What will I learn on this module?
By the end of this module, you will have a clear understanding of the key knowledge and skills required for practice as an occupational therapist. You will explore underpinning Occupational Science, occupational and activity analysis in order to develop understanding of occupational disruption and the range of social and individual factors which impact on a person’s ability to engage in occupations linked to health and wellbeing. You will develop knowledge from occupational, physical, behavioural and social sciences to inform your understanding of a range of acute and chronic disease processes and the impact these may have on an individual’s capacity to engage in self-care, productivity and leisure pursuits. You will develop a foundation understanding of how social factors external to an individual may also impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and the subsequent impact on occupational engagement. Building on your understanding of human developmental theory you will explore occupational disruption and potential impact on health and wellbeing associated with each life stage.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a range of blended learning approaches, designed to help you make the transition to university learning and to help you develop knowledge in relation to important topics whilst drawing on your work-based experience. Online lectures will be utilised to introduce you to key module concepts, alongside access to online learning packages to support your development in basic sciences including anatomy and physiology. Group work and seminar sessions will be used to explore these concepts in interactive and experiential ways. In particular, opportunities to engage with the narratives of people who have experienced occupational disruption will support the development of skills in person-centred care including collaboration with others and an appreciation of the importance of and the differences in the lived experience of individual building on your work-based experiences. Student-led directed learning will also be important to help you to develop knowledge about key scientific and theoretical concepts, which will be introduced during the module. Classroom based sessions will be utilised during consolidation weeks enabling you to synthesise work-based learning, practice placement learning alongside the theoretical and practical university based sessions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team and your work-based mentor will structure blended learning opportunities to support your learning within the module and to assist you to work towards the module assessment. The module handbook, the electronic reading list, and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and on the e-learning portal will all signpost you to resources to support your academic development. Formative assessment opportunities with feedback will assist you to evaluate your own progress within the module and identify areas for development. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will also be an integral part of the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate verbally and in writing a foundation level knowledge of a range of acute and chronic disease processes which may affect an individual across the lifespan.
2. Demonstrate verbally and in writing an understanding of the impact of social, cultural and political factors on occupational engagement across the life span.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Identify information from a range of sources to be able to discuss the variety of factors linked to occupational disruption.
4. Apply theoretical principles to support analysis of interactions between physical, psychosocial and social components of occupational engagement.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Collaboration with others to facilitate client centred practice and promote inclusion and participation
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
Self, peer and tutor feedback on the understanding and articulation of concepts relating to occupational disruption in seminars and via the discussion board. (MLO 5)
Blackboard quiz, sample exam questions.
Summative assessment:
Semester 1
Video presentation of an activity analysis linked to a student generated case study for their work based experience (MLO 1-4)
Semester 2
Short Answer Exam (MLO 1-4)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Occupational Therapists support those experiencing disruption due to physical (e.g. disease) or social factors (e.g. bereavement). Participation in this module will develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the major types of disease, injury and social issues associated with key life stages.
Impact on health and wellbeing is influenced by life stage, individual circumstances and the social, cultural and physical environment surrounding the person. Understanding these intersecting complex factors will contribute to you respecting equality and diversity and demonstrating a non-judgemental approach to promote inclusion and participation.
The module will also help you to prepare for your first practice placement (Placement 1 module), where you will meet individuals who are experiencing disruption and change to everyday activities. You will develop an empathic and compassionate understanding of how individuals work towards restoring and maintaining health and wellbeing through engagement in meaningful occupation.
The assessment consists of a presentation related to activity analysis in semester 1 and a short answer exam in semester 2 to showcase knowledge and understanding of occupational disruption and the impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing.
Course info
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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