MSc Occupational Therapy ( Pre-Registration )
This course will give you the knowledge and practical skills that you need to develop a new career as an occupational therapist in two years . It is delivered full-time and you will complete a number of placements that enrich the learning experience and prepare you for a diverse practice context .
This course attracts people holding a relevant undergraduate honours degree who wish to change career and become an occupational therapist . It is an intensive professional programme of study ; developing theoretical , analytical , practical , evaluative and reasoning skills as well as professional values . The course is unsuitable for applicants already holding a qualification in occupational therapy .
Occupational therapists assess individuals ’ and communities ’ disruption and disengagement from their occupations . They facilitate alternative ways for people to re-engage and participate in their occupational roles to improve their quality of life , wellbeing and sense of belonging . Modules reflect contemporary and prospective occupational therapy practice . The course is underpinned by personcentred , evidence-informed and occupation-focused occupational therapy practice .
Structure
On completion of the full MSc or a PgDip , you will be eligible to register with the HCPC and work as an occupational therapist . Single module study is not available .
Teaching , learning and assessment
The course philosophy integrates academic and placement study . It employs adult learning perspectives including : learner responsibility , active participation , collaboration , autonomy , and learning as a community . Problembased learning using practice scenarios is a major feature of the learning experience , where students work to develop professional reasoning , evidence-informed decision making , and interpersonal and team working skills . Learning is thus a facilitated process of acquiring enquiry skills , interpreting information , group discussion , exchanging of perspectives , creation of knowledge and arriving at a position or judgment . Teaching methods incorporate self-directed study , practice scenarios , group work , workshops , eLearning modules , digital technology , reflection , lectures and placements .
Assessment methods include peer and self-assessment , written assignments , viva voce , presentations , projects and placements . Practice placements form a core element of the course and your personal performance is also assessed .
Teaching hours and attendance
Each module studied on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work . Academic modules require you to attend QMU at times between 9.15am to 6.15pm . You should be aware that services may operate over seven working days , so placements may involve evening and weekend attendance . You will be expected to mirror the working hours of practice educators and be required to purchase professional indemnity insurance .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
Upon successful completion of the course , you can apply for membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council to work as an occupational therapist .
Modules
Year One : Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice ( 40 credits )/ Preparation for Practice-based Learning : ( 0 credits )/ Occupational Therapy Process and Practice ( 40 credits )/ Practice-based Learning 1 ( 20 credits )/ Practice-based Learning 2 ( 20 credits )
Year Two :
Elective module ( 20 credits )/ Research Methods ( 20 credits )/ Transforming Occupational Therapy Practice ( 40 credits )/ Practice-based Learning 3 ( 40 credits )/ Practice-based Learning 4 ( 40 credits )/ Dissertation project ( 60 credits )
The modules and placements listed are correct at time of publication ( November 2021 ). In the event that modules change , QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students . Please check our website for updates .
Placements
There are four placements in total , all full-time :
Year One : Practice-based Learning 1 ( 6 weeks ) and Practice-based Learning 2 ( 6 weeks ).
Year Two : Practice-based Learning 3 ( 9 weeks ) and Practice-based Learning 4 ( 10 weeks ).
Placements can take place anywhere in Scotland . There will be additional travel and accommodation costs for every placement . QMU allocates all placements in collaboration with students . Placements are situated in health , social care , education and the third sector .
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