Overview

Want a career that makes a difference in people’s lives?

Our BSc Hons Occupational Therapy course is a hands-on degree which will help you become a confident and compassionate Occupational Therapist (OT).

Occupational Therapists help people take part in activities that matter to them. You’ll learn how everyday activities impact health and wellbeing, and how you can help people improve their lives.

Learning in the classroom and out on placements, you’ll develop the skills needed to work across:

hospitals
schools
rehabilitation centres
private practice
community environments.

Our experienced team will support you to develop your critical thinking and creativity. You will study with other healthcare and social care professionals, reflecting the teamwork and collaboration that is central to contemporary practice.

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

This means your qualification is recognised worldwide, opening the door to a rewarding career in healthcare.

Why study Occupational Therapy at GCU?

We have a long-standing and leading role in the delivery of occupational therapy education in Scotland.
Supportive and approachable teaching team, committed to student-centred learning and academic success
Range of placement and simulation opportunities to develop occupational therapy skills in safe, supportive, real-world contexts.
Study an innovative, occupation-focused curriculum, integrating theory and practice
Interprofessional learning brings you together with students and professionals across health and social care, reflecting the collaborative reality of modern healthcare.

Health and Care Professionals Council

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Royal College of Occupational Therapists

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World Federation of Occupational Therapists

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

After graduation, you’ll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist. You’ll work with people of all ages, helping them to live meaningful, independent lives. You will support them to overcome challenges and achieve what matters to them.

Our graduates are employed in:

hospitals
schools
rehabilitation units
charities
voluntary organisations.

They often go on to work with marginalised and disadvantaged groups, making a lasting impact on communities. Some of our graduates now work for:

Glasgow City Council
NHS Lothian
PAMIS, a Scottish organisation that supports people with learning disabilities.

You’ll benefit from GCU’s strong professional networks, connecting you with future employers during your studies.

Occupational Therapists are highly sought after across the UK and internationally. This is a stable and rewarding career with excellent opportunities for growth and development.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B930	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B930	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent

A Level: BCC or equivalent

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent

A Level: CCC or equivalent

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

HNC in Occupational Therapy Support

Specific units required

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information

Acceptance to this course is subject to a satisfactory occupational health screening and PVG clearance.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching and assessment methods

Our course offers an engaging learning experience designed to help you develop the confidence, skills, and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives. Focusing on active learning, we use academically challenging methods to ensure every student thrives. Methods used include group work, presentations, case studies, and problem-based learning.

You’ll learn directly from experienced practitioners and guest lecturers who bring real-world insight. Their expertise ensures your learning is grounded in current professional practice.

You’ll be assessed through diverse methods such as essays, simulated experiences and presentations. This will allow you to showcase your strengths and apply your learning in meaningful ways.

Practice placement

Practice-based learning helps you develop the skills essential to being a confident therapist. Placements begin in your first year, and you’ll complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice-based experience by the time you graduate.

From hospital placements to community projects and simulated learning experiences, you’ll apply your knowledge in diverse real-world settings. Previous students have completed placements within schools, community mental health teams and care homes, working alongside Occupational Therapists and other professionals.

Facilities

You’ll practice and refine your skills working in our on-campus simulated hospital ward and home environments.

You’ll also have access to excellent library and learning development support services. Support from these services is embedded into the course to help you build your academic skills.

Research and impact

In your final year, you’ll conduct a research project focused on a contemporary issue in occupational therapy. This will allow you to explore your own area of interest and contribute to evidence-based practice. You’ll graduate as a reflective, adaptable, and research-informed practitioner, ready to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Common Good

We’re committed to developing graduates who make a meaningful difference in the world. We aim to nurture confidence, creativity, integrity, and responsibility in our students. You’ll be encouraged to explore new ideas, take part in inspiring learning activities, and discover how occupational therapy can create positive change in the lives of individuals, groups and communities.

Accreditation

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), allowing you to work as a registered Occupational Therapist in the UK.

Our programme meets the 1,000 hours of practice-based learning required by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), giving you the flexibility to pursue professional registration internationally.

Visit the HCPC website

Visit the RCOT website

Visit the WFOT website

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Occupational Therapy at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information