Occupational Therapy - Oxford Brookes University

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Valid from: 2014
Faculty of Sport and Life Sciences
21 August 2014
Page 2 of 13
1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Awarding body:
Oxford Brookes University
Teaching institution and
location:
Oxford Brookes University
Final award:
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Programme title:
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Interim exit awards and
award titles:
Certificate in Higher Education (unnamed)
Diploma in Higher Education (unnamed)
Brookes course code:
OT
UCAS/UKPASS code:
JACS code:
Institution name/code: OXFD/066
Course code: B920 Short course title: BSc/OT
B930
Mode of delivery:
On campus face to face
Mode/s of study:
Full-time (3 years); a more part time mode of study can be
negotiated with the faculty on a case by case basis.
English
Language of study:
Relevant QAA subject
benchmark statement/s:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/P
ages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Health-careprogrammes---Occupational-Therapy.aspx (June 2001)
External approval/
College of Occupational Therapists (COT)
accreditation/recognition: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
(applicable to
programmes with
professional body
approval)
Faculty managing the
Faculty of Sport and Life Sciences
programme:
Date of production (or
most recent revision) of
specification:
2.
21 August 2014
Overview and programme aims
2.1. Rationale for and distinctiveness of the programme
The fundamental aim of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme is to enable
students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and be eligible to
apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions
Council (HCPC).
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
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Based in Oxford, the environment for learning is rich with diversity, culture, specialist
health and social care resources, academic resources as well as close commuting links to
London. The occupational therapy programme is staffed by occupational therapists
expert in diverse clinical specialties, and supported by occupational therapy practice
educators from all areas of mainstream and specialist practice. The degree benefits from
shared and inter-professional education opportunities, in addition to profession specific
ones, to develop the professional qualities and attributes for current and future health and
social care practice. The university’s on-going investment in a new technology
infrastructure is enabling the teaching team to exploit successful technology-enriched
learning throughout the programme.
Graduates from this programme will be fit for purpose, practice, and award. We aim to
enable students to develop a profound understanding of the potential for occupational
therapy to promote the health and wellbeing of the population. They will be evidenced
based, innovative and have capacity to make a significant contribution to the profession,
specifically contribute to excellence in client care and the professional knowledge base.
The occupational therapy programme team is mindful of the anticipated transformation of
practice over the next 20 years as well as the changes to demographics and the political
innovation resulting in the widening participation agenda. Consequently, the programme
aims to attract students, who are academically able, have the potential to be self-directed,
resourceful graduates ready to take up a professional role.
On successful completion of this programme, graduates are eligible to apply for
registration with the HCPC, and are able to apply for membership of the British
Association of Occupational Therapists. The title of occupational therapist is protected by
law and anyone using the title must be registered with the HCPC
The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy is accredited by the COT and World Federation of
Occupational Therapists (WFOT). It has on-going approval from the HCPC.
2.2 Aims of the programme
•
To enable students to meet the professional standards of the COT and
HCPC, and work within the codes of conduct, performance and ethics of the
HCPC and of the COT.
•
To provide students with eligibility to register as an occupational therapist
with the HCPC, and be able to apply for membership of the British
Association of Occupational Therapists.
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
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3.
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduate
Attribute
Academic literacy
Academic
literacy
On completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy the
student will be able to:
1. Develop a critical understanding of the theoretical knowledge
and concepts that underpin contemporary occupational
therapy.
2. Demonstrate awareness of the physical, psychological
and social factors that influence participation in
occupations.
3. Synthesise knowledge from the biological, behavioural,
social and occupational sciences to frame occupational
therapy practice.
4. Assess, using a relevant client centred occupational therapy
framework, the occupational needs of an individual and
develop, implement and evaluate occupational therapy
strategies to meet their needs.
5. Assess risk and take decisions related to the ability of a
client to participate in their own community
environment.
6. Analyse and make therapeutic use of the relationship
between the person, occupation and environment and
their influences on health.
7. Use professional reasoning to select and employ appropriate
assessments and occupations as media for therapeutic
intervention.
Research
literacy
Critical selfawareness
and
personal
literacy
8. Appraise the evidence base for practice including
research and literature in order to ensure effective use
therapeutic strategies in occupational therapy.
