BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy

Cork

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program at University College Cork (UCC) is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in occupational therapy, focusing on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful activities and occupations that enhance their health and well-being. Located in Cork, Ireland, UCC provides a supportive and vibrant learning environment where students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping students with the expertise and competencies needed to assess, plan, and implement occupational therapy interventions across the lifespan. With a strong emphasis on person-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration, the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program at UCC prepares students to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Occupational Therapy Foundations: The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program provides students with a solid foundation in the principles, theories, and models of occupational therapy. Students learn about the therapeutic use of activities and occupations to promote health, prevent injury and disability, and facilitate rehabilitation and recovery. They study human development, anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, and occupational science, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence individuals' participation in daily life activities.

Clinical Skills Development: Clinical skills development is a key component of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program, with students engaging in hands-on learning experiences through laboratory sessions, simulated activities, and clinical placements. Students learn assessment techniques, activity analysis, goal setting, intervention planning, and therapeutic techniques, honing their practical skills and clinical reasoning abilities. Clinical placements provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, working with individuals across the lifespan in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities.

Person-Centered Practice: Person-centered practice is at the heart of occupational therapy, with a focus on understanding individuals' unique strengths, preferences, goals, and challenges. The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program emphasizes the importance of building therapeutic relationships, collaborating with clients and their families, and empowering individuals to achieve their goals and participate fully in life activities. Students learn to conduct client-centered assessments, develop individualized intervention plans, and evaluate outcomes in partnership with clients, promoting autonomy, independence, and quality of life.

Evidence-Based Practice: Evidence-based practice is integral to effective occupational therapy intervention, with students learning to integrate research evidence, clinical expertise, and client values and preferences in decision-making. The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program equips students with the skills to critically appraise research literature, apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols in practice, and contribute to the generation of new knowledge through research projects and scholarly inquiry. By staying informed about the latest research findings and best practices, students ensure that their interventions are effective, efficient, and tailored to meet the needs of their clients.

Interprofessional Collaboration: Occupational therapy is a collaborative profession that works closely with other healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, and community stakeholders to promote health, well-being, and participation. The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration, communication, and teamwork in delivering holistic and integrated care to individuals and communities. Students learn to collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team, advocating for their clients' needs and coordinating care across settings to optimize outcomes.

Pollster Education

Location

Cork

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

€ 20500

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
  • PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
  • DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy program at University College Cork (UCC) are well-positioned for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the field of occupational therapy, both nationally and internationally. With their comprehensive education, clinical experience, and commitment to promoting health, well-being, and participation, graduates play a crucial role in helping individuals of all ages overcome challenges and achieve their full potential in daily life activities. The demand for occupational therapists continues to grow, with opportunities available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, rehabilitation facilities, mental health services, and private practice.

  1. Clinical Occupational Therapist: Many graduates pursue careers as clinical occupational therapists, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health settings. Clinical occupational therapists assess individuals' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and provide therapy to improve their functional abilities, independence, and quality of life. They work with clients of all ages and conditions, including children with developmental delays, adults with physical disabilities, and older adults with age-related challenges.

  2. Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Pediatric occupational therapists specialize in working with children and adolescents, addressing their developmental, educational, and behavioral needs. Pediatric occupational therapists work in schools, early intervention programs, clinics, and community settings, collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support children's participation in daily activities, promote learning and development, and enhance their social and emotional well-being.

  3. Mental Health Occupational Therapist: Mental health occupational therapists work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders. They work in hospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health centers, and rehabilitation programs, providing therapy, support, and interventions to help individuals manage symptoms, improve coping skills, and achieve their recovery goals.

  4. Geriatric Occupational Therapist: Geriatric occupational therapists specialize in working with older adults, addressing their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs to promote aging in place and maintain independence and quality of life. Geriatric occupational therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies, providing assessments, interventions, and environmental modifications to support older adults' safety, mobility, and participation in meaningful activities.

  5. Community and Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist: Community and vocational rehabilitation specialists work with individuals who have experienced injury, illness, or disability to regain independence and participate in community life and employment. They work in community rehabilitation centers, vocational training programs, and supported employment services, providing assessment, training, and support to help individuals develop vocational skills, access resources, and transition back to work or community living.

  6. Private Practice and Entrepreneurship: Some graduates choose to establish their own private practices or entrepreneurial ventures, offering occupational therapy services to clients in their communities. Private practice occupational therapists may specialize in areas such as hand therapy, driving rehabilitation, ergonomic consulting, or sensory integration therapy, providing tailored services to meet the unique needs of their clients and communities.

  7. Research and Academia: Graduates may pursue careers in research institutions, universities, or healthcare organizations, conducting research, teaching, and mentoring future generations of occupational therapists. Research occupational therapists contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy knowledge through research projects, clinical trials, and scholarly publications, addressing important questions and improving outcomes for individuals and communities.


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