Occupational Therapy - Tertiary Education Programme

Students on this broad and varied 5 year Tertiary degree in Occupational Therapy study psychology, anatomy and physiology, as well as occupational therapy theories, assessment and treatment approaches and evidence-based practice.

Places are awarded on the course subject to applications meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course and successfully completing all stages of the application process, culminating in writing a personal statement and a successful interview. Both the College of Further Education and the Higher Education Institution will be represented on the interview panel. Students will be invited to write their personal statement prior to the interview, as part of the interview process. The minimum entry requirements for the tertiary Occupational Therapy degree will align with UCC’s standards: Leaving Certificate (or equivalent):

• Leaving Certificate with six subjects
• Minimum grade H4 in a lab science subject. Recognised Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry, or Agricultural Science
• Minimum grade H5 in another subject.
• Minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects including English and Maths. Mature Students:
• Must be 22 years old by January 1st of the application year. There are no minimum academic entry requirements for mature students. QQI Level 5 Holders: Must have achieved the full award with an overall Merit grade. Must have attained a minimum of a Merit in Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749). Applicants from the United Kingdom and overseas would need to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the minimum entry requirements above in a General Certificate in Education (GCE), such as the GCE A Level. Applicant’s Desirable Competencies and Experience Applicants considering the tertiary Occupational Therapy degree should want to be part of an active and changing dynamic environment. They should also enjoy working with other people and value caring for people, demonstrating compassion and empathy. In this environment, excellent problem-solving, organisational skills and creativity are a strength. Additionally, being flexible, adaptable, having physical stamina, as well as cultural competency will all be required in this role. In line with UCC’s Graduate Attributes Programme , graduates will be recognised for being well-rounded, curious, self-aware individuals who continually learn new skills, are open to new ideas, and make things happen. English Language Requirements Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language, as follows:
• Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade O6
• GCE A-Level English Language: Grade D All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be provided through one of the following mechanisms:
• English language proficiency assessment conducted by relevant ETB during the enrolment process. Minimum B2 in all skills on entry.
• A valid certificate in English language from one of the institutions listed below:
• International Examinations: Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Minimum Grade – Grade B or higher
• International Examinations: Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Minimum Grade – Borderline Fail Min 170 points
• International Examinations: Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), Minimum Grade- Unsuccessful With min. 170 points
• International Examinations, IELTS, Minimum Grade 6
• Duolingo English Test DET 120 with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section Note: IELTS certificates are only valid two years from the date of assessment. It is recommended that the same validity duration is applied to all other examinations.