MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)

Year OneYou will study the following modules:

• Theoretical Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice (20 credits): This module is your essential introduction to the core of occupational therapy. You will investigate the philosophies and fundamental ideas that underpin our profession, exploring theories and models that guide how we understand and promote health and well-being. Beyond theory, you will develop professional skills, including effective communication, collaborative working skills, and engagement in reflective practice to build resilience. You will connect scientific knowledge to occupational therapy, enabling you to evaluate the causes of ill-health, disability, and disruptions to people's ability to engage in meaningful occupations.
• Foundations for Evidence-informed Occupational Therapy (20 credits): This module explores research and evidence in occupational therapy. You will explore fundamental ideas about how we gain knowledge, examining different research approaches and methods. A key focus is on developing your skills to identify and critically evaluate various sources of evidence, helping you determine their relevance and applicability for making complex decisions in practice. You will learn to propose suitable research methods for real-world occupational therapy questions and critically consider the ethical implications of generating knowledge. This module will strengthen your ability to be an evidence-informed and ethical practitioner.
• Preparing for Professional Practice and Practice-based Learning (20 credits): This module will prepare you for professional practice across the allied health professions. Mandatory learning for practice -based learning, completed through the placement passport is introduced early in the module. The module will go on to explore relevant knowledge, skills, values and behaviours for all allied health professionals through a critical lens and through reflection will build understanding of the application of concepts to their own profession area.
• Practice-based Learning 1 (20 credits): This module offers your first opportunity to learn in a practice setting. You will acquire knowledge and a repertoire of foundational skills for functioning in a practice-based learning setting. You’ll observe practice and reflect on your performance. Where appropriate you’ll take an active role with service users, applying knowledge and developing professional reasoning skills.
• Assessment and Analysis in Occupational Therapy (20 credits): This module will equip you with the essential skills to understand assessment in occupational therapy. You will learn the core purposes of assessment, from understanding a person's unique strengths and challenges to identifying their goals.
• Interventions1: Enabling Skills and Occupations (20 credits): This module equips you with the skills to critically analyse, justify, and evaluate interventions for rehabilitation and restoration of body function and occupational performance capacity. The module is structured into three main components: foundational theory, case-based application, and intervention evaluation.
• Practice-based Learning 2 (30 credits): Your second practice-based learning module will encourage you to draw upon and integrate knowledge from your university-based studies and previous learning from PBL1. During this practice-based learning you will actively contribute to the practice setting. Emphasis is on practice and experience of the occupational therapy process, problem solving and communication.

Year TwoYou will study the following modules:

• Intervention 2: Contexts to Enable Occupation (20 credits): This module develops the skills you need to critically analyse, justify, and evaluate interventions for rehabilitation and restoration of body function and occupational performance capacity. The module addresses client-centred and occupation-centred approaches, ethical considerations, and evidence-based practices to guide intervention design. You will study diverse cases focusing on specific populations and considering occupational needs and concerns.
• Practice-based Learning 3 (30 credits): Your practice-based learning module will help broaden and consolidate their knowledge and skills. You will gain a greater degree of autonomy, adopting a co-worker role with your practice educators, assuming joint responsibility for all aspects of service provision.
• Master’s Dissertation (60 credits): This module enables you to consolidate the knowledge and skills of research and independent inquiry developed throughout the programme by undertaking an evidence-informed piece of work. You will identify and explore a topic of academic, personal or professional relevance, contributing new insights and advancing understanding within your chosen subject, field, or professional practice. Guided by a supervisor, you will produce an evidence-based piece of work that demonstrates academic rigour, independence, critical analysis, and reflective practice.
• Advancing OT: Skills for Practice in Unpredictable Contexts (20 credits): This module develops your awareness of the complex nature of OT practice, integrating various theories to navigate real-world challenges. You will explore leadership skills crucial for effective collaboration with other professionals, partners, and agencies in fast-changing environments. A key focus will be on strengthening your ability to make evidence-informed decisions, problem-solve creatively, and innovate solutions in complex situations.
• Practice-based Learning 4 (30 credits): On your final practice-based learning module before graduation you will assume responsibility for a small caseload under minimal supervision.