Programme aims
The overall aim of this programme is to prepare graduate apprentices for registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council. During the programme we will provide learning opportunities to develop the required knowledge, understanding and skills for:
Professional practice: Knowing and understanding how to think and act as an occupational therapist for the benefit of service users, carers, families, communities, and services.
Occupational Therapy: Knowing and understanding occupational performance and engagement, by analysing the impacts of health and social conditions and addressing them by designing, delivering, and evaluating occupationally-focuses interventions.
Context: Knowing and understanding how to advance occupational therapy practice in a range of settings based on evidence-based practice, reflection and service development through leadership, scholarship, and research.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A101: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and core tenets of the occupational therapy profession
A102: Develop an advanced understanding of the informing sciences; biopsychosocial and cultural influences upon health and wellbeing
A103: Analyse and evaluate the diversity and complexity of human behaviour on occupational performance
A104: Appraise the relevance and impact of legislation, guidance, and evidence-based practice on occupational therapy provision
A105: Critically examine the value of occupational therapy practice within diverse contexts.
Learning methods
A1-A5 are achieved through keynote lectures, seminars, practical skills classes, enquiry-based learning, and blended learning approaches. In level 4 modules, there is a greater provision of lecture style delivery, with less provision of student-led enquiry-based learning opportunities. However, as the programme progresses through the levels, the independent and student-led enquiry-based learning approaches become more of an emphasis, in order to mirror the development of autonomous learners and practitioners.
A1-A5 will also offer a focus for reflective learning and demonstration of continuing professional development.
Assessment methods
A1-A5 are assessed by coursework, written and multiple-choice examination, verbal and poster presentations, portfolio, viva voce and within practice placement learning.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B101: Identify and critically appraise relevant aspects of practice, sources of information and issues which shape contemporary occupational therapy
B102: Engage in critical reflection on ethical issues relating to occupational therapy practice
B103: Engage in critical dialogues to initiate and develop effective, creative, and innovative ideas for, and perspectives, on occupational therapy practice and research.
B104: Synthesise different elements of learning to refine further questions, make judgements, and reach appropriate conclusions.
B105: Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of occupational therapy and advocate for ideas, judgements, and conclusions as appropriate, using relevant terminology.
B106: Develop cognitive skills to demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and transferability of knowledge with the aim of remaining current within the ever-changing climate of practice.
Learning methods
B1-B6 are achieved through seminars, enquiry-based learning, reflective learning supported by tutorials and research-led teaching approaches. Seminars will be used to introduce new material and encourage interaction between students. E-resources will be available to support students’ learning. External health professionals and service users will also contribute to the learning and teaching approaches. Practice placement learning offers a real-world context for students to develop skills of reflection and analysis.
Assessment methods
B1-B6 are assessed by coursework, portfolio, verbal and poster presentation, placement, service enhancement project, critical report and analysis with supporting promotional resource, practical skills assessment including Practice Assessment Document (PAD), viva voce and research including a substantive literature review and detailed research proposal.
C: Practical skills
C101: Apply occupational therapy processes effectively to structure, inform and justify the added value and quality of the profession to service users and services
C102: Demonstrate how to select, analyse, adapt, grade and evaluate occupations in practice
C103: Design, plan, lead, manage and evaluate projects, using supervision to support the process
C104: Use reflection and professional reasoning to draw on professional knowledge
C105: Through risk assessment and/or reasoning, establish and maintain a safe working environment for practice
C106: Use effective strategies including research skills to develop and promote occupational therapy sustainability in a range of contexts
Learning methods
C1-C6 are achieved through enquiry-based learning approaches, practical skills classes, reflective learning, independent study, placement-based learning and the contribution of external health professionals and service users. C5 will be achieved through mandatory training, both online and practical sessions.
Assessment methods
C1-C6 are assessed in practice placement learning, case study report, service enhancement poster presentation, critical report with supporting promotional resource, practical skills assessment incl. Practice Assessment Document (PAD), portfolio statement and viva voce.
D: Key skills
D101: Employ and adapt advanced communication skills to effectively engage with a range of audiences across a variety of contexts.
D102: a) Effectively use appropriate e-resources to develop own practice in order to support and demonstrate own learning.
b) Engage with technological advances to the benefit of others
D103: a) Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and interpretation of numerical data in evidence-based practice. b) Generate numerical data and/or accurate measurements to inform clinical practice, adaptive design, service enhancement and research relevant to occupational therapy.
D104: Recognise and analyse problems emerging from theory and practice, using sound reasoning processes to identify appropriate outcomes.
D105: a) Develop effective working approaches and relationships in order to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and positive engagement with others. b) Respect the rights, needs and preferences of others. c) Respect diversity and acknowledge the richness that this can bring to the learning experience. d) Recognise and work within personal limitations
D106: a) Develop skills prioritisation and organisation in order to manage workloads. b) Demonstrate statutory and programme requirements for fitness to practise. c) Use critical reflection to identify, plan and engage in activities that will contribute to continuing professional development and future employment.
Learning methods
Please highlight how learning and teaching methods will be inclusive for all students.
D1 is supported in interactive approaches within small group discussion, enquiry-based learning approaches, reflective learning, placement learning and seminars. Tutorial time is allocated for individual discussion.
D2 commences on the pre-registration induction day. Also achieved through seminar presentations, online mandatory training, profession specific equipment and technology workshops, library tutorials and the provision of e-resources.
D3 is supported in seminars. Workshops, practical skills and enquiry-based learning approaches where students present and analyse work. Tutorial time is allocated for individual discussion and problem solving.
D4 is practised throughout the course. Students work through given problems or issues derived from the students’ practice.
D5 is facilitated by the use of collaborative and/or interprofessional group work and during seminars and placement learning.
Assessment methods
D1 is assessed by coursework, essay, case study report, verbal and poster presentation, literature review, practice placement learning, research proposal, Practice Assessment Documents and viva voce.
D2 is assessed through use of word-processing and ability to cite references from internet sources. Practical assessments are also included which test students’ skills. The use of information technology during presentations is encouraged.
D3 is assessed through course work, essay, and dissertation.
D4 is assessed through coursework, practice placement learning, essay, viva voce and dissertation.
D5 and D6 are assessed through course work, oral presentations, Practice Assessment Document, portfolios and practice placement learning.