
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Apprenticeship)
University of SunderlandSunderland, United Kingdom
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy apprenticeship prepares you to support people of all ages to engage in the activities that are meaningful to them. Grounded in the belief that occupation and wellbeing are closely linked, the course develops your ability to use occupation both as a goal and as a key tool for intervention. You’ll learn how to enable participation by promoting new skills, adapting environments, and modifying occupations to meet individual needs.
As an apprentice, you’ll spend 80% of your time learning in the workplace, with the remainder spent at university or on practice placements. You’ll be taught by experienced academic staff who maintain professional practice through honorary contracts with local health and social care providers. People with lived experience of health and social care services are fully integrated into teaching, learning, and assessment, providing valuable insights and perspectives throughout the course.
Key highlights
- 80% of learning takes place in the workplace as an apprentice
- Includes university study and practice placements alongside workplace learning
- Taught by staff holding honorary contracts with local care providers
- People with lived experience involved in teaching and assessment
- Learn to adapt environments and modify occupations for individual needs
- Uses occupation as both a goal and a tool for intervention
Entry requirements
- UCAS tariff points: 120 — Text: Our typical offer is 120 UCAS Tariff points or BBB, from a minimum of two A Level passes or equivalent, which must include a health or science-related subject. Please note, we don't accept General Studies AS or A Level and you must show evidence of recent academic study within the last four y…
- GCSE: C/4 or above — to include Mathematics, English Language
- BTEC: DDM — Extended National Diploma (sport and exercise science, health science, and applied science preferred
Scholarships
Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship
The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.
East Durham College Partnership Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500First Choice Travel Award
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £500Global Leaders Scholarship
£6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
Up to £1,200Interview Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Open Day Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
Up to £1,000Sunderland College Award
Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.
Tees Valley Travel Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships
Up to £750.
Careers this course leads to
- Occupational therapist
- Community occupational therapist
- Mental health occupational therapist
- Paediatric occupational therapist
- Rehabilitation occupational therapist
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
