MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy/MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy (Community) (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip)

You can choose to study just one module, or any number of modules which interest you as part of your continued professional development. Or you could work towards qualifications, from the PG Cert, to the PG Dip and finally to the Masters.

The course is made up of three stages - Postraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters.

Postgraduate Certificate

Whether you're studying Advanced Occupational Therapy or Advanced Occupational Therapy (Community) you'll study this module:

• Introduction to Masters Level Study - In this module you'll develop the skills you need to study at Masters level.

Occupational Therapy pathway

In addition to the core module 'Introduction to Masters Level Study' you'll study two optional Occupational Therapy modules (listed below) and one further 15 credit optional module which could be from the MSc Advanced Practice course. Please note that not all of the modules within Advanced Practice are available as distance learning, and may not run at the same time as the other modules and may not run every time. So please check with us.

The optional Occupational Therapy modules include:

• Evaluating Practice Outcomes - Occupational therapists are becoming increasingly invovled in implementing outcome measures in practice as they provide a clear base and a structure in which to organise information required. During this module you'll consider how outcome measures enable you to measure the effectiveness of your interventions and establish quality standards.
• Management of Change - You'll be introduced to some of the models and theories that are fundamental to the successful management of change, and evaluate your own perceptions and attitudes. You'll look at how to manage change within your workplace effectively and efficiently and develop the skills you'll need to critically evaluate the process involved.
• Meeting the Needs of Learners in the Workplace - Learning within the workplace is essential in order to develop a competent and innovative workforce. You may need to be involved in the training of other staff and to do this effectively you'll need a clear understanding of the means by which learning takes place.
• Models in Practice - Occupational therapists are becoming increasingly involved in implementing models in practice. Most models have been developed in North America, so during this module you'll look at how these might be adapted to be implemented in the British healthcare system.
• Negotiated Module 1 - You'll focus on workplace learning and carry out a project related to your own workplace.
• Negotiated Module 2 - You'll focus on workplace learning and carry out a project related to your own workplace.
• Negotiated Module 3 - You'll focus on workplace learning and carry out a project related to your own workplace.
• Occupational Science - You'll be introduced to the concept of occupational science and investigate its implications on practice. You'll develop both your existing knowledge, and explore new ways of thinking about occupation and its importance to lifestyle.
• Professional Practice Education (double module) - Professional practice education is an important element of your study. You'll need to embrace reflective learning theory and demonstrate an understanding of the need for competence to practice in the assignment practice.
• Professional and Informed Reasoning - Quality service provision depends upon appropriate and well justified decisions being made at all stages and levels. So its important to have an understanding of the theories and procedures that underlie outcomes of both individual thought processes and those of the team.
• Supervision - You'll be introduced to the different models of supervision. You'll evaluate them in relation to yourself and to the area in which you work.

Occupational Therapy (Community) pathway

In addition to the 'Introduction to Masters Level Study' module you will also have to complete the following core module:

• Community Focussed Occupational Therapy- You'll explore the key role that occupational therapists play in the community.

You will then choose one Occupational Therapy optional module (see list above). Your final module could be from the Occupational Therapy optional modules or from our MSc Advanced Practice course. Please note that not all of the modules within Advanced Practice are available through distance learning and may not run at the same time. So please contact us to discuss your choices.

Postgraduate Diploma

Whichever pathway you choose you'll study this module:

• Research Methods - During this module you'll develop the skills you need to design, plan , conduct, analyse and report on research relevant to your particular discipline.

Occupational Therapy pathway

You'll then select two optional Occupational Therapy modules from the list above and a further optional module which could be from the MSc Advanced Practice course.

Occupational Therapy (Community) pathway

In addition to 'Research Methods' you'll study the following core module:

• Occupations and Communities - This module will build on your knowledge of community practice and enable you to explore the concept and constructs of communities. You will critically explore the influence of communities on individuals and their roles, health, occupational opportunities and restrictions.

You'll also study one optional occupational therapy module (see the list above) and one optional module which could be from the MSc Advanced Practice course.

Masters

Whichever pathway you choose you'll study this module:

• Independent Scholarship - You'll have the opportunity to investigate in detail, a chosen area of practice relevant to your profession.

Start dates

You can start this course in September, January or April.