Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) | MSc

Carol Duff - Programme Leader

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Welcome to MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration)

MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) is a science-based programme designed to prepare graduates for work in a variety of settings, including health organisations, social care services, housing, education, voluntary organisations, or as independent practitioners.

This programme is suited to those who want to fulfil, or work towards fulfilling their potential as an occupational therapist, to promote function, quality of life, and the realisation of potential in people who are experiencing occupational deprivation, imbalance, or alienation. They believe that activity can be an effective medium for remediating dysfunction, facilitating adaptation, and recreating identity.

Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions; most commonly those who have difficulties due to a mental health illness, or physical or learning disabilities. The course seeks to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to work in a range of complex and dynamic health and social care environments.

Students on this course are encouraged to appreciate and understand current occupational therapy practice, while being critical in their approach to developing new, innovative, and evidence-based interventions. There are interprofessional components of the course which are designed to develop practitioners who are professional, compassionate, safe, reflective, and autonomous. Working with peers from other professions including physiotherapy, nursing, midwifery, and social work helps promote team work, collaboration, and an application of research skills in the transformation of health and social care services.

How You Study

The foundation of this course is the inter-professional learning approach to develop and promote a culture of wellness in health and social care. Students on this pre-registration MSc Occupational Therapy course can experience collaborative approaches to learning and teaching that will challenge traditional perceptions of healthcare provision.

A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be used to cater for the individual needs of students on the programme. These strategies may include lectures, seminars, workshops, small group activity, self-assessment, case studies, library based resources, clinical skills sessions, virtual learning, simulation, and practice-based learning.

In addition to academic-based learning in a modern university setting students will have the opportunity to experience over 1,000 hours of practice-based learning in a variety of clinical settings.

In the second year, students have the opportunity to develop a 'role emerging placement' to explore an area where occupational therapists haven't traditionally worked before, subject to achieving the minimum requirements for supported practice learning.

To find out more about occupational therapy, please visit the Royal College of Occupational Therapy website at: https://www.rcot.co.uk/ and http://bit.ly/octherapy

Contact Hours and Independent Study

Contact hours may vary for each year of your course. Students will be engaged in a two-year full-time course and so, at the very least, should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time. There may also be assignments set outside of term time. The composition and delivery of the course varies for each module. Each year of the course runs from January to December.

