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 in the UK
Occupational Therapy is one of the most rewarding healthcare careers, helping people live independently and improve quality of life through tailored support. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Occupational Therapy in the UK, based on teaching quality, clinical placements, graduate employability, and student satisfaction.
University of Southampton
Southampton is a top choice for hands-on clinical experience. Students benefit from strong NHS partnerships, modern simulation facilities, and leading research in rehabilitation and patient-centred care. Its graduates enjoy outstanding employability across healthcare sectors.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment with excellent NHS placement opportunities. The university’s focus on evidence-based practice and student wellbeing makes it a great all-round choice for aspiring occupational therapists.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield combines academic rigour with practical training through its strong links to hospitals and community care providers. The course prepares students to work in rehabilitation, mental health, and social care roles.
King’s College London
King’s provides cutting-edge teaching facilities and access to world-class hospitals. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and clinical confidence, with excellent graduate prospects in NHS and private healthcare settings.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham balances academic study with real-world application. The university’s occupational therapy program focuses on professional communication, leadership, and hands-on practice supported by excellent student services.
University of East Anglia (UEA)
UEA is recognised for innovative, student-centred teaching and strong placement networks. The campus community is friendly and vibrant, offering an ideal balance of academic challenge and personal support.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow combines affordable city living with quality teaching. Its occupational therapy program emphasises holistic care and rehabilitation, preparing students for diverse roles within the health and social care system.
University of Leeds
Leeds delivers a research-informed curriculum that integrates theory and practice. Students benefit from excellent wellbeing support, active student societies, and a strong focus on employability.
University of Manchester
Manchester’s program offers diverse modules and extensive clinical placements. Students develop practical skills across multiple healthcare settings, supported by the university’s strong reputation for student experience.
University of York
York provides personalised teaching and a supportive campus environment. Its occupational therapy courses are designed to build empathy, resilience, and evidence-based clinical skills for future healthcare leaders.
Career Prospects After an Occupational Therapy Degree
Graduates can work as registered occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, or healthcare managers. Many also move into roles in education, social care, or research. Related degrees include Physiotherapy and Nursing.
Entry Requirements for Occupational Therapy Degrees
Typical entry requirements include A-levels or equivalent in Biology, Psychology, or Health and Social Care, with UCAS points usually between 120 and 160. Many universities also value voluntary experience in healthcare or community settings.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Occupational Therapy in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Nottingham offer great value for money with affordable living costs and excellent student support networks.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham provide lively student scenes, great nightlife, and active healthcare societies for balance outside of clinical study.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Support
Universities like Southampton, Birmingham, and York are recognised for their excellent wellbeing support, academic mentoring, and pastoral care — essential for demanding healthcare courses.
Considering Alternatives to Occupational Therapy?
If you’re exploring related fields, consider Physiotherapy, Public Health, or Nursing for other healthcare career pathways.
Summary: Which Occupational Therapy University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Occupational Therapy, think about placement quality, teaching approach, city lifestyle, and career support. Southampton and Nottingham lead for hands-on experience, Sheffield and Glasgow for affordability, and King’s for research and graduate outcomes. Compare your options to find the course that best fits your career goals.
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