Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy starting in Tralee

A five-year occupational therapy degree that starts with a Level 5 year and moves to UCC. Occupational therapists help people do the everyday activities they need or want to do. It suits caring, creative and adaptable people.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
5 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-5 at UCC)
Award
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (UCC); embedded QQI Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills after Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: Kerry College, Denny Street Campus, Tralee, Co. Kerry → Years 2–5: University College Cork

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with six subjects: H4 in a lab science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science), H5 in another subject, and O6/H7 in four others including English and Maths
  • Or full QQI Level 5 award with an overall Merit and at least a Merit in Anatomy & Physiology
  • Or mature applicant aged 22 by 1 January of the application year
  • Personal statement and interview (college and UCC on the panel)
  • Garda Vetting, health declaration and UCC Fitness to Practise policy
  • B2 English for non-native speakers
  • To move to UCC: full QQI Level 5 award with at least 5 distinctions (not counting work experience)

How to apply

Apply directly to Kerry College, Denny Street Campus, Tralee, Co. Kerry, not through the CAO.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Psychology, anatomy and physiology
  • Occupational therapy theories and assessment
  • Treatment approaches and evidence-based practice
  • Working with children, adults and older adults
  • Task-based learning with practice placements

Where it can lead

  • Occupational therapist in hospitals and health centres
  • Care homes, schools and prisons
  • Community work in people's homes and workplaces
  • Research, management or education roles

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Chemistry, Home Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in Health

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

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Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.