BSc (Hons) - Occupational Therapy

Year one

• Exploring Foundations for Practice
  Explore the origins and development of the occupational therapy (OT) profession. Learn about our paradigms and what ‘occupation’ means to us, especially the transformational nature of occupation for humans. Learn how to help people restore their lives by facilitating occupational focussed opportunities to wellness. You will explore and develop skills to use evidenced-based practice, facilitating your ability to bridge theory with real-world application in practice. You will examine how people, environments, and occupations interact and look at different practice models. Y The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT professional knowledge to help you begin to form your professional identity.
• Exploring Professional Practice
  This module sets the stage for your journey as a competent and ethical professional. There are three main sections to this module, the first being learning about professional conduct. In this first section you will learn regulatory and legislative requirements of OTs such as ethical and conduct expectations. In the second section you will learn about professional skills and collaborative practice. The second sections teach you about protocols and guidelines and how to use these in practice. This second section also teaches you communication skills such as interpersonal skills and professional role working. In the third section you will learn about continuing professional development, methods of recording it, reflective practice and maintaining your own health and wellbeing are just some of the learning included in this third section. Additionally, you will learn about competencies in a digital world. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT professional expecta
• Exploring Occupational Beings
  This module examines human development across the lifespan from an occupational perspective, focusing on how individuals engage with their environments and the meaning of their occupational experiences. By integrating body structures and functions, human philosophy such as identity, health concepts, and occupational science, you will gain insights into the complexity of human occupational engagement and its impact on wellbeing. You will learn in simulated scenarios prior to applying your learning to your taught sessions and during practice placements. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of health and wellbeing and OT theories to help you begin to form your professional identity.
• Exploring Occupational Engagement
  Discover how occupational science underpins effective therapy. You will learn about the therapeutic use of activities and media, examining their role in engagement in occupations and promoting health and wellbeing. You will analyse activity and occupational engagement, explore the effects of physiological factors, and appreciate the importance of cultural perspectives in therapeutic practices. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of OT skills of engagement of service users to help you begin to form your professional identity.
• Exploring Research and Evidence-based Practice
  Discover the research fundamentals crucial for advancing your practice. This module covers everything from research methods and data interpretation to ethical considerations. You will develop skills in critical thinking, evidence appraisal and scientific inquiry. The learning in this module enables your acquisition of integrating OT evidence from research into your practice placements and future professional practice, further developing your professional identity.
  
• Practice-based Simulation Placement 1
  Prepare for hands-on practice with this 20-hour simulation placement. You will engage in practical exercises covering essential skills such as basic life support, infection control and effective communication. This module will help you build your professional identity further by adding to your confidence and competence in core areas, setting a solid foundation for your future practice.
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 1
  This is your first practice placement, providing 187.5 hours of supervised experience. This module integrates academic learning with practical application, offering a range of experiences across different occupational therapy settings. You will develop key skills in assessment, professional reasoning, and communication under the guidance of a Practice Educator, preparing you further grow your professional identity for future professional roles.

Year two

• Developing Professional Practice Skills
  This module bridges theory and practice, focusing on applying life sciences and occupational theory in real-world contexts. You will justify professional decisions, learn best practices, and explore common conditions affecting occupational performance. Topics include anatomy, pathology, therapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration, enhancing your ability to address diverse client needs and further grow your professional skills which will enhance your acquisition of professional identity.
• Developing Occupational Possibilities 1
  Collaborate on a community-based health and wellbeing project, addressing contemporary challenges through occupational therapy. This module emphasises applying occupational science principles and understanding cultural and societal influences on service design. You will gain skills in analysis, evidence-based practice, and ethical intervention planning, all necessary for furthering your acquisition of professional identity.
• Developing Research Skills
  Enhance your research skills from year 1 with this module, which is focused on developing research proposals, gathering data, and analysing results. You will learn to formulate research questions, address ethical considerations, and design robust research projects. By the end of the module, you will be able to appraise evidence and present research findings effectively, further developing your professional identity.
  
• Developing Global Occupational Therapy Perspectives
  Explore occupational therapy’s role on a global scale, considering social, geographical, and political contexts. This module covers sustainability, inclusive practice, and emerging global practices. You will evaluate how occupational therapy can address global challenges and empower marginalised communities, preparing you for a broader professional impact and identity.
• Developing Occupational Possibilities 2
  Lead, implement and evaluate a new occupational therapy intervention in a contemporary setting. This module will develop your teamwork and leadership skills, focusing on promoting health and wellbeing. You will organise and deliver a group intervention, evaluate its effectiveness, and reflect on your professional growth of identity and responsibilities.
  
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 2
  Advance your practical experience with a 300-hour placement, enhancing your skills in varied clinical settings. Guided by a Practice Educator, you will refine your assessment, communication, and professional reasoning skills, focusing on person-centred care and evidence-based interventions while maintaining high professional standards. The placement will also involve developing a professional portfolio, reflecting your growth of identity and readiness for autonomous practice.

Year three

• Applied Occupational Therapy
  Build on your foundational knowledge to tackle contemporary challenges in occupational therapy. This module emphasises managing clinical complexity and integrating digital health solutions. You will apply theories and evidence to practice, enhancing your skills in goal setting, workload management and continuous professional development, developing your professional identity further.
• Applied Research Skills
  You will advance your research capabilities through a secondary research project relevant to your professional practice. You will critically examine evidence, design, and conduct a research project, and analyse findings to inform practice. The module covers research design, data analysis, project management, and adherence to ethical and governance standards, including HCPC and RCOT guidelines. This module enhances your ability to apply research skills in real-world contexts.
  
• Future Leaders
  This module equips you with essential skills for transitioning from student to a newly qualified occupational therapist, with a fuller formed professional identity. You will develop leadership, change management and digital capabilities necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of health and social care. You will critically reflect on your practice, enhance your employability skills, and evaluate how leadership can influence the profession.
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 3
  This module provides a comprehensive full-time 6-week placement, totalling 240 hours, during which you will integrate and apply previous learning across a variety of occupational therapy contexts. Emphasis is on occupation-based interventions, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice, all while adhering to legal and ethical standards. You will develop your professional identity further and professional skills in caseload management, professional communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork. You will be guided throughout by your Practice Educator.
• Occupational Therapy in Practice 4
  This is your final practice placement, comprising 20 hours of simulation-based learning followed by 8 weeks (320 hours) of assessed practice-based learning in a clinical setting. This module consolidates your learning and transitions you from a student to a newly qualified occupational therapist. You will practice within legal and ethical boundaries, demonstrating advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and communication. Emphasis is on independent practice, professional development of your professional identity, and preparation for professional registration, guided by your Practice Educator.