Master's level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures, seminars and practice-based learning. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend two to three hours in independent study.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advancing Occupational Therapy Practice 2024-25OCU9001MLevel 72024-25This module aims to build on the learners core knowledge and skills in occupational therapy and prepare the learner for the daily challenges encountered by a qualified occupational therapist. Learners will be applying previous knowledge and skills to the assessment and interventions with service users who have more complex needs and multi morbidities, within increasingly complex and dynamic health and social care environments. The teaching for this module will include practical workshops where learners will work on simulated and real life case scenarios to consolidate the philosophical and theoretical concepts that underpin occupational therapy in order to develop their professional identity, promote occupational engagement and be able to justify their practice. This will include consideration of the individuals s unique personal circumstances and the needs of care givers and others in the context of their social situation. Learners will be applying previous knowledge and skills in evidence based practice, assessment and clinical reasoning to demonstrate the links between the theory of occupational therapy and real life practice including exploration of complex legal and ethical considerations in the practice of occupational therapy. Critical reflection and evaluation of the outcomes of interventions will be emphasised and form the basis of ongoing decision making. At the end of this module, learners should be prepared with the knowledge and skills to be an autonomous practitioner and practice within their professional code of conduct. This module must be commenced prior to undertaking Practice Placement 5 which must be completed in order to achieve Learning Outcome 6 of this module.CoreApplied Health Improvement 2023-24HEA9431MLevel 72023-24Health improvement is a term used to describe the work done with individuals and communities to enable and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to be made regardless of health and social circumstances. It is one of the three key domains of public health practice. This second year module has been designed to extend students knowledge of public health policy and practice and provide the opportunity to explore how psychological, social, behavioural and environmental factors influence health, illness and healthcare and how these shape the advice given to patients to improve their own health and the health of others around them. Students will be encouraged to question the ethical basis of and effectiveness of health improvement practice in the current health and social care context from global, national and local perspectives.CoreApplied Sciences in Occupational Therapy 2024-25OCU9002MLevel 72024-25The Applied Sciences module develops and applies the biological, physical, psychological, and sociological sciences in the occupational therapy context of health and social care. Learning through a series of core lectures, learners will then use seminar-based enquiry-based learning (EBL) activities to align the sciences with occupational therapy specific practice. The module will promote the development of a knowledge base of core health and social science clinically relevant to the breadth of occupational therapy practice. The acquisition of knowledge will be challenged through critical analysis and contextual application to develop a firm foundation for the practice of evidence-based occupational therapy in promoting wellness and addressing illness.CoreAssessment and Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy 2023-24OCU9003MLevel 72023-24This module will explore a range of health conditions and their impact on occupational performance. It will build on the learners theoretical knowledge of occupational therapy, introduce different methods of assessment and explore the interpersonal skills required to build meaningful relationships in order to deliver collaborative and person centred care in the context of the individuals life. The learner will explore how to interpret information gathered from a variety of sources, how it contributes to the formulation of diagnosis within the Multi-Disciplinary Team and subsequently to a treatment plan, taking into account the personal preferences, personal and social circumstances of the individual. . Learners will explore this in the context of people at various stages of their lifespan, with a variety of needs and a range of different environmental settings. This module will focus on a range of holistic person centred approaches to assessment which will develop the learners skills in clinical reasoning and case formulation that will be applied in practice. Learners will consider their assessment strategies within the boundaries of their professional code of conduct. This module must be commenced prior to undertaking Practice Placement 3 which must be completed to meet Learning Outcome 4 of this module.CoreEssential Interprofessional Practice 2023-24HEA9432MLevel 72023-24This module has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and understanding about the structure and function of health and social care in the UK. The module will support students in making the transition to Master's level study and assist them in the development of key skills such as critical evaluation, reflection, and using evidence to underpin practice.CoreEssential Occupational Therapy Practice 2023-24OCU9004MLevel 72023-24This module will explore the history of occupation in relation to the fundamental concepts of occupational science and occupational therapy, and the dynamic relationship between engagement in occupation, health and well-being. Learners will be introduced to the theoretical knowledge and skills that underpin occupational therapy practice and links will be made between the impact of occupation, the person and their life context on occupational engagement. Core skills for the professional practice that promotes occupational engagement over the lifespan will be analysed and will form the foundation for the development and application of occupational therapy practice. Learners will develop their critical evaluation skills by exploring the evidence underpinning specific occupational therapy interventions, whilst starting to develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in the selection of therapeutic techniques. Interventions to promote wellness, lifestyle change and self-management will be embedded in this module. Learners will consider their role as an Occupational Therapist within the requirements of their professional code of conduct. During this module learners will commence a CPD portfolio which they will use to connect their module learning and placement experiences and reflections. This will be used throughout the programme and will prepare learners with the necessary skills to demonstrate their ongoing professional development as a graduate OT. This module must be commenced prior to undertaking Practice Placements 1 and 2 which must be completed to achieve learning outcomes 5 and 6 of this module.CoreService Evaluation for Clinical Practice 2023-24HEA9433MLevel 72023-24This module provides the learner with a knowledge and skills of appropriate quality improvement tools to systematically evaluate an area of service delivery within their field of practice. The module will support students to critically examine current research and audit practices in order to systematically reviewing the literature to find alternative ways of working to improve patient outcomes. Students will be expected to prepare a business case proposal for change within their professional area.CoreService Transformation 2023-24HEA9434MLevel 72023-24This second year module provides the students with the chance to develop the knowledge and skills required to systematically propose a service transformation project in order to improve service delivery and patient safety within their area of professional practice. This module aims to enhance the students underpinning knowledge, project management, leadership, and problem solving skills in order to undertake a process of service improvement within the delivery of health and social care. The main focus of the taught content is to ensure that care standards, quality assurance mechanisms, improvement methodologies, process and strategies are fully considered and incorporated into the project.Core

How you are assessed

Students will be assessed both formally and informally throughout the course to develop their learning and autonomy. The assessments will take place both within the University and practice placement environments. Practice-based learning will be pass/fail, while the Level 7 academic work will contribute towards a student's final grade.

Some of the assessment will be led by tutors but students are also encouraged to engage in peer and self-assessment to help develop the skills of reflection and evaluation which are essential for lifelong learning and continued professional development following registration as an Occupational Therapist.