9. Understand the ethical issues in a research proposal
and critique the background literature to defend a
research proposal and its associated methodology.
10. Plan a research proposal/project to completion
11. Work autonomously and effectively as an occupational
therapist within the legal, ethical and cultural
parameters of practice in health and social care.
12. Work effectively in partnership with individuals,
families, groups, communities and other health and
social care providers to enable issues which affect the
health and well-being of clients are addressed
effectively in occupational therapy.
13. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills in
collaborative working in both traditional and emerging
health and social care settings.
14. Demonstrate competent working within a managerial
structure and work effectively to utilise resources in
health and social care and in emerging areas of
practice.
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
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Graduate
Attribute
Critical selfawareness
and
personal
literacy
Digital and
information
Literacy
Global
citizenship
On completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy the
student will be able to:
15. Develop and sustain a high standard of professional
communication and inter-personal skills with clients,
carers/families and members of a team based on a
core values of professional practice
16. Commit to continuing engagement in personal and
professional development in response to changes in
professional practice, service provision, social policy
and life-long learning initiatives.
17. Be aware of and use information technology as a
medium of therapeutic intervention and to record
information on clients.
18. Demonstrate accountability, responsibility and promote
quality assurance in occupational therapy practice
using both traditional and digital media,
19. Promote, value and advocate human rights, inclusive,
anti-oppressive practice and occupational justice in
individuals, families, groups, and communities.
20. Debate the political, ethical, legal and economic factors
that impact on human occupations
21. Create, maintain and promote social and physical
environments and practices that promote and support
the health and well-being of individuals, families,
groups and communities.
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
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4.
SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
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4.1. Table1. Details on modules in the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Module
Level
Credit
Status
Semester of Delivery
U42506
Therapeutic use of self
U43708
Partnerships 1: Using
evidence in professional
practice
U42508
Human performance and
function in occupational
therapy
U42507
Foundations of
occupational therapy
practice
U42509
Professional development
1a
U42510
Professional development
1b
STAGE 2
U42527
Occupational disruption
U43720
Partnerships 2:
Developing effective
working practices
U42526
Occupational
performance and
participation across the
lifespan
U42528
Professional development
2a
U42529
Professional development
2b
U43744
Research methods and
analysis
U42574
Occupational therapy
dissertation/project
U42571
Professional development
3
U42572
Advancing occupational
therapy
U42573
Contexts of occupational
level 4
15 credits
compulsory
single
compulsory
single
Semester 1
level 4
15 credits
level 4
45 credits
compulsory
triple
Semester 1 & 2
level 4
30 credits
compulsory
double
Semester 1 & 2
level 4
zero credits
compulsory
single
Semester 1
level 4
15 credits
compulsory
single
Semester 2
level 5
15 credits
Semester 1
level 5
15 credits
compulsory
single
compulsory
single
level 5
45 credits
compulsory
triple
Semester 1 & 2
level 5
zero credits
compulsory
single
Semester 1
level 5
30 credits
compulsory
double
Semester 2
level 5
15 credits
compulsory
single
Semester 2
level 6
honours
30 credits
compulsory
double
Semester 1 & 2
level 6
honours
30 credits
compulsory
double
Semester 1
level 6
honours
15 credits
compulsory
single
Semester 2
level 6
honours
30 credits
compulsory
double
Semester 2
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014
Semester 1
Semester 1
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therapy practice
U43771
Partnerships 3
level 6
honours
15 credits
compulsory
single
Semester 2
4.2. Progression
Students will normally be expected to follow the programme in a sequence and must
complete and pass all modules in the programme to attain the award. Stage one must be
passed before a student can enter stage 2. Some modules are pre-requisites for other
modules. This detail is provided in the student handbook.
The student must have taken and passed the mandatory skills required for fitness to
practice as an occupational therapy student, prior to taking all three practice education
modules.
4.3. Regulatory and Professional body requirements
The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy has on-going approval from the HCPC and is
subject to re-accreditation in 2014 by the COT, who also accredit on behalf of the World
Federation of Occupational Therapists.
