Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

Welcome to Our Website

The Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy provides a qualifying undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy accredited by the Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). The four year programme includes university-based studies plus a minimum of 1000 clinical hours required for practice as an occupational therapist in the Republic of Ireland . The Department also provides opportunities for postgraduate study through masters and doctoral programmes, both taught and by research.

Our History

The Department of Occupational Therapy was established in 2003 following the need to increase occupational therapy education places nationally in Ireland. There has been an annual intake of approximately 25-30 undergraduate students annually since 2003; approximately 21 students have graduated each year since 2007. The curriculum is based on standards set by the professional associations, the Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI) guided by the revised minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (2002).

Professor Susan Ryan was Chair of the department from 2003 to 2007 and established the programme as a Task-Based Learning (TBL) programme which is informed by research in student education and effective learning. She is currently Professor of the Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle, Australia. 

Professor Gill Chard took over as Chair from 2007 to summer of 2010, and during her professorship (in 2008) the department officially changed its name to the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

From August 2010 to May 2011, the department had been supported by the advisory input of Professor Christine Craik who worked on a monthly basis to offer support and advice while the new Chair was being recruited and appointed.  The new Chair will be Dr. Jeanne Jackson and she is due to start work in January 2012.

The academic team consists of a Chair and 4 full time lecturers supported by 3 part-time lecturers, while practice education has a team including 1 full-time coordinator and 5 part-time tutors to support students on their placements. Student learning is facilitated by the broader Occupational Therapy community who collaborate with UCC staff in the provision of workshops and lectures, and who provide practice education placements on site. Administration is carried out by a number of staff at department, clinic administrator and school levels.