Occupational Therapy with Foundation Year

100% of our Occupational Therapy students were in jobs or further study 15 months after completing their studies.
(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)

Study a health foundation year and learn the key concepts and principles in health and social care to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to begin this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, gaining the essential skills required to succeed in degree-level education.

You can then start your journey to becoming a qualified occupational therapist at Canterbury Christ Church University, where you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference in people’s lives.

You’ll learn how to understand individuals and communities of all ages and backgrounds and their need to engage in everyday activities such as working and studying. The skills you will learn as an Occupational Therapist will enable you to help them live independently and thrive. On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

What you'll learn

• Apply occupational therapy skills to help people overcome everyday challenges.

• Build confidence and adaptability for real-world healthcare settings.

• Practise hands-on clinical skills through simulation and placements.

• Explore innovative approaches and emerging occupational therapy roles.

• Advocate for individuals and communities to promote occupational justice.

From day one, you’ll be supported to become a compassionate, adaptable practitioner, ready to respond to the changing needs of healthcare and explore new and emerging occupational therapy roles.

You’ll practise your skills in our state-of-the-art simulation suite and apply them during practice placements, working alongside experienced occupational therapists across a range of health and social care settings.

Our course also emphasises integrity and occupational justice, giving you the tools to advocate for individuals and communities and challenge traditional boundaries in occupational therapy practice.

Professional accreditation

The degree is currently approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

To be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council you must demonstrate good health and good character throughout your studies. You will be required annually to sign a 'declaration of ongoing fitness to practise'.

Specialist facilities

As a healthcare student, you will have access to our specialist, industry-relevant, simulation facilities. The state of the art simulation suite allows you to practice your clinical skills in a fully-equipped, realistic environment, including hospital wards and a flat. These sessions will prepare you for your practice placements and future employment.

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/occupational-therapy-foundation-year?year=september-2027&modeRef=0#courseModules