Selection event for BSc Occupational Therapy Practice Based Learning
What is a selection event?
It's a process to assess whether you're suitable for a place on the course. It's a chance to show us your knowledge about the subject and your enthusiasm for the career.
Being invited to a selection event doesn't mean you're guaranteed a place on the course - the point of the day is to help us come to a mutual decision. We need to decide whether to make you an offer and you need to decide whether you like the course and the university.
To find out what will happen on the day, see the subject-specific information below. The timings listed are approximate, so please keep your plans for travelling home flexible.
When and where is my selection event?
If you're invited to a selection event you'll receive an email telling you when it is and where to go.
It's important to be on time. You should arrive 20 minutes before the start time so you can register. If you're delayed on the way to the event call Theresa Baxter 07909872540
What happens on a selection event?
The selection process lasts for approximately three hours , the process consists of 3 sections
- An individual interview with the course lead and a practitioner for 20 minutes exploring4 pre-set questions
- A group task with up to 8 people, this may involve sitting, moving around and writing. This will last for 30 minutes and the group will present their findings at the end of the activity to the panel and student representatives
- An individual written reflective account of your experiences of the selection day experience
What else can I experience on the day?
There will be opportunities to speak to current students during the event. There may also be the opportunity for a short tour of the facilities after the event.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
At the selection event you should be able to demonstrate an insight into the occupational therapy profession and be familiar with NHS values and behaviours described in the NHS constitution.
What do I need to bring with me?
Bring the letter inviting you to the event, plus:
- Declaration form
Please complete the declaration form sent with your interview letter and bring this with you to the selection event. You must read the guidance included with the declaration to ensure that you provide a relevant, up-to-date and truthful declaration. Please note that if you are offered a place to study on the professional course you have applied for, you will be expected to complete a number of professional requirements and attend a pre-course day prior to enrolment. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will put your place at risk as your offer could be withdrawn. - Photographic identification
You must also bring photographic identification (photo ID). If possible please bring a passport or photo driving licence. If you do not own either of these, other forms of photographic identification will be sufficient for the selection event but should you be offered a place on the course you will be required to present further official identification documentation to complete the professional requirements referred to above.
What are we looking for?
In the selection event we're looking for you
- to be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of NHS values
- to show a well-developed, clear and realistic understanding of the profession, contemporary healthcare issues and an awareness of what being a professional means. This should be supported by examples gained from your experience
- to show an understanding of the format of the course. This includes the demand and resilience required to successfully combine academic study with clinical placements
- to demonstrate your awareness of placement commitments, which includes:
- willingness to travel
- flexible shift patterns, throughout 24 hours, and seven days a week
Who is on the selection event panel?
The occupational therapy teaching staff, practitioner lecturers and our current students are involved in the selection event.
What should I wear?
Dress reasonable smartly, but there is no need to wear a suit. Smart but casual clothing will allow you to feel confident and at ease.
How to find us
Grantham & District Hospital
101 Manthorpe Road,Grantham, Lincolnshire. NG31 8DG - within the School of Nursing
Disability support
I'm disabled and require support at the event. Can you help?
Yes. We can arrange (for example) • a sign language interpreter • a notetaker • materials in a different format • wheelchair access.
The Disability Disclosure booklet provides information for students on courses in health and social care. The information in the booklet will help you understand the importance of disclosing your disability at the earliest possible stage in both the application process and for your time on placement when you have enrolled on a course. Evidence suggests that students who disclose their disability early are much more likely to reach their potential, because they can receive the support they need to achieve.
What happens after my selection event?
What offer can we make you after a selection event?
We cannot tell you our decision on the day of the selection event. After the selection event our decision will be communicated via UCAS track, so please check your account regularly.
You will receive one of the following decisions.
Conditional offer for the course that you have applied for – you must fulfil certain criteria (usually based on the qualifications you are currently taking) before you can be accepted on the course. If the requirements are met, the offer becomes unconditional.
Unconditional offer for the course that you have applied for – usually made when you have already completed your qualifications and met the academic requirements we are asking for.
Unsuccessful – unfortunately we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have the necessary skills or experience to be successful on one of our courses. However, this does not prevent you from applying in the future, should you undertake further study to develop your skills and experience.