Occupational Therapy (BSc (Hons)) at University College Cork

Students on this broad and varied Occupational Therapy course study psychology, anatomy and physiology, as well as occupational therapy theories, assessment and treatment approaches and evidence-based practice.

The UCC course stands out from other occupational therapy courses in its focus on your development – both personal and professional – which is interwoven throughout academic and practice-based modules. 

Learning is different at UCC too. Complex task-based learning (TBL) is the medium through which you will study, with a lot of self-directed individual and group work. Emphasis is placed on being able to talk about what you are doing and thinking. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be developed in a logical sequence over the course of the four years.

At UCC, we place equal emphasis on learning to work with children/young people and adults/older adults and on developing expertise in the areas of physical and mental health.

On our course, we want to educate future practitioners who possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes to deliver traditional occupational therapy and are prepared to be leaders in policy development and emerging areas of practice

10 great reasons to study Occupational Therapy at UCC

1. We were one of the first universities in the world to design the curriculum according to the latest WFOT [2002] guidelines
2. A strong focus on occupation in keeping with international trends
3. Task and project-based learning – you will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes through active learning and continuous assessment
4. Lifespan approach across the curriculum. UCC uniquely devotes one whole academic year to working with children and young people
5. Learn with other health science students – after all, you will be working together when you qualify
6. Small class size – great staff-student relationships – high level of support for your learning and development
7. Opportunities to travel abroad on your practice education placements
8. Multi award-winning staff group with varied clinical and research expertise
9. Vibrant research programme in the department
10. Opportunities for funding for students to attend OT conferences and do postgraduate study.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Work placement

You will do a minimum of 1,000 hours of placement in a range of settings across the four years. These placements will be arranged for you by the department. Practice settings for UCC are normally within the Health Service Executive Southern Area, which comprises Kerry, Waterford, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Wexford, Carlow and Cork.

Study abroad

Our department has ERASMUS links with Cardiff University, Wales and University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark. There may be opportunities for some practice experiences affiliated with these universities. We are excited to be exploring possible links with other courses in Europe and the US.

Skills and Careers Information

Occupational therapists are employed as therapists, researchers, managers and educators in Ireland and internationally.

Occupational therapy is a people profession and is all about helping people live life to the fullest. People can be prevented from living life to the fullest for lots of reasons, including ill-health, disability or other obstacles in their environment. Occupational therapists are experts in analysing everyday activities or "occupations" and helping people do the activities that they need or want to do in their day-to-day life.

Occupational therapists work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health centres, care homes, schools, prisons and in the community in people’s homes and workplaces.

Demand for occupational therapy services is strong internationally. In the US, occupational therapy was cited as a top profession in 2012 and one of the nation’s 150 best recession-proof jobs. Our course is fully accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, meaning that your degree qualification is recognised internationally.