Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £18,655 per year -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
B920
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Develop your understanding of the role of occupation for health and wellbeing.
- Explore how occupational engagement is shaped environmentally and personally.
- Deliver person-centred occupational therapy inclusively and collaboratively.
- Apply your learning in a range of stimulating practice-based placements.
- Employ creative adaptations of everyday activities to enhance health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Aligned with professional and ethical standards, this course trains you as an occupational therapist who meets the contemporary needs of diverse populations. You’ll support people to take part in what they want, need, and are expected to do – modifying occupations and environments to maximise health and wellbeing. You’ll connect with their lived experiences, collaborating to enhance occupational performance and recommend meaningful activities.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course.
Accredited by
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with the HCPC and can apply to become members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. You must be registered with the HCPC in order to practise as an occupational therapist in the UK.
Employability
97% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating, with 91% in highly skilled employment or further study (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
Our course is designed around a set of key principles, enabling you to engage with the world and collaborate with others. We’ll challenge you to think in new ways and provide you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Teaching and learning is enriched by research, meaning you’ll develop research and inquiry skills over the programme. You’ll be supported to develop academically and professionally throughout the course, building your learning, assessment and practice skills.
You’ll also have opportunities to learn with other health and social care students, understanding how to work collaboratively with other professions. We’ll provide you with the knowledge, skills and values to enhance your employability so you’ll be ready for future practice.
You learn through:
- Seminars, lectures and practical sessions
- Remote learning and digital learning packages
- Work-related learning
- Independent learning
- Applied learning
Key Themes
The curriculum is designed to scaffold and develop your knowledge, skills and confidence as you progress through the course.
In your first year you’ll build a strong knowledge base of occupational therapy which includes the occupational therapy process, exploring models of practice and human systems. In your second year you’ll be able to apply your learning to practice-based learning experiences while embracing more complexity and criticality. Your final year has a focus on transition, so you are prepared to meet the required standards of practice and work as a colleague in your first job role.
Course Support
- You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through several key areas. These include:
- Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking/volunteering opportunities
Course leaders and tutors
Student View
Hear our BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy student Amelia discuss how she is making a difference to people's lives and why she chose to study for a career in occupational therapy.
Applied learning
Work Placements
You’ll have a range of compulsory practice based experiences linked to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ pillars of practice: professional practice, facilitation of learning, leadership and evidence, research and development. These will prepare you to be a confident practitioner and will help you build your skills, creativity, and resilience.
They’ll take place in various learning environments, reflecting the diverse ways occupational therapy services are currently delivered. This might include blended learning experiences, real-world experiences of services delivered face-to-face to service users, and be connected to the aforementioned pillars of practice.
We’ll ensure that the practice-based learning element of your course complies with the requirements of the Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) governing the occupational therapy profession. By the end of your course, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the requirements to register as an occupational therapis
Networking Opportunities
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with SHOUT, Sheffield Hallam’s academic society for occupational therapy, plus other healthcare students and professionals who are interested in occupational therapy.
You’ll benefit from guest lecturers from a variety of healthcare backgrounds, as well as employer presentations. You’ll have opportunities to meet with clinicians who lecture within the modules, and we have excellent links with employers to promote job opportunities.
We also seek to enhance your learning with extra-curricular activities, which may include recruitment or professional development activities.
Future careers
Upon full completion of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to show your eligibility to apply for registration with Health and Care Professions Council, allowing you to practise as an occupational therapist.
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- The NHS
- Local authority social services
- Extended scope areas
- Schools
- Private practices
- Charities
- Other health and social care environments
- International roles
- Teaching
- Research
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Delivery of teaching on campus is in a range of classroom and practical spaces which include:
- Modern teaching facilities with specialist rooms
- Practice rooms and simulated ward environments
- Home environments
- A range of innovative equipment, eg for anatomy teaching
- Using a range of specialist software to facilitate learning
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Media Gallery
Learn more about your department
Health and Social Care Facilities Tour
Learn what it's like to study health and social care at our Collegiate Campus from our adult nursing student Alex.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
112-120
From A levels including at least 32 points from either a natural science subject (such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or social science (Psychology or Sociology), or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (including suitable natural or social science modules). We do not accept AS levels. We do not accept General Studies.
For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level including relevant subject(s)
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma from a relevant subject(s)
- Merit overall from a T level qualification
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
Or
- Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing, social science or another science-based course. Normally we require 15 of the Level 3 credits to be graded at merit with 9 of these merits from science or social science units.
