MSc in Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)

• Join a uniquely flexible learning experience that will accommodate a wide range of different learning styles
• Become a well-rounded professional practitioner with the knowledge, skills and attributes to enable you to work with individuals of all ages who live with a physical, mental health and/or learning disability
• Experience a wide range of practice areas and undertake relevant work-based placements
• Benefit from an expert and approachable staff team with an emphasis on student well-being and support, underpinned by the values of the university
• Manage your own research project
• This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

Our unique and flexible MSc in Occupational Therapy programme is about knowing, doing and becoming a registered Occupational Therapist. Combining virtual classroom learning alongside blocks of practical/seminar learning on campus, it provides a fast–track Pathway to employment via a two-year, full-time route as well as a more flexible part-time option taking three years.

The curriculum will encompass the key NHS and policy drivers and thoughts on present and future practice delivery. This will be drawn from consultation and collaboration with local Trusts and external stakeholders to anticipate the competencies and capabilities you require to prepare for the future and take on different roles.

The programme aligns with the local needs of a largely rural community by being underpinned by a community/primary care focus while fulfilling the Standards of Education and Training (SETs) and Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) required by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

The pillars of the programme are:

• Behaviours, Knowledge and Skills: you will cover the biological, physical, psychological, behavioural, and sociological underpinnings of occupational science and personal skills for promoting effective working relationships with patients, carers, and colleagues, working in a changing healthcare environment and a more global healthcare context.
• Occupational Therapy Specific Skills: growing skills and abilities in applying effective assessment and management of clients and developing your abilities to work within changing occupational therapy paradigms and expanding roles.
• Occupational Therapy Values, Knowledge and Understanding: you will develop the personal, professional and employability skills and values for becoming an autonomous professional who is able to provide thoughtful and innovative solutions for managing client Pathways and lead, manage and shape occupational therapy services.
• Research, problem-solving and decision-making: you will learn to engage with research and use sound reasoning, problem-solving, and evidence-informed practice in management planning.

The specific modules guide you through a sequence of learning that is systematic and gradually developed and are designed to help develop innovative, ‘can-do’ capabilities and flexibility.

The programme utilises a case-based learning and teaching approach which includes keynote lectures, small group work, practical sessions, project supervision, tutorials and seminars, clinical placements, and guided independent study. In addition, there will be guest speakers, external visits and individual and group presentations.

The programme develops graduates who are adaptable, flexible and ‘tuned’ to the future. As such you are well-positioned to find employment in healthcare (private and NHS), social care, charitable and voluntary organisations, local councils, research, disaster management, and education.

Accreditation

This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

Year 1: Level 7

• Integrated Human Sciences 20
• Professional Practice 0
• Occupational Therapy Process and Practice 10
• Personal and Professional Development 10
• Assessing Occupational Performance 10
• Practice Placement 1 0
• People and Society: Occupational Therapy in Context 10
• Occupational Therapy Knowledge and Skills 20
• Critical Inquiry – Research Protocol 20

Year 2: Level 7

• Occupational Therapy in Contemporary Practice 10
• Practice Placement 2 0
• Practice Placement 3 0
• Capstone 10
• Critical Inquiry – Research Study 60

Graduates may be employed in the following sectors: Healthcare (private and NHS), Social care, Charitable and voluntary organisations, Local Councils, Research, Disaster Management, and Education.