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Degree Level Apprenticeship in Occupational Therapy (England only)

Degree level apprenticeships are becoming a popular way to study occupational therapy in England.  The first apprenticeships were launched in 2019 and numbers are growing steadily. 

By completing the route to becoming an occupational therapist in this way, the apprentice is able to work and study simultaneously, therefore in a position to earn an income as well as studying. There are currently several universities across England who provide the Occupational Therapy Degree Level Apprenticeship.

These include;

  • Canterbury Christ Church University
  • Coventry University (+London campus) 
  • London South Bank University
  • Northumbria University
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • Teesside University
  • University of Brighton
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of East London
  • University of Essex
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Huddersfield
  • University of Northampton
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Sunderland
  • University of the West of England
  • University of Wolverhampton

We are working with several other universities in England while they develop and prepare to deliver degree level apprenticeships in occupational therapy. As these become available we will add to the list. 

Universities all work collaboratively with partner organisations, usually employers in health and social care settings but also in small and medium sized private employers (SME), to deliver on the job training and academic education to apprentices.  Successful completion of the apprenticeship programme will enable application to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration to practice using the protected title ‘Occupational Therapist’.

Quality monitoring of apprenticeships

As each employer/university relationship is unique, the pathway to delivering the apprenticeships will also be unique and varied. However, every apprentice is guaranteed that they will receive training and education which meets the quality of The Learning and development standards for pre-registration education (RCOT 2019) since all universities in England who deliver the apprenticeship route to becoming an occupational therapist is accredited by RCOT.  The World Federation of Occupational Therapists provide the delegated authority to RCOT to approve every university programme on its behalf, which means that when qualified, an apprentice is able to travel to many different countries to work, using their degree qualification from a UK university.

 

FAQs about becoming an apprentice

What are the tuition fees to become an apprentice?

Successful recruits to an apprenticeship can expect to receive a salary for the duration of study/training. Training can take between three to four years to complete. There are no tuition fees, and an apprentice will receive a salary. Salaries will vary depending on the employer but an NHS employer could pay the equivalent of a Band 2/3 or 4 salary. Other employing organisations will have differing pay and salary scales.

Will I be expected to attend university?

As an apprentice you will complete an academic component (20%) in addition to the work-based, 'on the job' learning element (80%) of the apprenticeship. You will spend time away from work, studying with other colleagues at the university linked to their course. The academic learning will take place in alignment with the university calendar and you will be granted the usual annual leave of a member of staff in their organisation.

Do I have to move around different settings during my apprenticeship?

Within the duration of the apprenticeship, you will be required to successfully complete a total of 1,000 hours of practice placement. This is likely to take place in an area outside your normal working environment, for example in a different clinical or social care setting.

Are there exams? Which award is granted on successful completion of the apprenticeship?

At the very end of the apprenticeship training an End Point Assessment (EPA) is taken, and on successful completion of this, you will graduate with the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours, BSc (Hons). You will then become eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and practice as an occupational therapist.

RCOT membership is available for apprentices

To gain full benefit from the learning you will undertake during your apprenticeship journey, please consider becoming a member of RCOT.  You have a choice between signing up as a student member, or an associate member.  Either of these will deliver some excellent benefits to support you through your journey.  Read more about the range of resources and support you can expect to receive when you become an RCOT member.