Occupational Therapy MSc (Pre-registration)

at University of Worcester

Year 1

Mandatory
 

• Applied Health Improvement (ALHS4001) - 15 credits
• Professional and Collaborative Practice (ALSH4003) - 15 credits
• Evidence Based Occupational Therapy (OCTH4004) - 30 credits
• Essential Occupational Therapy Practice 1 (OCTH4005) - 30 credits

Year 2

Mandatory
 

• Essential Occupational Therapy Practice 2 (OCTH4006) - 30 credits
• Leading Contemporary Practice (ALHS4007) - 15 credits
• Critical Perspectives of Occupational Therapy (OCTH4008) - 15 credits
• Research for Healthcare Practice (ALHS4002) - 30 credits

A typical applicant will demonstrate evidence of:
 

• A degree at 2:2 or above with evidence of knowledge or experience in the research process and / or completion of an undergraduate dissertation or independent study
• Sufficient numeracy and literacy to meet the requirements of the course. For example, 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including maths and English at Grade 4 and above. University of Worcester GCSE Maths and English equivalency tests will be accepted.
• Applicants whose first language is not English and who are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of their proficiency must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (HCPC 2018).
• A strong interest and demonstrated understanding of the breadth of the role and the skills required to be a registered occupational therapist is necessary.

Additional requirements
 

• We welcome applications from disabled students. 
• Satisfactory Occupational Health Clearance is required including fitness to undertake placement.
• A strong interest and demonstrated understanding of the breadth of the role and the skills required to be a registered Occupational Therapist is necessary.
• Personal attributes and values consistent with the profession including empathy, respect, compassion and the ability to listen.
• No offers will be made without interview.
• Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview, or a place on the course.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements
 

• Enhanced disclosure under the DBS is a requirement for entry. Applicants are asked to provide evidence of this prior to admission, and at the latest before placement allocations are made. Students on the course are also asked to declare any changes in their DBS status at the beginning of each academic year on SOLE and to sign an Occupational Therapy Code of Conduct which is in the course handbook. Students are required to pay for their DBS check.
• If you have lived outside the UK for six months or more in the past five years, we will need to see a criminal record check from the country you were living in.

Work Experience
Applicants must gain some work experience, shadowing an Occupational Therapist and have thoroughly researched the breadth of the Occupational Therapy profession. They must be aware of the core areas of practice and where Occupational Therapists work, within and outside of the NHS. The diversity of the profession cannot be understood from one workplace visit and further research will be needed. 

Occupational Therapists are employed in a wide range of organisations and specialities. Many work for the National Health Service and Social Care organisations but there is a growing body of therapists employed by Charities, Voluntary Organisation and in Private Practice. Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages from childhood through to the end of life and support people with physical and mental health needs, learning disabilities and those whose opportunities are restricted by circumstance.

Students are prepared in the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) course to work in the constantly changing nature of employment as an Occupational Therapist in the modern world. Practical interview and self-development skills are taught and practised and students have opportunities to meet with local employers to develop an understanding of what makes a successful candidate for a specific job role. Opportunities are provided for students to explore the employment possibilities of the NHS, Social Care, Private Sector and Voluntary Organisations.

The variety of placement experiences and, specifically, the contemporary placement experience are developed to enable students to demonstrate their unique selling point as a newly qualified Occupational Therapist.