In the United Kingdom occupational therapists are regulated by the HCPC. The COT is
the professional body for occupational therapy in the United Kingdom. The award of BSc
(Hons) Occupational Therapy normally makes a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
graduate eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as an occupational therapist.
Students completing with a certificate in higher education (unnamed) or diploma in higher
education (unnamed) are not eligible to apply for HCPC registration or use the
professional title. An Aegrotat degree does not confer eligibility for professional
registration with the HCPC.
Occupational therapy students must adhere to COT and HCPC standards for conduct,
performance and ethics in order to safeguard the health and well-being of those who use
or need the services we deliver. Students are required to commit to these standards, in
addition to adhering to university regulations.
5.
PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Teaching learning and assessment
The new occupational therapy curriculum is written using enquiry based, constructivist
approaches to education which embraces the paradigm of occupation. Set firmly within
the framework of occupational science, students will embark on acquiring a deep
understanding of:
•
•
•
•
the value and meaning of occupation
the impact of occupational dysfunction on the quality of life
the limitations and barriers imposed by occupational deprivation and
the challenges of occupational injustice.
Our approach supports the adoption of graduate attributes and is congruent with the
philosophy of occupational therapy, as it assumes that students need to be actively
engaged in doing, being, becoming and belonging (Whalley Hammell, 2004). Module
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assessments are designed to ensure that successful completion of the assessments will
demonstrate achievement of the programme aims and learning outcomes, congruent with
the requirements of a graduate occupational therapist. These include coursework essays,
reports and presentations as well as a small number of examinations. The linear
relationship between assessments enables the formative and summative feedback to
inform future performance at assessment. Feedback opportunities have been consciously
designed to promote the students understanding of their performance against the
graduate attributes.
Practice education occurs in one module in each year of the degree and adds up to over
1000 hours in real world practice settings. Practice uses a competency based
assessment with continuous formal and informal feedback. Self-assessment by the
student is an integral part of this process.
Successful completion of all modules ensures that the student will achieve the appropriate
learning outcomes relevant for the graduate environment, including both the graduate
attributes articulated by Oxford Brookes (academic literacy, research literacy, critical selfawareness and personal literacy, digital and information literacy and global citizenship)
and the specific professional outcomes articulated by HCPC Standards of proficiency and
the College of Occupational Therapists Standards for practice. The teaching, learning
and assessment strategy will ensure that students will be able to demonstrate
competence in the core skills for occupational therapy practice and become self-directed
resourceful graduates ready to take up professional roles as occupational therapists.
Assessment Regulations
This section should be read in conjunction with the core academic regulations of the
university which can be found at: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/uniregulations/current
And the specific regulations for undergraduate programmes at the following link:
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/regulations/current/specific/b2/ and specific variations to this for
the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (see below)
Variations requested:
Core regulations:
A1.1.9 Aegrotat awards; Except that for the Double Subject of Occupational Therapy an
Aegrotat award does not provide eligibility to apply to occupational therapy register at the
Health and Social Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations
B2.7 iv: Except that for the Double Subject of Occupational Therapy, Full-time students
who extend their programme must complete their degree within five years from the initial
date of entry. Students following in-service/part-time/mixed mode routes must complete
within six years from the initial date of entry.
B2.15 iii Except that for the Double Subject of Occupational Therapy a student must also
achieve a pass grade of 40% in any pre-requisite module for a placement module, in
order to progress.
B2.15 vi: Except that for the Double Subject of Occupational Therapy a student who has
not satisfactorily completed, after taking 2 times, a module which is a specific subject
requirement may be required to withdraw from the course.
B2.15 vii: In Occupational Therapy, no practice module has a resit (reassessment)
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
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opportunity, therefore for a practice module any mark between 0 and 39 is constitutes a
Fail grade and must be retaken. No practice based module may be failed more than once
and a student may not fail more than one such module. A student who does so will be
required to withdraw from the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.
6.
ADMISSIONS
The selection criteria used for admission to the university provide a framework for fair selection
based on merit, qualifications, experience and potential. The general admission policy is
intended to open the courses to applicants who satisfy the University’s minimum entry
requirements having followed the widest possible scope of academic studies. Mature
applicants must show evidence of recent academic study within the last five years.