- If you are in the process of completing the FdSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care at one of our partner colleges and are looking to progress your career as a registered professional, we would welcome an application from you. Please note the different application routes below:
- Completing the level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Professional Practice in Health and Social Care means you can apply via UCAS to be considered for entry at Year 1 of your chosen professional degree
- Completing the full two year FdSc to level 5 means you can apply to be considered for entry in to Year 2 of this professional degree. This is a direct application process in accordance with the partnership arrangement between Sheffield Hallam University and your college, not via UCAS. Please note that places to commence this course in Year 2 are limited.
If you already hold a first degree with an upper second class honours (2:1) or above, you may be eligible to study our MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration). Other equivalent qualifications are considered individually. And GCSE's (single or double) in
- Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade D or 4 or equivalents**
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents***
*GCSE Science equivalents
- OCR Science level 2
- Science units gained on a level 3 BTEC or OCR National Diploma or Extended Diploma quualification
- Science credits gained on Access to Higher Education Diplomas (at least 12 credits at level 2 or 6 credits gained at level 3)
- Science equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
**GCSE Math's equivalents
- Level 2 Key Skills/ Application of Number/ Level 2 Maths credits from an Access course
- Maths quivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
***GCSE English equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy
- Level 2 Key Skills
IELTS
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English. Please note that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) require IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 for registration.
Helping your application succeed
Experience
Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course. This is so you will have an understanding of the diversity of the population who access health and social care. It is important to be able to understand and explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for the profession at your interview.
Reference
You must provide a reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution with your UCAS application.
Interview
After you have submitted your application, If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an online interview.
View our interview guidance to ensure you understand the interviews process and how you can prepare for this.
Course enrolment - professional requirements
Before enrolling you must fully declare the following information on the pre-admission declaration forms provided during the admissions process:
- unfiltered criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on unfiltered offences please see the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
- involvement in disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or education establishments
- involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations
- enrolment on a health or social work professional course at another University
In addition
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Record Check
- you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check prior to or during the enrolment week of your course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.
- you will need to present valid identity documents (PDF) (PDF, 38.1KB) as part of the application process
- if you have lived outside of the UK for more than six consecutive months in the last five years you must provide an overseas criminal record check. Further information on obtaining an overseas criminal record check.
- where your DBS Enhanced Disclosure certificate contains any recorded information you must present this to the Professional Issues Team within ten working days of receipt of the certificate.
Occupational Health Screening
You will need to undertake occupational health screening to determine your suitability to undertake the course. This will be provided by the University free of charge. As part of this assessment you are expected to provide all relevant, truthful and accurate information to ensure a safe environment for yourself and service users.
Immunisations
You must undertake a programme of immunisations as required by the Department of Health and meet the immunisation and immunity requirements of placement providers. This will be provided by the University free of charge. Please obtain details of your immunisation history from your doctor so you can submit this during your Occupational Health Screening.
Other professional suitability information
Your full enrolment on your course will be confirmed when the Professional Issues Team have verified that your Enhanced DBS Disclosure (and overseas criminal record check where relevant) indicates that you are suitable to work with vulnerable groups including children and clearance from your health screening has been received.
If your personal circumstances change in relation to any of the professional requirements, from when you apply to the end of your course, please tell the Professional Issues team immediately by calling 0114 225 5637 or emailing HWB-Professional-Issues@shu.ac.uk.
Disability support
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions, learning difficulty or disability you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the Health and Care Professions Council standards of proficiency and take part without disadvantage both in University and on placement.
You can contact our disability coordinator on 0114 225 2588 to explore any issues you may have, or you can contact our university disabled student support team on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom).
The Disability Disclosure booklet provides information for students on health and social care courses and will help you understand the importance of disclosing your disability at the earliest possible stage. This is so you can be assessed for the support you may require to succeed on the course.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Collaboration For Individual And Community Wellbeing
Foundations Of Occupational Therapy Practice
Introduction To Occupational Therapy Practice
Occupational Therapy Practice Based Learning 1
Personal And Professional Development
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Assessing And Addressing Complexity In Practice
Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Practice
Evidence And Enquiry For Practice
Expanding Occupational Therapy Practice
Occupational Therapy Practice Based Learning 2
Occupational Therapy Practice Based Learning 3
Final year
Compulsory modules
Complexity & Leadership In Professional Practice
Leading Occupational Therapy Practice
Occupational Therapy Practice Based Learning 4
The Advancing Professional
Transition To Occupational Therapy Practice
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2025/26 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £18,655, which includes an annual placement supplement of £1,500.
Health and social care funding
Home fee-paying students can access a non-repayable maintenance grant of at least £5,000 per year. You may also be eligible for additional financial support based on your circumstances.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 182.5KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Health and social care funding
Home fee-paying students can access a non-repayable maintenance grant of at least £5,000 per year. You may also be eligible for additional financial support based on your circumstances.