Undergraduates
The Discipline of Occupational Therapy offers a four year honours degree course that qualifies the graduate to work as an Occupational Therapist.
The course is approved by the Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland and by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. The is a significant practice education component of at least 1,000 hours through which the student links theory to practice and is required to reach a level of competency in order to graduate. The teaching happens on College Green and in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences. In addition students make many site visits and become involved in various contacts with people with disabilities throughout the course. Details of course on additional pages attached.
Course Design
Integration between academic studies and professional fieldwork is supported by a continuing close liaison between fieldwork and college staff. The design of the course is intended to provide an educational experience which helps students to develop both self-reliance and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Students have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of life and society and to realise the contributions which all individuals can make within their own limitations. The course incorporates a practical approach to solving problems and fosters a research- oriented attitude which is necessary for the continuing development of the profession. Studies in research and investigation formalise the processes of evaluation and critical thinking and to this extent, students conduct an individual or group research study of their choice.
Aims of the Course
The overall aim of the course is to produce a graduate who has the skills, knowledge and attitudes to be competent to practice as an occupational therapist. Competency will be demonstrated by the ability to:
- Follow an occupational therapy process in intervening with clients who have a variety of needs, from a range of cultural backgrounds, demonstrating an approach that is context sensitive.
- Show an in-depth knowledge of the person as an occupational being, an understanding of the person-occupation-environment and its relationship to health.
- Understand, reflect, analyse, and evaluate their practice; make decisions, grounded in ethical practice, using an evidenced-based approach and critical reasoning skills.
- Establish effective therapeutic and professional relationships with clients, clients’ significant others, colleagues, and agencies while working independently or as part of a team.
- Provide a client-centred service that shows appreciation of the social, organisational and legislative environment in which they practice.
- Take a self-directed approach to their personal and professional development and engage in life long learning practices.
Structure of the Course
The course extends over four years. Both the academic and fieldwork hours are in keeping with the minimum hours as laid down by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
The course is divided into four structural components that is, into basic and human sciences, clinical sciences, occupational therapy studies and fieldwork.
Course Outline– subjects covered include:
1st year - Anatomy, Applied Anatomy, Psychology, Applied Psychology, The study of Occupation, Occupational Therapy Professional Skills and Fieldwork placement. Course Outlines for Junior Freshman (PDF 63 kB)
2nd year – Physiology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Medicine & Orthopaedics, Occupational Therapy Theories and Interventions, The study of Occupation, Occupational Therapy Professional Skills, Occupational Therapy for Children, Research and Fieldwork placement. Course Outlines for Senior Freshman (PDF 78 kB)
3rd year – Health Psychology, Occupational Therapy Theories and Interventions, Occupational Therapy for Children, Health and Social Policy, Evaluative practice, Research and Fieldwork placement. Course Outlines for Junior Sophister (PDF 64 kB)
4th year – Occupational Therapy Theories and Interventions, Health and Social Policy, Evaluative practice, Research and Fieldwork placements. Course Outlines for Senior Sophister (PDF 57 kB)
Admission to Undergraduate Course
COURSE CODE: TR054
The minimum entry requirements are a Pass in English, a Pass in Mathematics and a Pass in another language, plus a Pass in three further subjects.
Six subjects must be presented in all and three of these must be of at least Grade C on higher level Leaving Certificate
One of these three higher level subjects must be from physics, chemistry, physics/chemistry, biology, or agricultural science. A student's results from only one sitting of the Leaving Certificate will be counted for points purposes.
Undergraduate Students OUTSIDE the European Union
Entry Requirements
The following are the university minimum entry requirements for international students and will not guarantee admission.
Four year programme:
- SAT1 minimum 1300
- SAT2 minimum 600
- APT minimum
- ACT minimum 29
International Baccalaureate:
· 3 grade 5s at higher level must include English, Mathematics
· 3 grade 4s at subsidiary level and a second language
· (UK) A-Levels A,A,B
Three year programme:
· Degree: Average GPA 3.0 or greater
Applicants whose first language is other than English should take either the TOEFL or IELTS examination.
Application Procedure (international (non-EU) students)
Applicants will be advised to complete a Trinity College application form for international student admission and to submit by February 1st of the year of admission the following information:
- Passport sized photograph, signed on the reverse
- Application fee
- Original application form and enclosures plus two copies
- SAT/ACT/APT/IB/A-Level or other reports
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts (where applicable)
Confirmation of offers will be made by 30 April, at which point a deposit will be required.
Mature student applications should be made through Admissions
Undergraduate fees
Please refer to the TCD Treasurers office for the summary of undergraduate degree fees.
The link to fees is http://www.tcd.ie/Treasurers_Office/fees/fees_ugdegreefees.php