The UCT Occupational Therapy programme provides students with a strong foundation in the medical, scientific, social and psychological aspects of health, wellbeing and participation.

Students explore how people engage in everyday activities and how illness, injury, disability and social barriers can affect participation.

Areas of practice include:

• Child Learning, Development and Play
• Physical Health
• Mental Health
• Work Practice
• Community Development Practice

Students also share some classes with Physiotherapy students during their first two years, providing a broader understanding of rehabilitation and healthcare.

4 year BSc in Occupational Therapy

Duration: Four years, full-time

Subjects and minimum results:

• English Home Language OR First Additional Language: 65%
• Mathematics: 60% OR Mathematics Literacy: 70%
• Physical Science OR Life Science: 65%
• Next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation: 60%

Academic Point Score (APS):

• Minimum of 340

National Benchmark Tests (NBTs):

• Intermediate range

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited and selection is competitive.

Practice learning is an important part of the UCT Occupational Therapy programme.

In second year, students begin applying their knowledge in practice settings under supervision, developing skills in assessing function, participation and occupational performance.

In third year, students undertake more complex clinical work and gain experience across different practice areas, including physical health, mental health, child development and community-based practice.

In fourth year, students spend four days a week in a variety of practice learning settings, providing extensive experience and preparing them for professional practice.

UCT's practice learning takes place across diverse contexts, including community centres, schools, vocational training units and health facilities.

Occupational therapists can work with individuals, groups and communities across a wide range of settings.

Career opportunities include work in:

• Hospitals and health facilities
• Schools
• Clinics and community settings
• Workplaces and vocational settings
• Private practice
• Community development
• Research and teaching
• Organisations and industry

Occupational therapists support people to participate more fully in everyday life and can work across areas including physical health, mental health, child development, work practice and community development.

After completing the four-year degree, graduates complete one year of community service and can then register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to practise independently as occupational therapists.