Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy (B939)

The University of Essex's BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course helps students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to enable them to work with clients of all ages who have physical, mental health or learning difficulties. This three-year programme enables students to take advantage of interprofessional learning (IPL), encouraging professionals to learn with and from one another - an understanding that helps to ensure students have the expertise to respond adequately and effectively to the complexity of their clients’ needs, and ensures that care is safe, seamless and of a high standard.

Central to the philosophy of the programme is the value attached to ‘occupation’ and ‘activity’ as a means to achieving the health and wellbeing of individuals, which enhances their quality of life, thus enabling them to achieve their desired goals. Essex combines a number of teaching styles such as lectures, seminars, enquiry-based and blended learning, as well as enabling students to undertake practice placements in the workplace. The use of peer support and self-directed learning enables students to take control of the learning experience and manage their development of knowledge and skills. A unique feature of the School is that most of the staff work or have worked within clinical practice. This enhances their grasp of the contemporary links between academic research, the major issues of the day and real-life practice. They also have expertise in the areas of learning disability, brain injury and hand therapy. Specialist guest lecturers additionally lend external expertise to the academic staff. Within the School of Health and Human Sciences, Essex has a range of specialist clinical laboratories and IT facilities to assist students with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills. For students of the BSc Occupational Therapy, they have a specialist lab at the Colchester Campus which provides students with access to relevant equipment and facilities within supported environments to further develop their skills in helping people in the home.