Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) - MSc/PGDip/PGCert

This accelerated programme will provide you with a master's level academic qualification together with eligibility to apply for a licence to practice which is a pre-requisite for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council. 

This programme offers you the opportunity to become occupational therapy practitioners at the forefront of occupational therapy. This will be achieved by developing a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current challenges and developments in the field of occupational therapy.

You will:

• Gain an academic qualification and eligibility to apply for licence to practice with the HCPC
• Have the opportunity for a clinical placement
• Be prepared to enter the workplace on completion of this programme

This course is for you if:

• You want to gain a global perspective in the field of occupational therapy
• You want to improve the lives of others
• You have great communication skills
• You are practical and problem solver
• You are a good observer
• You want to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds

Course Details

Over the two years, you will engage with four modules and four practice placements as detailed below.

The four modules studied on this course are: 

1. Theory and Practice 1
2. People as Occupational Beings
3. Theory and Practice 2
4. Ready for Practice

Visit the website for further information on modules.

Teaching and Assessment

The content of the programme is delivered by academic staff, practitioner colleagues and service users. A wide range of teaching methods which match the requirements of the subject matter and different learning styles are utilised. 

A mixture of the following will be used as relevant throughout the modules.

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Simulation experiences including working on real-world problems and engagement in a volunteering role.
• Workshops
• Groupwork
• Seminars
• Placement experience
• Individual Scholarly Activity - self-directed learning, personal reflection,
• Online Learning Resources -delivery of supporting resources such as study guides, lectures and tutorials through technologies such as the virtual classroom, podcasts, blogs, wikis, suggested reading, links to web-based reading or activities and online learning forums. 

This programme uses a cognitive pedagogy which emphasises conceptual development through integration and co-creation of ideas, opportunities for reflection and for ownership of a given task. This approach provides interactive environments and appropriate challenges encourage experimentation and the discovery of broad principles and frames learning outcomes in meta-cognitive terms to encourage the development of autonomy. You will have an identified MSc Tutor who will work with you and your peers to develop these skills and attributes.

Assessment focuses on conceptual understanding (applied knowledge and skills), processes as well as outcomes, crediting varieties of excellence and the development of self- and peer-evaluation skills. The following assessment methods are utilised to collect evidence of academic and professional suitability:-

• Essays
• Practical Report
• Case Study
• Critique
• Practice experience Assessment: Learning Agreements
• Research Proposal
• Presentations

The School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.

We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

Careers

As a qualified occupational therapist, the University is committed to supporting your continuing professional development and offers a range of short courses and study days throughout the year to keep you at the forefront of new developments within the profession.

You may also choose to pursue further study and research on our Professional Doctorate (Health and Social Care/Advanced Practitioner/Social Work). 

Visit the Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) - MSc/PGDip/PGCert page on the University of Salford website for more details!