Occupational Therapy | Degree Apprenticeship BSC (Hons)
3 years full time

Modules and Learning

The Occupational Therapist Degree Apprenticeship uses a blended learning approach, which will be a mix of online live teaching sessions each week, directed study/learning tasks with web-based resources, peer learning groups, twice yearly week of on campus sessions and practice placement learning in an area different from the workplace setting.

There is also a large component of self-directed study and reflective learning, where apprentices will explore the links connecting Theory to Practice in the workplace and on placement. Apprentices will be supported by a work-place allocated mentor in exploring these reflections and recording evidence of learning in the Programme Workbooks at each academic level. These are an important element of the learning and evidence of the developing knowledge and skills that will be a focus of the week of on-campus sessions each semester.

The programme acknowledges the value of ‘research informed, applied learning’ as a means of developing and transferring knowledge about Occupational Therapy and developing personal capabilities and future career prospects. To enable this, the learning will enable reflection on past and current work-related experiences and, through practical assessment, develop the ability to apply learning in the organisation. The programme embeds the development of research skills as a core element of the learning process, with research tutored and research led activities in each module.

Apprenticeship Assessment

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent Apprenticeship Assessment gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult Skills England Apprenticeship standards here. This apprenticeship is fully integrated and the EPA is included within the 3 year programme.  

University-led Learning

This degree apprenticeship programme is designed for engaging in a work-based learning programme providing opportunities to develop understanding of occupational therapy and capitalise on opportunities for applied learning within the context of employment. 

Apprentices will combine academic studies with work-based reflection including their own personal practices and behaviours. This is designed to equip apprentices for such influential roles and support longer-term career aspirations of working as a Registered Occupational Therapist.  

Apprentices will be supported to learn and develop by a dedicated academic team who are all occupational therapists registered with HCPC, including staff who are Lecturer/practitioners, with clinical employment in local services. The team have a wealth of clinical experience across a wide range of practice areas, reflected in the variety of research interests and projects that members of the team are involved with in relation to occupational therapy practice. They can offer support in the practical application of skills and knowledge, emphasise a person-centred approach within occupational therapy, and identify opportunities for apprentices to interact with peers and staff.  Apprentices will also have a specific Personal Tutor throughout the programme for support and guidance.

Recognising apprentices are a work-based learners, significant emphasis will be placed on developing the academic learning skills and confidence.  This ongoing series of learning activities will begin with an induction. This offers an opportunity to discuss expectations; explore issues relating to the programme structure and delivery, and to provide practical guidance in terms of use of library and support services. Apprentices are actively encouraged to take advantage of the support and services provided by the University’s Student Services, Skills Plus resource and the Library Service, all of which will be introduced as part of the induction event. 

Extensive support is also accessible online as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning (TEL). This employs the use of the e-learning portal and social networking and collaborative learning tools. A central feature of the academic support available is the service provided by the university library at Northumbria. This service caters for all learning needs, has extensive access to electronic texts and tutorials that will directly support the development of academic skills aimed at developing critical thinking and analytical writing.

Employer-led Learning

In partnership with Northumbria University, the employer will support the learner at work to achieve their apprenticeship. The Occupational Therapist Degree Apprenticeship is a full time programme of study comprising of on and off the job training in conjunction with the employer. 40% of learning is dedicated to academic study at the university and practice placement, 60% of learning occurs in the workplace as part of the work role as an Occupational Therapist apprentice.

The employer will employ the apprentice in a genuine paid role which is relevant to the subject area of the apprenticeship and of sufficient duration to allow completion of the apprenticeship. The employer will also provide opportunities to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours learnt in the apprenticeship; and allow at least 40% of normal working hours in activities related to the apprenticeship learning. This is called ‘Off the Job Training’ (OJT). 

OJT can include: 

• Attendance at scheduled classes 
• Practical work-based training: Practice Placement, Shadowing, mentoring, industry visits 
• Engagement with learning support and time spent writing assessments 

The employer will also provide a Workplace Mentor and ensure their engagement in Tri-partite meetings with the apprentice and University Tutor. 

As an employee, apprentices will have access to the usual employment benefits/employee support resources that the organisation provides in line with the employment contract.

The University also provides a team of specialist support staff providing information and guidance to all apprentices/learners, plus services and support for apprentices with a disability, including dyslexia or dyspraxia, long-term medical conditions, sensory impairments, mental health issues and mobility impairments. This support is accessible via the Student Portal and Ask4Help service 24/7. Personal tutors and programme staff can also be contacted via email during usual working hours.

Fees, Funding and The Levy

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprenticeship; the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status. 

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance. Application and entry onto this course should be initiated by employers. To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete our enquiry form here, and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly. 

The Levy Explained

Funding for Non-Levy Payers

Application & Recruitment

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Sales and Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study this apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.  

Enquire now about this apprenticeship:

If you would like to find out more about any of our workforce development programmes or learn how we can work with your organisation to develop your employees, complete the form below and someone from Business Development team will be in touch.