Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science

Welcome to Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession that supports people of all ages to participate in everyday activities that matter to them. It promotes wellbeing by helping individuals develop skills, adapt tasks, or modify environments—at home, at work, and in the community. Whether returning to work after injury, supporting a child in school, or helping older adults stay independent, occupational therapy empowers people to live life their way. (Adapted from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2012.)

Client-centred practice prepares our graduates for diverse career pathways

Graduates of the Occupational Therapy programme at University College Cork are well-prepared to work across a variety of healthcare and community settings in Ireland and abroad.
Career pathways include roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health services, primary care teams, schools, disability services, and residential or community-based aged care. UCC graduates also pursue opportunities in private practice, research, policy development, and workplace or vocational rehabilitation. With a strong foundation in client-centred practice, UCC-trained occupational therapists are equipped to improve quality of life for individuals and communities through participation in meaningful occupation.

Clinical practice is essential to our programmes

As part of the Occupational Therapy programme at UCC, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice to meet professional registration standards. These placements provide essential experience across physical, mental health, paediatrics, and community settings. To ensure diverse learning, placements may occur across Ireland, and students should be prepared to travel outside of Cork. Opportunities for international placements are also available through partnerships in Europe, the USA, and Australia. Clinical education is vital for developing competent, ethical practitioners, and the programme values the support of dedicated supervisors who help prepare students for CORU registration and professional practice.

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25 Jul 2025

School of Clinical Therapies Scoil na dTeiripí Cliniciúla

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Welcome to Occupational Therapy

Client-centred practice prepares our graduates for diverse career pathways

Clinical practice is essential to our programmes

News

Every Day Matters: Healthy Habits for University Life

Tertiary Degree Pathway in Occupational Therapy commences at UCC

Prof Margaret McGrath delivers her Inaugural Professorial Lecture

Grace Richards, Class of 2021

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School of Clinical Therapies

Scoil na dTeiripí Cliniciúla