Entry requirements
We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.
BTEC Extended National Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science, Health Science, and Applied Science preferred) DMM. Other BTEC National Diplomas may be considered with AS or A2 Biology / Human Biology / PE at grade B.
Your completed application form will be reviewed by our Admissions Team to ensure that you have the required entry qualifications. If you meet these requirements, then your application and personal statement will be individually assessed by the Admissions Tutor and if successful, you will be shortlisted for interview.
Values-based interview
All shortlisted applicants must attend an individual and group interview as part of the selection process. Your values, behaviours, problem-solving and communication skills will also be assessed. The interview panel will include academic staff, Occupational Therapy practitioners, and experts by their lived experience.
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. This means you are required to complete the following:
- A health declaration form. Here you must demonstrate that you are of good health, good character, and can satisfactorily pass occupational health screening. In addition, you will be required to attend an Occupational Health Assessment with an NHS Trust. The University will, taking into account current HCPC regulations, make any reasonable adjustments if required. Please refer to the HEOPS occupational therapy student fitness standards.
- A self-declaration form about your conduct.
- Obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost of the DBS check is covered by the University.
Instructions on how you complete these checks will be sent to you once you hold a conditional firm offer with us. These forms are then reviewed alongside your application, and you must meet both the academic and fitness to practise requirements before you will be given an unconditional offer. If you are successful, you will also need to complete an annual declaration form to confirm you are fit and there are no changes to your DBS.
Second reference
You will be asked to provide a second written reference as part of the interview process. The reference can be from your current employer, character reference (e.g. former employer, colleague, teacher, advisor, etc.), or from a supervisor in a voluntary role. If you are currently employed, the reference should be from your employer. Please note this must not be the same reference you have submitted as part of your application.
Personal qualities
We select students based on their knowledge, motivation, experience, values, and behaviours, not just academic ability. You need to demonstrate the 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
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 the profession, throughout their time in training.
If English is not your first language, you need an overall IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in each band.
Fees and finance
The annual fee for this course is £11,100.
In addition, you will be expected to buy your books, stationery, travel, and accommodation. For practice placements, you will need to buy a suitable pair of shoes that meet health and safety requirements, and the University will provide you with a uniform.
Please note we are unable to accept applications from international students.
Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.