*Please note this course is subject to validation, for more information on what this means please visit our coursepage.
If you’re an aspiring occupational therapist and want to make a promising start to your career, Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has all the tools you need to start out strong and graduate ready to work.
As an occupational therapist, you will help people overcome difficulties carrying out day-to-day activities. It is a fulfilling role and a great way to give back to the community, and that’s why our inspirational work placements are close to home in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. With insightful teaching, amazing facilities and a friendly student community, there is no limit to where you can go with BNU.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Developed from professional insight and working experience, the programme has been developed in partnership with local employers to give you the most modern up to date skills required for the NHS and private practice. Our course will help you gain the skills you need to provide first class care.
BNU provides clinical placements within Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London areas. Our course will put you in good stead to pursue work locally at our Trusts and other organisations after graduation, should you wish to remain here. We work with a range of partners across the region and our students are highly respected while there.
As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free as part of our exclusive Big Deal package. We are the only university in the UK to offer our members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities, allowing you to experience new things, socialise with broader groups of people and boost employability – all to enrich your university experience.
We utilise state-of-the-art facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills – our purpose-built wards include real equipment, just like you would find in a real life clinical setting. Simulation Based Education is an important aspect of all our healthcare programmes. You will regularly be taking part in realistic scenarios to practise a broad spectrum of technical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
What facilities can I use?
With industry standard facilities in the Buckinghamshire area, we are the only institution that can offer our level of equipment in High Wycombe and the immediate surrounding area.
At our High Wycombe Campus, we have purpose-built facilities, including well-equipped simulation clinics and teaching rooms, where you will be taught throughout your course. Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments, and there is plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.
Most of the placements on your course are in Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties, in addition, due to the University being part of the PMP, we have existing placement contracts with various hospitals around London, Oxford, Berkshire and Hertfordshire.
We will also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment, which means you will have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!
What will I study?
Occupational therapy involves enhancing the daily lives of people with a broad range of physical, mental health and social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with people of all ages, to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.
Our occupational therapy degree will equip you with the skills to practise as a competent occupational therapist, in a wide variety of health and social care environments. Your studies will cover the theory and the practical aspects of this exciting and varied role.
Working with a range of people who all have different requirements, you will need to understand each client's lifestyle so that you can work with them to create the best treatment plan. We help you take an individual approach to each patient's physical and mental wellbeing and evaluate all their needs - physical, social, psychological and environmental.
You will have the skills to be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate treatment plans in hospital and community settings and establish realistic goals with the patient, or know when to refer patients to other specialists when needed.
Organising support and rehabilitation groups for carers and clients will be a big part of your role, you will be able to contribute to the analysis, planning, audit, development and evaluation of clinical services, using the skills you gain whilst studying at BNU.
How will I be taught and assessed?
All our degree modules will include online activities and we will engage in positive and formative feedback on your work. Forms of formative feedback include peer feedback, discussions, and in-class (face-to-face) interactions. Feedback from exams will be provided within the 3-week turnaround as per the University guideline for feedback.
The following assessment activities are used on this programme:
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viva exams with a focus on the evaluation and application of theoretical knowledge
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practical exams (OSCE) with a focus on skills and theory
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written exams
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written coursework with a focus on critical evaluation and analytical writing
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online portfolios with a focus on critical analysis, reflective practice, and professional development
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clinical case studies
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research literacies are assessed sequentially in the first-year research methods module and the final dissertation module.
Clinical Placement
You will also be continuously assessed on clinical placement in a range of different areas, such as physical and mental health settings. Practice is a key part of occupational therapy training.
Clinical placement is an important part of the occupational therapy course, however, being assessed is not something to fear. BNU wants the best outcome for you and we will always provide you an opportunity to improve, learn and grow.
