Occupational Therapy (BSc)

Welcome to Occupational Therapy at Birmingham Newman University.

We would like to extend our warmest welcome to you all as you join Birmingham Newman University.

The teaching team are excited to meet you all and start working alongside you on your journey to becoming a qualified Occupational Therapist.

During your first few days, we will introduce you other members of the School of Nursing and Allied Health (SoNAH) such as Ronnie Meechan (Head of SoNAH), Matthew Aldridge (Head of Placements and Simulation) and Annabel Masson (Head of subject Allied Health) as well as other members of the teaching team.

Timetable

As part of the course, you will be provided with practice placements. Details regarding time commitment involved for these placements will be provided by the subject area at a later point.

For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable where some aspects can change on a weekly basis. Normally classes will be distributed across 3 to 4 days per week between 9am and 6pm.

For Occupational Therapy the on-campus days in semester 1 are:

Monday
Tuesday
Thursday

Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.

Pre-induction activities

We would like you to explore the different areas an Occupational Therapists can work in and have a think about what knowledge or experience you have with Occupational Therapists, as we will be discussing these during your induction phase.

It may also be helpful for you to check out the Royal College of Occupational Therapist website for more information about the Occupational Therapy profession.

Induction day

Course start:

Monday 1 September
10am
Room: ST002

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.

Your teaching team

Sabrina Thomas – Senior Lecturer (Programme Lead) Occupational Therapy
Clare Jones – Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Amal Ahmedi – Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

Module delivery

The teaching in the first year will cover four modules entitled:

Foundations of occupational therapy practice
Understanding occupational performance
Introduction to healthcare practice
Health and wellbeing
The teaching in the first semester will be across three modules that will include classroom and practical sessions.

We will be providing a blended learning approach with use of case-based studies and additional online resources.

There will also be ‘pre session’ and post session work for you to complete independently to support your learning, but please be assured that we will be here to guide you to the right materials to support your learning and success.

During the November of Semester 1, you will also experience your first practice based learning block – a 2 week ‘care based placement’ where you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Although your main timetabled days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during Semester 1, you will required to attend mandatory immunisation and training sessions which may take place on a Wednesday and Thursday.

Paying your student fees

Online enrolment

Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams

As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.

Dates & Times

1 September – 11am – 2pm
4 & 5 September – 11:30am to 1pm
15, 17, 18 & 19 September – 11am to 2pm

Note: The Students’ Union Welcome Fair will take place on 16 September – see their website for more details.

You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.

Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.

And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!

The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.