BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship

Our programme enables existing health and social care staff to study for a degree whilst in paid employment
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If you have an enquiry about any of the apprenticeships at the University of Plymouth, please complete the below form.
Enquiry Form
You can also call us on +44 1752 583625.
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–16:30

How to apply

The potential apprentice will be required to complete an Initial Needs Analysis (INA) with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the Apprenticeship programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the INA the University will assess the information provided and determine the next steps.
The employer must request the Initial Needs Analysis by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk.
Applications for September 2025 will open on Monday 13 January 2025.
Deadline to apply for September 2025 is 30 June 2025.
For more information or to express your interest please complete our online enquiry form.
Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer.

Funding models for employers

We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.
There are currently two funding models:
  • Fully-funded: Levy paying organisations.
  • Co-funded: Non-levy organisations and levy who have exceeded their levy contribution.
Fully-funded
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.
  • Employer contribution: Employee salary only.
  • Apprentices contribution: £0.
Co-funded
If you are a non-levy paying organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million) or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95 per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute five per cent.
  • Government contribution £22,800.
  • Employer contribution £1,200.
  • Apprentice contribution £0.

Overview of modules

Year 1
Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice for Apprentices 1
Occupational Studies: Biological and Psychological Foundations for Occupation
Occupational Studies: Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice for Apprentices 2
Practice Placement 1
Year 2
Inter Professional Working for Apprentices
Occupational Studies: Exploration into Practice for Apprentices
Occupational Studies: Adults; Interruptions and Transitions
Occupational Studies: The Older Person; Interruptions and Transitions
Year 3
Occupational Studies: The Young Person; Interruptions and Transitions
Practice Placement 2
Project Studies
Occupational Studies: Humans as Occupational Beings Through Community Engagement
Occupational Studies: The Innovative Practitioner
Year 4
Research Project
Occupational Studies: Occupation for Promoting Health and Wellness of Communities
Occupational Studies: The Contemporary Practitioner
Practice Placement 3
Transition to practice for apprentices

Assessment methods

As an apprentice learner, you will be assessed utilising a diverse range of assessment methods. This could include coursework assessments such as essays, poster presentations or short reports. In addition, practical skills will be assessed during three practice placements.
Throughout the programme apprentices will also be required to maintain an electronic portfolio of evidence of learning, which on successful completion of the programme can become the foundation of your future continuing professional development.
As an apprentice learner, you will also receive regular support from a workplace mentor facilitating your reflection and integration of your learning within the workplace.

Programme summary

The aim of this programme is to offer a challenging and rewarding undergraduate experience to its apprentices, developing future practitioners, who are confident in delivering professional and inter-professional practice and contributing to future research in an ever-changing health care environment.
On successful completion of this programme, you will have achieved a bachelors honours degree in occupational therapy and therefore will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist.

Who is the programme for?

Occupational therapy is dynamic profession, focused on enabling people to engage and participate in the things that bring meaning and purpose to their life. The occupational therapy role is broad, encompassing public, private, voluntary and independent sectors – working in partnership with individuals across their lifespan.
Occupational therapy is suited to individuals with effective communication skills and the desire to enable people to reach their full potential, influenced by the theoretical and philosophical ideas that underpin the profession.
The programme is for individuals who are working in roles that are related to occupational therapy and wish to progress in their career and become registered occupational therapists.

Areas of specialism

  • @Philosophy and theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy and occupational science.

  • @Develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a registered occupational therapist.

  • @Inter-professional learning opportunities to deepen your understanding of your role and the role of others.

  • @Experience a range of practice placements, outside your typical job setting, to expand your skills in preparation professional practice.

Course facts

Duration: 4 years
Hours of study per week: Equivalent to at least 20% ‘off the job’ learning across the year.
Delivery type: Blended learning; a mix of ‘in person’ teaching and online learning.
Entry requirements:
  • GCSE minimum grade C/4 or above to include mathematics and English.
  • GCSE (or equivalent) in a science related subject (including social sciences) is preferable.
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualification equivalent to 112–128 UCAS Tariff Points within the last 5 years.
  • Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Other key facts:
  • Our programme is delivered by a team of well-published, internationally recognised, research-active occupational therapists.
  • Students in Plymouth can train and practice their professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place.
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Core skills

  • ?Be able to confidently implement the occupational therapy process.

  • ?Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurship.

  • ?Become an effective advocate for the profession and the service users you support.

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Benefits to the business

  • Invest in your staff and develop your workforce.
  • Opportunities to apply for apprenticeships levy fund.
  • Address organisational skills gap.
  • Attract and retain new talent.
  • Create opportunities for staff development.

Benefits to the apprentice

  • Integrate both academic study with work-based learning.
  • Experience university study while continuing to work and earn a wage.
  • Receive support from an employer who wants to invest in your future.
  • Have a university experience that recognises your work status.
  • Shape your practice according to the recognised theories, concepts and frameworks of occupational therapy.
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