Entry requirements
You should discuss your plan to undertake this apprenticeship with your line manager to ensure that you meet your employer’s requirements prior to applying. The Admissions tutor is also available to discuss the academic requirements with you.
Our typical offer is 120 UCAS points or BBB, from a minimum of 2 A level passes or equivalent, which must include a health or science related subject. Please note we do not accept General Studies AS or A Level and you must show evidence of recent academic study within the last four years at entry level. If your points fall outside of this time, the Admissions Tutor can advise you on a short course to undertake to demonstrate that you are still able to study at entry level.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator.
We also require at least five passes at GCSE grade C (numerical grade 4) or above, and including Maths and English GCSE at a minimum of Grade C or numerical grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent).
BTEC Extended National Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science and Applied Science preferred) DDM. Other BTEC National Diplomas may be considered with AS or A2 Biology / Human Biology / PE at grade B.
We accept Access to Higher Education Diploma and ask for 120 UCAS points from your level 3 units, which must be related to Health and Social Care or Science.
Your completed application form will be reviewed by our Admissions Team to ensure that you have the required entry qualifications.
Recognition of prior learning can be discussed with the Occupational Therapy Admissions Tutor in collaboration with your employer.
You will be working and studying simultaneously and will have the support of a work-based mentor and an academic personal tutor.
Values-based interview
Your employer will have undertaken a values-based interview with you when you joined the organisation or when you approached them to consider putting you forward to become an apprentice.
An interview for your university place will be undertaken in April.
Fitness to practise
Medical assessments of your mental and physical health and disclosure of criminal convictions apply to all occupational therapy courses and are based on current HCPC requirements. Occupational Therapists are registered health care professionals and the ability to practise safely, effectively and professionally is essential, so all applicants are required to follow our fitness to practise procedures.
Your employer will undertake a DBS check and occupational health assessment. Please refer to the HEOPS occupational therapy student fitness standards.
Personal qualities
We select apprentices based on their knowledge, motivation, experience, values and behaviours, not just academic ability. You need to demonstrate an ability to:
- Study academic subjects at the course level
- Debate topics and issues
- Draw on conclusions from written material
- Study independently and as part of a group
- Use computers and technology associated with teaching, learning and assessment
- Interact with people in an appropriate manner demonstrating the values of the health and care professions
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the course
Please note that completing an approved programme does not guarantee you will become registered as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council. It shows the applicant meets the minimum professional standards and is eligible to apply for registration. The Health and Care Professions Council will request additional information from you so that they can verify your eligibility. Further details may be found on the Health and Care Professions Council website.
Applicants and enrolled students must be able to demonstrate that they meet the professional standards for practice, as well as the ethical and professional conduct expectations of our profession, throughout their time in training.
Fees and finance
Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships.
For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.
For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361 or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
