What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will develop core knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy alongside an appreciation of how occupational therapists apply these principles to practice. You will explore the academic discipline of Occupational Science which studies the links between meaningful activities, health and wellbeing. Topics in this module will include:
• The use of theoretical frameworks and foundational sciences to analyse occupation, health and wellbeing
• The consideration of contextual factors, including global and public health challenges, that influence occupation
• The therapeutic use of the self in creating collaborative relationships with people who use occupational therapy services
• The application of theory to practice within a range of health, social care, education and community contexts (practice placement A)
Your university learning will be consolidated and developed by a period of practice-based learning where you will be supported to apply theory to practice and develop your occupational therapy knowledge and skills with support and supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. You will engage with people and communities with lived experience to gain insight and appreciation of a range of health, social and/or environmental factors that influence occupational participation and engagement.
The preparatory period in university prior to placement will help you to understand the professional conduct required in practice as set out by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The target placement hours for this module are 262.5 hours of supervised practice, contributing to the 1,000+ hours of supervised practice required for HCPC registration. 100% attendance on placement is expected in order to meet required practice hours. Absences will be reported to the placement area and the University, and if required, opportunities to catch-up with missed time negotiated at the next most appropriate opportunity.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a range of student-centred approaches designed to support your transition to Masters-level study. Active learning through research and enquiry-based approaches, peer-led projects and critical thinking tasks will support you to develop the knowledge and skills that you will use throughout the course and your future career. Lectures will introduce you to key module concepts, with practical and seminar sessions utilised to explore these further in interactive and experiential ways. Practical sessions will encourage you and your peers to engage in, and critically reflect on, everyday occupations and to observe the skills, actions, responses and behaviours of others when engaged in occupation. Technology, including audio-visual and online material, will be used to support observations and discussions. You will also be able to access learning support including information, help and support on using the library, academic/study skills and IT systems here at Northumbria.
Practice Placement will also be an integral part of learning on this module where you will engage with an identified practice area and work alongside service users/carers and a qualified Occupational Therapist who will act as your practice educator to facilitate your learning, link theory to practice and support your development of occupational therapy skills. Tutorial sessions will also form part of your module learning, specifically to support you with the placement process. Tutorial sessions may be in the form of individual or small group tutorials, in university, online or in practice.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure a blend of face-to-face and on-line learning opportunities to support your learning within the module and to assist you to work towards the module assessment. The module handbook, the reading list, and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and via Blackboard (Northumbria University’s Electronic Learning Platform) will all signpost you to resources to support your academic development.
A formative assessment opportunity with staff and/or peer 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.
You will also have an identified practice educator (a qualified Occupational Therapist) who will facilitate and support your learning in practice. In addition, you will be supported to identify and access other professionals and disciplines available in the particular practice area. At key points before, during and after placement, academic staff will assist you to link placement learning to your module learning and to your wider continuing professional development.
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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Synthesise and critically apply theoretical and scientific concepts to the understanding of occupation, health and wellbeing
2. Consider a range of individual and contextual factors influencing occupational engagement including global and public health challenges
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy, accountability and responsibility for safe and effective practice across a range of settings in order to meet the requirements of a HCPC registrant
4. Critically evaluate occupation-focused interventions for individuals, families and communities.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Embed a respect for diversity, social justice and belonging to develop an inclusive approach to occupational therapy practice, taking in to account global perspectives.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
Part A: Students will have the opportunity for individual feedback on a short written piece of work in preparation for their summative assessment. (MLOs 1, 2, 5)
Part B: Ongoing formative assessment on practice placement where strengths and areas for development are identified. This will be supported through regular supervision meetings between the student and the practice educator and will be summarised during a mid-point contact with an academic tutor (All MLOs)
Summative assessment:
Part A: 3000 word written assignment critically applying theoretical concepts and considering a range of factors influencing engagement in occupation (MLO 1, 2, 5)
Part B: Practice Placement (All MLOs)
Students will be assessed on a pass/fail basis in line with Assisted practice-based learning outcomes competencies, and will receive written feedback from the practice educator regarding strengths and areas for development. Placement must be passed in order to pass the module.
Parts A and B will promote achievement of all MLO’s
Your summative assessment mark and feedback will be returned to you within the University standard of 20 working days, normally accessed through the module Blackboard (Northumbria University’s Electronic Learning Platform).
Your placement grade and feedback is given to you at the end of your placement before being submitted to the University.
Module abstract
Throughout the life course, people engage in a range of occupations (work, leisure and self-care activities) which give their lives meaning and purpose. This module, through theoretical and experiential learning, enables students to develop a fundamental understanding of occupation and its intrinsic links to health and wellbeing.
You will consider a range of individual and contextual factors that influence occupational engagement, further enabling the development of foundational professional skills and an appreciation of occupation-centred practice. A commitment to equity, diversity and belonging, and a non-discriminatory approach to promote inclusion and occupational justice, will prepare you for practice-based learning and future employment.
The module includes a period of practice-based learning to enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of occupational therapy. Placement hours completed on this module contribute to the 1000 hours of supervised practice required to be eligible to register with the HCPC on completion of the programme.
