Discover the top UK universities for Occupational Therapy in 2026. Find courses with excellent practical training, strong support, and great graduate outcomes.
Best Universities for Occupational Therapy: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Southampton | 90 | 82 |
| 2 Silver | University of Manchester | 88 | 80 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Birmingham | 86 | 79 |
| 4 | King’s College London | 85 | 78 |
| 5 | University of Nottingham | 83 | 76 |
| 6 | University of Glasgow | 82 | 75 |
| 7 | University of Leeds | 81 | 74 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | 80 | 73 |
| 9 | University of Liverpool | 79 | 72 |
| 10 | University of Sheffield | 78 | 71 |
1. University of Southampton Gold
2. University of Manchester Silver
3. University of Birmingham Bronze
4. King’s College London
5. University of Nottingham
6. University of Glasgow
7. University of Leeds
8. University of Edinburgh
9. University of Liverpool
10. University of Sheffield
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Occupational Therapy rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what matters most to occupational therapy students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Occupational Therapy Universities Explained
University of Southampton
Known for hands-on clinical placements, research excellence, and high employability rates.University of Nottingham
Offers a supportive learning environment with strong NHS partnerships and student satisfaction.University of Sheffield
Combines academic rigor with practical experience in healthcare settings.King’s College London
Provides cutting-edge facilities and strong graduate prospects.University of Birmingham
Balances theoretical knowledge with real-world application and excellent student support.University of East Anglia
Recognised for innovative teaching methods and a vibrant campus community.University of Glasgow
Affordable city living with well-rounded occupational therapy programs.University of Leeds
Strong focus on research and student wellbeing.University of Manchester
Offers diverse modules and extensive clinical placement opportunities.University of York
Known for personalized teaching and supportive study environment.Career Prospects After an Occupational Therapy Degree
Graduates can work as registered occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, or in health and social care management. Related courses include Physiotherapy and Nursing.
Occupational Therapy Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Entry typically requires A-levels in science or health-related subjects, with UCAS points ranging from 120 to 160 depending on the university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Occupational Therapy in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Nottingham offer good value living costs for OT students.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham provide lively social scenes alongside strong occupational therapy programs.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Southampton, Birmingham, and York are known for excellent student wellbeing services.
Not Sure About Occupational Therapy? Consider These Alternatives
Explore Physiotherapy, Public Health, or Nursing.
Summary: Which Occupational Therapy Uni is Right for You?
Consider clinical placements, city affordability, academic support, and social opportunities when choosing your course.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Occupational Therapy
Top universities for Occupational Therapy include University of Southampton, University of East Anglia, and King’s College London, known for excellent clinical placements and student support.
University of Southampton frequently ranks highest for Occupational Therapy, praised for its strong clinical training and graduate employability.
An Occupational Therapy degree offers a rewarding career helping people improve daily living skills, with strong demand and job security across the UK healthcare sector.
Typical A-level requirements include Biology or Psychology and sometimes Chemistry. Always check specific university course pages for the most current entry requirements.
Graduates can work as occupational therapists in hospitals, community health, rehabilitation centres, schools, and private practice.
Yes, demand is strong due to an ageing population and increasing focus on rehabilitation and community care.
Starting salaries generally range from £25,000 to £31,000 in the NHS, with opportunities for progression and specialisation leading to higher pay.
Courses involving extensive clinical placements and practical skills development can be challenging but rewarding for those passionate about patient care.
Most work in NHS hospitals, community health services, rehabilitation centres, social care, and educational settings.
Yes, it is highly respected for its vital role in healthcare, combining science, empathy, and practical skills to improve patient lives.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
