Course summary

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 through 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.