MSc Occupational Therapy
Cardiff, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,450 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for overseas | for home: £9,450
Key Summary
Join a School ranked 1st in the UK for Occupational Therapy (BSc) by the Complete University Guide 2021. Our programme has close links with the College of Occupational Therapists which means that your learning is both current and relevant. It provides a sound grounding in the theory and occupation-focused practice whilst also building on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You will develop the knowledge required to approach your practice innovatively and apply research and evidence to shape current and future practice in your home country and beyond.
This is a flexible course that allows you to tailor your own professional development to suit your needs, through a range of occupational therapy and interprofessional modules such as developing your skills in patient safety or transforming care systems and services through leadership. You will also cover core areas such as Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Theory and Application.
Your learning will be supported by experienced researchers and academics who are experts in their field. You will be designated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies.
In addition, you will be learning alongside a globally diverse group who are studying at various points in their career, sharing knowledge and gaining an understanding of Occupational Therapy practice across the world.
Be part of something life-changing and take on a new challenge today.
Why Study this Course
This course, for practising occupational therapists, aims to develop your knowledge and essential skills to help you progress in your career.
Learning Community
You will benefit from learning alongside a diverse group who are studying at various points in their career.
Student Support
You will have academic support and be assigned a designated personal tutor throughout your studies with us.
High-Quality Teaching
You will be taught by experienced educational and clinical staff with considerable local, national and international reputations.
We are committed to investing up to a total of £500,000 in this high-value competitive scholarship scheme to support UK students who are planning to start an eligible Master’s programme in 2024/25.
Each Scholarship is worth £3,000 and will be awarded a tuition fee discount.
Eligibility
UK students are eligible to apply for the Scholarship. You normally need to have achieved at least a 2.1 or equivalent in your first degree to be eligible. You need to submit an application to study at Cardiff University and be made an offer to study before your fee status can be confirmed.
The MSc Occupational Therapy programme is modular, and students must complete 120 credits in the taught component of the programme and a further 60 credits in the dissertation component. 90 credits are core modules and must be undertaken, and 30 credits are optional. Taught modules are arranged in block format and run throughout the semester.
Year One
In Year One you will complete three core modules (90 credits) and one optional module (30 credits) which equates to 120 credits of the taught component of the programme.
Core Modules for Year One
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Theory and Application
- The Art & Science of Occupational Therapy
- Research methods and data analysis in healthcare
Optional Modules for Year One
Year Two
In Year Two you will complete your dissertation from a choice of three options (60 Credits).
- Empirical Dissertation
- Dissertation M Level: Work-based Project
- Dissertation M Level: Systematic Review of the Literature
How Will I Be Assessed?
You will be assessed through written assignments and oral presentations. This enables you to demonstrate your ability to analyse and evaluate situations and to use different ways to present your ideas and abilities. The research project is a culmination of the development of these skills.
What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge & Understanding
- Develop an analytical and problem-solving approach and show advanced skills in implementing the occupational therapy process
- Develop an in-depth understanding of occupational therapy theory, the evidence behind it, and its application in practice
- Confidence in initiating change and advancing the occupational therapy profession through scholarship and leadership
Intellectual Skills
- Evaluate practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice
- Ability to reflect on own practice and therapeutic use of self
- Ability to engage in critical analysis, advanced scholarship, and research
Professional Practical Skills
- Develop standards of practice based on reflective thinking and problem-solving
- Confidently link theory to practice
Transferable/Key Skills
- Critical appraisal skills and ability to manage a research-based project
- Ability to initiate change and advance the profession through research and critical thinking
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both speech and writing, presenting well-considered arguments
- Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload
The MSc Occupational Therapy offers an opportunity to develop your evaluative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to increase your practical and theoretical knowledge of occupational therapy so that you can apply these skills in the further advancement of your profession.
A professional postgraduate qualification can lead to opportunities to develop your career in a number of directions, from advanced practice in your clinical area, to management or leadership roles, or to positions in education. Postgraduate taught study is also an ideal stepping stone to undertaking further study or research.
Our graduates have gained roles including:
- Occupational therapy positions
- Occupational therapy management positions
- Educational positions such as lecturer
- Research Associate
- PhD studentship
How Will I Be Taught?
Teaching is mainly through discussions, lecturer-led sessions, student-led seminars, presentations and individual tutorials. There are also some lectures.
The self-directed study forms an important part of the course, and you will be guided in the areas for study.