BSc Occupational Therapy

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

First and Second Year (Fresher)

The first and second years of the course are focussed in part on the study of occupation and on occupational therapy theories and interventions for practice. Basic and human sciences are covered in-depth, including anatomy, physiology, biology (underpinning health) and psychology. You will be encouraged to ‘learn by doing’ in subjects related to personal development (e.g. communications) and in modules that focus on the technical skills of practice (e.g. splinting, assistive technology). You will be required to engage in service learning and you will use experiential learning to develop knowledge and skills for practice. You will learn about different research methodologies and statistical procedures and begin to develop the analytical skills to apply research to practice. During the first two years of the course, there are a total of 10 weeks in supervised professional practice.

Third and Fourth Year (Sophister)

During the Sophister years, you will develop further your knowledge of theories and principles for occupational therapy practice and how to apply theory and principles to practice. You will learn more about specific occupational therapy interventions in clinical practice. You will gain an understanding of the health and social care systems and policies that impact on practice. You will have the opportunity to learn about how ethics and clinical governance impacts on and drives practice. Service learning is continued and incorporates a peer-education methodology. You will continue to learn about research evidence for practice and develop the skills to evaluate research for practice. You will undertake a group research project consisting of a systematic review on a topic related to practice. Over the course of the Sophister years, you will spend a total of 22 weeks in supervised professional practice.

Junior Fresh modules

The modules of the Junior Fresh year are: Study of Occupation (10 credits); Professional Development (10 credits); Introduction to Psychology (5 credits); Developmental Psychology (5 credits); Applied Anatomy for Occupational Therapy (10 credits); Anatomy of Upper Limb and Back (5 credits); Biological Sciences underpinning Health and Wellness (10 credits); and Junior Fresh Practice Education (5 credits).

Senior Fresh modules

The modules of the Senior Fresh year are: Study of Occupation Practice and Review (5 credits); Disability and Intellectual Disability Studies (10 credits); Professional Development (5 credits); Social and Personality Psychology (5 credits); Conditions in Occupational Therapy - Adult Physical and Children (5 credits); Conditions in Occupational Therapy - Adult Mental Health (5 credits); Occupational Therapy Theory and Interventions for Adults - Physical (1) (5 credits); Occupational Therapy with Older Adults (1) (5 credits); Research Methods and Statistics (5 credits); and Senior Fresh Practice Education (10 credits).

Junior Sophister modules

The modules of the Junior Sophister year are: Study of Occupation (5 credits); Social Policy Concepts (5 credits); Occupational Therapy Theory and Interventions for Adults - Physical (2) (5 credits); Occupational Therapy with Older Adults (2) (5 credits); Occupational Therapy for Mental Health Adults (5 credits); Occupational Therapy for Children (5 credits); Professional Development: Group Theory and Facilitation (10 credits); Research Methods (5 credits); Health Psychology (5 credits); and Junior Sophister Practice Education (10 credits).

Senior Sophister modules

The modules of the Senior Sophister year are: Social Policy Analysis (5 credits); Study of Occupation (5 credits); Contemporary Issues in Occupational Therapy (10 credits); Ethical Reasoning, Clinical Governance and Leadership (10 credits); Evaluative Practice – Bringing Evidence to Practice (5 credits); Research Methods (10 credits); Disability Studies (5 credits); and Senior Sophister Practice Education (10 credits).

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used across the 4-year undergraduate programme including: Written examinations; viva voce examinations; individual and group-based assignments; project work; and presentations. Assessment on practice education is competency based.

• Leaving Certificate H4 in one of: physics, chemistry, biology, physics/chemistry or agricultural science

• Advanced GCE (A Level) Grade C In one of: physics, chemistry or biology

• International Baccalaureate HL Grade 5 in one of physics, chemistry or biology

English Language Requirements

IELTS: Academic: Grade 6.5;*

EU & Non-EU fees for academic year 2022/23 are:

EU Fees €8,371

Non EU Fees €24,538

Practice areas and the focus of practice are expanding, particularly in primary care and community practice areas, as well as some opportunities in private practice. The focus of practice is also evolving to include non-traditional client groups such as homeless, refugees, school-based services, and working with ‘well’ populations using health promotion and self-management based approaches to facilitate living well and prevention of occupational dysfunction.

There are also opportunities for occupational therapists to move into management – managing occupational therapy departments or other health/social care related services. Additionally, the course offers many opportunities for further postgraduate study and research.