Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) MSci

In this module students start to explore occupational therapy theory to understand the biological, social and psychological challenges of aging including common physical, mental health and social issues experienced by older people. Study will help students understand how occupational therapists work with older people and their carers, to help them maintain, build and learn new ways to engage in valued occupations both at home and in the community. Students learn about evidence based occupational therapy in this area and a range of practical skills that are valued by older people.

Students continue to study occupational therapy theory, here to explore a range of biological, social and psychological challenges experienced by working age adults. Theory and practical skills sessions help students develop more understanding about how occupational therapists can work with adults to maintain, build and learn new ways to enhance their occupations at work, home and in leisure settings. Underlying sciences in this and other enabling occupation modules include anatomy, mental health practice and exploring cultural influences on people engaging in occupations.

This initial module helps students become aware of the profession of occupational therapy and the theory that guides it, including occupational science. There is a focus on what being a professional means and why people engage in occupations to enrich their lives. The module includes 70 hours of volunteering experience in the community, to inform reflection about professional communication skills and the importance of engaging in occupations, alongside personal development. 

Learners will be introduced to the principles of evidence based practice for occupational therapists to inform future study and practice. There will be initial exploration of key research methodologies that underpin contemporary work with people using occupational therapy services. Learners will be enabled to locate, explore and discuss introductory principles that guide an informed review of the evidence. In the context of evidence based professional practice, learners will consider a basic understanding of problem solving and professional reasoning skills to underpin later modules, alongside the role of digital technologies in professional practice. This will support understanding of professional practice and how evidence informs the application of the occupational therapy process.

Scheduled over six part‑time weeks on campus, this 5‑credit module prepares learners for future placement activity by developing core placement skills through a 40‑hour simulated placement. The simulated experience builds confidence by allowing learners to rehearse professional skills and reflect on their practice in a safe environment. The module also introduces the ethical and professional expectations of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), supporting readiness for OT1608 Placement 1B and later placements.

In this module, students are encouraged to take a public health perspective to working with groups and communities, helping their health and wellbeing from an occupational perspective. Students are encouraged to think broadly about developments in the profession, and consider co-production methods to working in diverse settings with people who have needs in common. Whether working with communities at a local, national or international setting, this module enables students to focus on a group or community of their choice and how occupational therapy can help people live healthier lives.

Students examine occupational therapy theory alongside developmental, biological, social and psychological challenges for children and young people. Theory and practical skills sessions help students develop their existing understanding and apply this to the work of the occupational therapist when helping younger people to gain occupational independence at school, home and in leisure or play settings. Underlying sciences include a focus on child development as well as guiding principles for working with families.

This module enables students to focus on the skills that are needed to work well with a range of people, including understanding group dynamics. The advantages of working with colleagues from other professions and agencies will be highlighted. The module includes 90 hours of volunteering experience in the community, which will inform reflection and personal development about the importance of using occupation with people accessing occupational therapy services.

This module builds on developing understanding of research methods and other means of gathering evidence in practice settings, such as service evaluations and audits in occupational therapy. The module is designed to help students think about how research is designed and what reasoning guides those decisions.

Students will spend 12 weeks in a professional occupational therapy setting with a registered occupational therapist, who is their practice placement educator. The placement allows students opportunities to be involved in offering occupational therapy services, apply the theory they have learnt and work alongside people using the service, their carers and colleagues. They will engage with professional reflection, supervision and feedback.

Students use this module to explore some specialised areas of practice that can shape their career development when they become experienced occupational therapists. As well as developing a project to examine a speciality of their choice, students will have practical skills sessions to experience some specialise techniques and discuss their application within occupational therapy.

Learners will focus on leadership and innovation in health and social care from local, national, and global contexts. The module aims for learners to understand and evaluate the complexities of political and policy drivers that shape how health and social care is delivered, alongside the challenges of entry level practice. The module aims to examine how to work constructively alongside contemporary drivers. The module also aims to enable learners to see their leadership and entrepreneurial potential as occupational therapists and part of a wider service delivery context as both grassroot practitioners and potential leaders of the future.

This module aims to enable learners to consider key dimensions in their transition from pre-registration learner to registrant occupational therapist. The module will consider how the demands of professional practice change as learners move into a registrant role, reflect on accumulated strengths and needs for this transition and consider the impact of this. There will be opportunities to consider professional aspects and expectations of becoming an occupational therapist, securing a first post, using career development opportunities, and maintaining resilience as an upstanding professional in an ever changing landscape of service provision.

This module allows students to work collegiately alongside colleagues and with a research supervisor in formulating a research protocol. They will used confident reasoning to select and justify a suitable research method for a chosen research project of interest to occupational therapists. The module is designed to help students think about the logistics of research and its ethical implications.

The final 12‑week placement follows most Level 6 study and prepares learners for entry‑level occupational therapy practice. It offers experience in a contrasting setting, where learners consolidate skills, manage a small caseload, and demonstrate confident professional reasoning.

Learners are expected to work effectively with people using services and their families, contribute professionally within multidisciplinary teams, and understand the complexities of service delivery. They also complete a service‑improvement capstone project that supports leadership development and informs critical reflection ahead of graduation.

This capstone module represents the culmination of professional learning within the MScI Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy programmes. It equips students to navigate and respond to the realities of complex case management across diverse and evolving health and care systems. With a focus on people, systems, and professional practice, the module challenges students to integrate clinical reasoning, ethical judgement, and service awareness in preparing for autonomous, safe and effective practice

Through an integrated focus on leadership, education, and enterprise, the module equips students to contribute meaningfully to team development, inclusive supervision, service innovation, and professional learning. It supports the development of insight, confidence, and agility in navigating both public systems such as the NHS and international or private-sector contexts where entrepreneurial thinking, adaptability, and business acumen are essential.

Students will critically explore their emerging professional identity, their capacity to influence service quality and team culture, and the wider social and organisational dynamics that shape practice. The module reflects the values of progressive, person-centred, and evidence-informed care, and prepares students for early career impact, future specialisation, and long-term professional growth.