Some of the assessments will focus on theoretical knowledge and application of theory, and others on the practical performance of technical skills and patient management. Detailed guidance of what is expected, and the assessment criteria, will be provided for each module.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date (unless stated differently above).

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a service transformation project, written and practical exams, and demonstrations, group work or presentations. You will also be assessed in clinical practice on your four placement blocks.

Facilities

As a student at Lincoln, you will have access to a range of leading-edge and innovative equipment which provide an opportunity to enhance your learning, encourage research, and hone industry-ready skills during your time with us.

You can find out more about these facilities online.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Successful completion of this programme will provide graduates with the eligibility to apply to the HCPC Register as an occupational therapist and membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Career and Personal Development

Many registered Occupational Therapists work within the NHS or in social care settings and are recruited and employed by individual organisations. This forward-looking programme appreciates that many occupational therapists and new graduates may also work in non-traditional OT roles, or for private and third sector organisations.

New, varied, and innovative job opportunities are increasingly available to qualified Occupational Therapists, and this programme aims to prepare its graduates accordingly. Non-clinical careers also exist in teaching, research, management and administration, health and safety, and training and development. The experienced teaching team can help students explore and develop their individual career aspirations.

The University Careers and Employability team can provide tailored, individual support and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up 15 months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national, and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Features

The University of Lincoln is home to the Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU), which is the research centre for the School of Health and Social Care. CaHRU conducts world-leading interdisciplinary research with service users, health service professionals, and organisations to increase health and wellbeing across the health, social, and third sector care services. CaHRU is allied with the Lincoln Institute for Health. The Lincoln Institute for Health (LIH) is a University-wide multidisciplinary research collaboration that conducts internationally excellent and world-class studies from ‘cell-to-community’.

In the second year, students may have the opportunity to go on a ‘role-emerging placement’, where they will be able to explore and justify the possible role of an occupational therapist in an organisation. The options for this are wide-ranging and diverse and students can develop opportunities in areas of interest with the support of the teaching staff.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

- Applicants should hold an honours degree in a relevant discipline at 2:2 classification or above. If you are unsure whether your first degree is relevant we welcome you to send us your degree transcript so that our Admissions Tutor can advise you further.
- Entry on to the course is subject to meeting the requirements of a profession specific occupational health screening.

Certificates and degree transcripts of all previous qualifications will need to be provided before any offers are confirmed.

International Applicants

We welcome international applications although our places are very limited.
All international applicants require IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element for students whose first language is not English. Applicants must provide a valid IELTS certificate at the point of application.
Students who have completed a UK degree within 5 years of their proposed enrolment at the University will not be required to provide IELTS.

For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

International applicants need to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country and ensure this is still valid by the date of enrolment in addition to the DBS requirements detailed below. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website; please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants.

Other requirements include:
- Evidence of recent academic learning
- Successful performance at an interview
- Knowledge of contemporary health and social care issues, and the role of the occupational therapist in providing health and social care interventions
- Understanding of written material and can communicate clearly and accurately in written and spoken English.
- All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practice Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions before their place on the course is confirmed. Note that the University will pay the costs of this check directly on your behalf.

Applicants with disabilities:

We take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed based on the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability we will invite you to work with us to explore how best we can support your studies.

Other information:

You must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.
Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service.

If you would like further information about entry requirements or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Funding and Bursaries

From September 2020, new and returning postgraduate nursing and midwifery students, and some students in allied health professions, will receive a payment of at least 5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. This is in addition to any financial support they receive through the Student Loans Company. For more information visit: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/considering-or-university/financial-support-university.

From 1st August 2018, the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme will be eligible for further financial support in terms of student loan.

Students may also be able to access Student Finance England's Travel Grant for reimbursement of eligible practice placement expenses.

For the latest information please see Student Finance England's website: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance or email fundingadvice@lincoln.ac.uk with specific queries.

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

The library has a good selection of text books and online resources but there may be a small number of key texts students may prefer to purchase. Whilst out in clinical practice students may be required to travel to their placement area and on some occasions may require accommodation. Students may be able to apply for funds to support this but we are unable to say if everyone is entitled to this as each application is judged on its own merit and separate to the university system. Students will be given the relevant information as part of their induction to the course.

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

MSc Occupational Therapy additional costs:

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Key Information

MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration)