Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSc

About the Course

The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) aims to provide a Master's level route for graduates to become competent occupational therapists eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council, for membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists/College of Occupational Therapists and be equipped for lifelong, safe and effective practice within the global marketplace.

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Aims

It differs from other Masters programmes in that it is a professional programme at postgraduate level and is full-time. It is not for those who are already qualified occupational therapists.

Enquiries

The closing date for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) applications is 29 January 2013.

Anne McIntyre
Programme Leader
School of Health Sciences and Social Care
Brunel University
Email anne.mcintyre@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 268798
Web Occupational Therapy subject pages

Related Courses

• Occupational Therapy MSc (post-registration)

Special Features

Research within the School includes: 

• Professional Practice (eg user involvement, occupational science, health promotion, falls prevention, discharge planning, acute care, cultural awareness)
• Research in Rehabilitation
• Ageing Studies.

Course Content

You will be expected to demonstrate Master's level thinking, clinical reasoning and critical appraisal in relation to the topic areas.

The research modules will prepare you for an evidence-based clinical environment and develop the skills to communicate research through publication.

Typical Modules

Core

Research Methods

Main topics include: philosophical underpinnings of research methodology; proposal design; searching and reviewing the literature; ethical issues in research and research governance; surveys and longitudinal studies; questionnaire design; experimental and quasi-experimental designs; n of 1 studies; statistical analysis and using spss; depth interviews; focus groups; observation; use of documentary sources; qualitative analysis. 

Occupational Science

Main topics include: occupation defined and classified: theoretical perspectives; occupation as means of promoting and sustaining health and well being; occupational risk factors as barriers to occupational justice; historical perspectives on occupation; the theory base for occupational science: paradigms, frames of reference and models of occupation; occupational science in context.

The Art of Occupational Therapy

Main topics include: key models of reflection; modes of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy; judgement, decision making and expertise development; the work of key occupational theorists; historical foundations of occupational therapy.

Dissertation

The dissertation will take up substantial time in the second year and there are opportunities to link with interesting staff research projects.

Elective

Occupational Therapy for Children, Young People and their Families

Main topics include: analysis of aspects in child development and study of common problems and disorders in childhood; review of the research based current evidence on occupational therapy theory and practice for children and adolescents; review the clinical reasoning process in paediatric occupational therapy practice; examine a selection of experimental methods appropriate for assessing and evaluating clinical practice or service delivery in children’s health; exploration of effective ways of incorporating the family into their child’s assessment and treatment; exploration of relevant current children’s health policy and legislation.

Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

Main topics include: overview of occupational therapy in mental health; review of the research based literature on occupational therapy theory and practice in mental health; detailed exploration of current mental health policy and legislation in relation to occupational therapy practice; exploring contemporary issues; examining current evidence and research related to the contemporary mental health issues; exploring a detailed selection of quantitative and qualitative measures appropriate for assessing and evaluating clinical practice or service delivery in mental health.

Note: This course may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults. Where this is the case, students will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, previously known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. The application will cost £51.86 (this amount is subject to change) and the University will send further instructions as part of the admissions process. For further guidance please email admissions@brunel.ac.uk

Assessment

Assessment is normally a mixture of written assignments, exams and the dissertation.

Careers

Occupational Therapy as a career offers many opportunities to work in the health service, social services, education or the private and voluntary sector.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU: NHS fee full-time

NHS funding has been approved for a number of places and the funding comes with the offer of a place; there is no requirement to apply for this separately.

International students: £15,000 full-time

 

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

You will need a first or upper second class honours degree from any discipline with strong applicants demonstrating a science profile and evidence of informed insight into the profession of occupational therapy. Applicants with a lower second class honours degree who have extensive experience of working in a health or social care setting will also be considered. Evidence of academic achievement in the last five years will be required.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.