall degree classification. How are placements allocated?
Where are the placements?
A list of placement opportunities are advertised each year and you get to select three preferences. The academic staff then assign the placements based on ensuring students get a wide range of experience in different clinical settings whilst, where possible taking into account any personal circumstances.
The majority of placements are in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas but some placements can be further afield. The students may need to use public transport or they can choose to stay in placement accommodation which may incur additional costs.
What placements are available?
Can I do my placement abroad?
There are a variety of work placements across a whole host of settings from mental health, physical, paediatrics, learning disabilities which may be based in the NHS, social services or third sector. You are recommended to visit and experience a variety of departments in order to understand the profession as it is so diverse. As part of the course you must do at least one mental health placement and one physical care placement and in the third year there are options to do your placement in a non-traditional setting.
There is the option to take the placement abroad but it would very much depend on the places available and whether the settings are able to assess you correctly. This would be decided by the faculty on a case by case basis.
International links The University has an exchange programme with JAMK University in Finland. Although this does not form part of your assessment, students can experience what it is like to study in Finland and in return some of their students come and study at Northampton. There are also links with Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) and two previous students did their final year placement at HKPU.
Career opportunities After completing your degree, your qualification is accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) making you a fully qualified OT and eligible to register with the Health Care Professions Council. This course is about developing skills to become an effective UK registered healthcare professional.
UNIC intakes:
Please note when you progress onto the University you will also be expected to completed a DBS check and Occupational Health Screening. This will be organised within the first six weeks of your study. * To progress onto the course with the University of Northampton you must have an IELTS of 7 with no less than 6.5 in each category. Students at UNIC take the module Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC). This ensures they are at the equivalent of IETLS 7 by the time they progress to the University as long as they pass with 80% or above.
September, January
Fees: UNIC Foundation: £9,800 University of Northampton: £13,000 (per year)
Entry requirements: Personal statement 60% in Form 4 and 5 including Maths and a Science subject, or 6 points from HKDSE subjects, including Maths and a Science subject. English Language: HKDSE 3 or IELTS 6 (with 5.5) in each band or equivalent.* All requirements by country can be found at northampton.ac.uk/unic Relevant experience in an OT setting e.g. work experience, voluntary, observational is an expectation. If you do not have any from your home country then UNIC can help you to source this but it will need to be done very early on in your studies.
The University of Northampton has a fairly small cohort of around 50 students compared to other universities, so there is a real family atmosphere and lots of support from tutors. The 6 week placement I did last year was at a local hospital. I worked on the elderly ward and it was extremely rewarding. I felt proud to have chosen this fantastic degree! Kelly Man, Hong Kong – Second Year Occupational Therapy student, University of Northampton
For more testimonials including interviews with current students go to our UNIC Youtube channel.
Apply today:
University of Northampton International College (UNIC)
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unicstudents
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