Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Master of Occupational Therapy Course

The Master of Occupational Therapy course at Robert Gordon University is designed to provide students with the skills to make a difference in the lives of individuals, groups, and communities. As an occupational therapist, graduates will engage in a variety of ways with individuals, groups, and communities, using their unique occupational therapy skills to enable people to overcome challenges and participate more fully in daily occupations.

Course Overview

This four-year integrated Master of Occupational Therapy award was developed in response to employer needs and key current policy and social directives. The course aims to develop students into occupational therapists who are professional, resilient, creative, practical, and dedicated to implementing contextually relevant occupational therapy services, promoting and enhancing health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals and populations.

Mode of Study and Attendance

• The course is available for study on campus.
• The mode of attendance is full-time.
• The start date for the course is September.
• The course length is four years.

What You Will Study

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• The relationship between the person, occupation, health, wellbeing, and the environment.
• The determinants of health and wider psychosocial and cultural influences on health.
• The concept of health promotion.
• Theoretical and practical components of occupational therapy.
• Development of professional identity through interprofessional learning opportunities.

Year 1

In the first year, students will develop a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the person, occupation, health, wellbeing, and the environment. They will learn about the determinants of health and wider psychosocial and cultural influences on health, as well as the concept of health promotion. Theoretical and practical components of occupational therapy are embedded throughout, and development of professional identity is initiated through the use of interprofessional learning opportunities.

Year 2

In the second year, students will explore wider theory of the impact of health on human occupation and the application of occupation-based practice within a range of settings throughout the lifespan. Interprofessional education, evidence-based practice, community engagement, and practice placement opportunities develop clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to underpin current and contemporary professional practice.

Year 3

In the third year, students will have further opportunities to apply clinical reasoning skills and occupational therapy skills, with the integration of academic theory, practice placements learning, and aligned with the multi-professional study of research methods. They will develop their critical thinking, team working, and entrepreneurial skills in relation to professional practice and interprofessional learning, leadership, and management.

Year 4

In the final year, students will develop enhanced skills in critical and professional reasoning in relation to understanding the importance of integrating a public health approach and provision of quality evidenced-based, person-centered care. They will undertake a research project, which will further develop research skills attained in Stage 3. Their practice placement experience will also be augmented by an elective practice placement, which provides some choice whilst ensuring that remaining outcomes are achieved.

Student Stories

Hear from students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

• Student Blog - Katie Harley
• Graduate Story - Doireann McCaughley
• Graduate Story - Stephanie Westlake-Tritton

Sustainability Commitment

The Master of Occupational Therapy course embeds the concept of sustainability throughout the course design and delivery, aligning specifically to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) sustainability goals and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists' (WFOT) sustainability principles. The course recognizes the needs of populations, focusing on preventative approaches, and developing knowledge and skills to reduce inequalities and promote good health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Events

The university hosts on-campus and virtual events to help prospective students find out more about the course, student experience, and future career paths.

Course and Module Information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The university regularly reviews its courses, and course content and structure may change over time.

Learning Methods

Learning will take place through lectures, tutorials, and workshops. Practical skills are taught within the purpose-built clinical skills and home setting environments, engaging with simulated participants to utilize scenarios that are reflective of practice.

Activity Summary

• Lectures: 44-100 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
• Seminars: 44 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
• Tutorial: 6-44 students per group, 4-6 hours per week
• Project Supervision: 5-7 students per group
• Practical class or workshop: 5-44 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Placement/Work-Based Learning: 1-2 students per group, 35 hours per week (lasting 6 weeks per term)

Independent Study

Students will be expected to engage in independent study for each module, engaging in a variety of resources to support and augment learning.

Staff Delivering the Course

All academic staff teaching on this course are qualified occupational therapists or allied health professionals, with an extensive range of experience gained in a variety of clinical and geographical settings. Industry experts and guest lecturers also contribute to the academic and practice-based teaching.

Assessment

Typically, students are assessed each year through a combination of written exams, written assignments, practical skills assessments, and oral assessments.

Feedback

The university aims to provide students with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences.

Online Learning and Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from using the university's collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle. Students are provided with 24/7 online access to learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The library offers support for the course, including books, eBooks, and journals, as well as online reading lists for many modules, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing.

Placements

Practice placement experiences take place in a wide range of health, social care, and third sector organizations throughout Scotland. The first four placements are sourced and predominantly arranged by the course Practice Placement Coordinator. The fifth is an elective placement sourced and arranged by the student, which may take place in traditional or contemporary emerging areas of practice, either in the UK or internationally.

Job Prospects

A career in occupational therapy offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and increasingly important area of health and social care. Previous graduates have gone on to pursue occupational therapy careers in various environments, including hospitals, social work services, rehabilitation units, housing services, schools, day care facilities, community rehabilitation, third (voluntary) sector, prison service, and addiction services.

RGUflex

The university offers flexible learning opportunities through RGUflex, which allows students to upskill, reskill, or pursue a passion. RGUflex can also be used by employers to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the course are:

• SQA Higher: BBBC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) and one from a science or humanities subject. Maths and a science subject are required at National 5 level grade B or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) and one from a science or humanities subject. Maths and a science subject are required at GCSE grade 6/B or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) and one from a science or humanities subject. Maths and a science subject are required at grade O2 if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) and one from a science or humanities subject. Maths and a science subject are required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher.

Alternative Qualifications

The university welcomes applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programs, Foundation Apprenticeships, and overseas qualifications.

International Students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through the university's International College.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5, or an equivalent.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course vary depending on the student's location and mode of study. For the academic year, the fees are:

• Scottish students: £1,820 per year
• Rest of UK students: £9,535 per year
• International students: £17,570 per year

Additional Costs

There are additional costs associated with the course, including:

• Accommodation: approximately £1,000 to cover potential accommodation costs incurred during practice placements
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups clearance: approximately £60
• Student membership of professional body: approximately £6 per month
• Uniform: approximately £12.63 for a tunic and trousers
• Health checks: variable depending on needs, but online screening is essential, approximately £22.70

Accreditation

The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.