**Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?**
Developed from professional insight and working experience, the programme has been developed in partnership with local employers to give you the most modern up to date skills required for the NHS and private practice. Our course will help you gain the skills you need to provide first class care.

BNU provides clinical placements within Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London areas. Our course will put you in good stead to pursue work locally at our Trusts and other organisations after graduation, should you wish to remain here. We work with a range of partners across the region and our students are highly respected while there.

**What facilities can I use?**
With industry standard facilities in the Buckinghamshire area, we are the only institution that can offer our level of equipment in High Wycombe and the immediate surrounding area.

At our High Wycombe Campus, we have purpose-built facilities, including well-equipped simulation clinics and teaching rooms, where you will be taught throughout your course. Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments, and there is plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

Most of the placements on your course are in Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties, in addition, due to the University being part of the PMP, we have existing placement contracts with various hospitals around London, Oxford, Berkshire and Hertfordshire.

**What will I study?**
Occupational therapy involves enhancing the daily lives of people with a broad range of physical, mental health and social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with people of all ages, to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.

Our occupational therapy degree will equip you with the skills to practise as a competent occupational therapist, in a wide variety of health and social care environments. Your studies will cover the theory and the practical aspects of this exciting and varied role.

Working with a range of people who all have different requirements, you will need to understand each client's lifestyle so that you can work with them to create the best treatment plan. We help you take an individual approach to each patient's physical and mental wellbeing and evaluate all their needs - physical, social, psychological and environmental.

You will have the skills to be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate treatment plans in hospital and community settings and establish realistic goals with the patient, or know when to refer patients to other specialists when needed.

Organising support and rehabilitation groups for carers and clients will be a big part of your role, you will be able to contribute to the analysis, planning, audit, development and evaluation of clinical services, using the skills you gain whilst studying at BNU.

**Career Prospects**
Registered occupational therapists work in a range of different areas including the NHS, local authorities, schools, independent organisations such as voluntary or community organisations, charities and other settings.

As a newly qualified occupational therapist, you may want to gain experience in a range of specialties before you decide on an area of occupational therapy you want to provide. You may already know where you want to go based on what you enjoyed and studied at university.