Students’ choice of occupational therapy as a second degree

Abstract

There has been little research in the United Kingdom into the recruitment of occupational therapy students. This study focused on one aspect and surveyed students already holding a degree, in order to ascertain the factors that attracted them to occupational therapy and why they chose a further 3-year degree course in preference to postgraduate alternative routes to qualification. Sixty-four students, holding degrees predominantly in the human sciences and the arts, were motivated to study occupational therapy at Brunel University through a desire to obtain a vocational qualification and to pursue a career that helped others and offered variety and personal satisfaction. The majority of the students learned of the profession through working in health and social care environments, and chose to study at Brunel University owing to its location in London and its reputation for attracting mature students. Although 90% of the students had been aware of the 2-year accelerated postgraduate diplomas in occupational therapy, more than a third preferred to undertake a 3-year degree course because it allowed more time for study and part-time employment. The need to target recruitment at school leavers, graduates in related degrees and those already working in health or social care was identified