Careers in Allied Health

Allied health professionals (AHPs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. As the third largest workforce in the NHS, skilled graduates are very much in demand.

Benefits of being an allied health professional

Allied health professionals help patients to live life as fully as possible. There are currently 15 AHP roles in the NHS and in independent practice across a range of sectors. These roles focus on improving the health and wellbeing of patients so that they can live full and active lives. Whether you want to be hospital-based, work within the community, or independent practice, you will find a role that suits you.

Some examples of AHP roles are as follows. 

Graduate level jobs for qualified health professionals start at Band 5 level, which is currently £24,907 per year (correct at June 2021). There will also be opportunities for career progression through advanced and consultant level practice in the profession, allowing progression from Band 5 up to Band 8. 

Find out more about AHP roles in the NHS

Occupational therapy student Sarah Terry

Studying at Derby has enabled me to explore and build on my passion for Occupational Therapy. The staff have been incredibly supportive and helped me to challenge myself to take on new opportunities. I believe this will further my career.

Sarah Terry
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
A medical mannequin lies on a hospital bed and twin computer screens in an x-ray booth scans the lungs
Our mock x-ray suite allows students to practise their skills

Pre-registration courses

Kick off your career within the allied health professions today. Pre-registration undergraduate AHP courses offered at the University of Derby include:

After you graduate, you could further your studies at postgraduate level to expand your expertise in a particular area or in a related subject. Having a higher qualification puts you at an advantage as it will enhance your research skills, specialist knowledge and communication skills, and can help with career progression.

Pre-registration postgraduate AHP courses offered at the University of Derby include:

Other available courses

We offer the following undergraduate courses which can prepare you for a pre-registration postgraduate course: 

 We offer the following degree apprenticeships:

Theresa's experience of our MA Art Therapy course

Watch the video below to find out more about Theresa's experience of the University of Derby's MA Art Therapy course.

Take a look at a video from Theresa telling us about her experience of postgraduate Therapeutic Arts study at the University of Derby.

View MA Art Therapy - Theresa Kate-Hempsall's experience video transcript

A group of young children in outdoor clothes line up in a forest school environment to have a race with digger toys

The power of play and drama in supporting emotional trauma

Dr Clive Holmwood, Associate Professor in Dramatherapy, discusses dramatherapy and play-based approaches to helping young people deal with stress and anxiety.

Read Clive's blog on the power of playRead Clive's blog on the power of play

Post-registration postgraduate courses

To further enhance your career, we offer the following post-registration courses

If you're seeking to build on your knowledge as a healthcare professional, we can offer you bespoke modules in a supportive environment. We have a range of continuing professional development and Learning Beyond Registration courses. 

Find out more about our short courses

Aishwarya Deshpande stands with her palms closed and her arms in a triangle shape above her head with her eyes closed

Graduate Aishwarya sets up movement therapy service

Aishwarya Deshpande's Move for Wellbeing uses dance and movement as a therapeutic medium for self-expression.

Learn about Aishwarya's journeyLearn about Aishwarya's journey
student using a can opener tool in the Occupational Therapy kitchen

Standing up for the hidden heroes of Covid-19

Denise Baker, our Head of Allied Health and Social Care, speaks out on behalf of our allied health professionals and the vital and varied roles they play in caring for the nation.

Read Denise's blog about our hidden heroesRead Denise's blog about our hidden heroes
A female student in her Orthotics uniform

The Prosthetics and Orthotics course is a great way of learning the theory behind the practice, whilst gaining valuable skills within a clinical setting. I love how no day is the same and I am gaining the best hands-on experience for a rewarding career.

Sophie Sevellec
Level 6 Prosthetics and Orthotics Apprentice at UHB NHS Trust