MSc - Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)

Year one

The first year of the programme is designed to give you the key and core skills you need for supported practice. There is an expectation that you will have an existing level of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology or psychology from your first degree or occupation.

• Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Practice
  The aim of this module is for you to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, role and practice of Occupational Therapy. You will develop knowledge of occupational science and basic human sciences to understand humans as occupational beings from national and global perspectives to promote inclusive practice. You will develop an understanding of the skills and professional requirements for safe and effective practice from both a delivery and professional conduct perspective.
• Project Design
  The aim of this module is to give you an advanced understanding of project design and selected research methods. You will recognise a range of research methodologies relevant to the role of an Occupational Therapist and the value of research in the critical evaluation of practice. You will have the opportunity to design and justify a small-scale study, which can contribute to the profession’s evidence base.
• Applied Occupational Therapy
  The aim of this module is to integrate theoretical knowledge of life science and human occupation into practice contexts of Occupational Therapy. The focus will be on applying the Occupational Therapy process to deliver best practice.
• Practice based simulation placement
  The aim of this module is to support your preparation for face-to-face practice. You will begin to consider different types of communication needed within practice settings and it will introduce you to core practical skills.
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 1
  This unit is your first practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 2
  This unit is your second practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).

Year two

• Contemporary and Sustainable Occupational Therapy Practice
  This module will help you develop knowledge and skills to promote sustainability of the occupational therapy profession and to respond to cultural, societal and global changes which influence health and wellbeing. The focus of this module will be to encourage you to apply and demonstrate digital, contemporary and professional leadership skills ready for practice.
• Future Leaders in Practice
  This aim of this module is to enable and empower you to recognise and embrace your leadership potential within the occupational therapy profession. You will consolidate your developing knowledge and understanding of how occupational therapy relates to leadership in readiness for practice. The module aims to equip you with relevant knowledge and skills needed to practice in high pressurised and complex environments relevant to current practice.
• Occupational and Digital Design
  The aim of this module is for you to work in small groups to design, implement and evaluate an Occupational Therapy intervention. This intervention will recognise and include, where appropriate local, national and global needs and priorities. You will develop and apply digital, business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to become a contemporary, innovative and digitally enhanced practitioner.
• Research Project
  The aim of this module is to enable you to develop a critical awareness of research design through conducting a research project, engaging service users as relevant, in a topic relevant to your professional practice and evidence your research skill development. You will demonstrate awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process. You will critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform your practice.
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 3
  This unit is your third practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 4
  This unit is your fourth practice placement and forms part of the 1000 hours of supervised placement experience you are required to complete for eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The placement will consolidate prior learning from modules undertaken in University. The aim of this module is to allow you to develop a breadth of practical experience reflecting the wide range of occupational therapy practice which will be encountered on graduation. You will learn to practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, while considering the four pillars of practice within the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Career Development Framework. Each placement will develop transferable skills such as assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation; professional reasoning and problem solving, caseload management, communication, leadership and teamwork. Throughout you will be guided by your Practice Educator (PE).