Entry criteria
•
•
•
•
•
Five GCSE passes to include grade B in English and grade C in Maths and
Science
and
Three A-level subjects at grade B or above or equivalent
or
Access to HE diploma (Science or Healthcare) passed with a minimum of 45 level
3 credits, which must include 12 level 3 credits in Biology, plus 15 credits at level
2. All credits achieved at level 3 must be at the Merit grade, and additionally 50%
of these level 3 credits should normally be awarded a Distinction grade.
or
60 credits from The Open University modules SDK125 Understanding Health
Sciences (30 credits) and SK277 Human Biology (30 credits)
And
An ability to communicate clearly in English; both the spoken word and in
writing. Applicants whose first language is not English must have one of the
following, or an equivalent qualification acceptable by the University and the
HCPC:
British Council IELTS: Level 7 or above (with no less than 6.5 in any
element)
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) with a minimum score of 100/120. (We do
not accept the paper based or electronic based TOEFL test)
In addition to these, applicants will be expected to demonstrate a range of specific
qualities and aptitudes appropriate to occupational therapy within the specific recruitment
process of group interview and written task.
Occupational Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
All offers are made on condition of a satisfactory occupational health screening at the
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
All applicants are required as a condition of acceptance to satisfactory complete a
criminal record disclaimer form and give their permission for us to obtain an
enhanced police check with the Disclosure and Barring Screening Service (DBS).
Applicants are screened in line with DHSS HC 88 (9) guidelines and the
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Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, where spent and
unspent criminal convictions (other than a protected conviction) and spent and
unspent cautions (other than a protected caution) must be disclosed.
7.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
On initial commencement of the programme, the week before teaching starts (week 0) is
set aside for induction. This involves activities such as campus tours and introductions to
university support services, library induction, programme meetings and academic advisor
meetings, and activities lead by second year students to assist students to gain skills for
using the virtual learning environment (Moodle), while additionally providing opportunities
to meet new peers. Feedback indicates these meetings and activities with student guiders
are well received and assist students to settle into the university.
During induction, students are provided with a link to the on-line programme handbook
which outlines the programme in its entirety and summarises the programme and
university regulations. Throughout the programme, a module handbook outlining specific
details is produced for each unit of study and is accessible in the virtual learning
environment.
Roles taken by subject team members are clearly defined and explained to students and
staff are accessible to meet in their offices . The 2012 national student survey results
indicated 94% of respondents were very positive about the support received during the
programme.
The Programme Lead has overall responsibility for the management of the programme,
and line-management responsibility for the subject team. The occupational therapy
Subject Co-ordinator is responsible for student progression through the degree and
accessible to students at all times. The Programme Administrator is available to assist the
student with the administrative management of their programme, for example registration
for modules; annual enrolment.
Each student is allocated to a subject team member who acts as their Academic Advisor.
Academic Advisors (AA’s) undertake mandatory training and are guided in their role by
familiarity with the information in the university ‘supporting students handbook’ which
ensures they are able to offer relevant academic and pastoral support or direct students to
a relevant service.
Each unit of study (module) has a named Module Leader who is responsible for the
management of the delivery of teaching and learning activities and assessment activities,
and for the quality of the learning experience for students undertaking the module.
In professional practice students are supported by a Practice Educator (PE) on site or by
a ‘long arm’ supervisor off site. This person will complete a summative assessment and
give on-going formative assessment to the student. The criteria for a being a practice
educator are guided by the COT Pre-registration Education Standards (2008) and the
HCPC Standards for Education and Training (2009)
Student Support Co-ordinators provide one to one support, advice, guidance and
encouragement to help students progress throughout their programme. They complement
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the support provided by AA’s by focussing on practical and personal problems which may
affect student life.
The University Student Services offer a wide range of professional and advisory services.
These include:
• Careers Centre
• Chaplaincy
• Counselling
• Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties support
• Disability Support
• Financial Advice
• International Students
• Student Health and Well-Being
• Students Union Advice Centre
8.
GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY
The award of a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy provides eligibility to apply for
registration with the HCPC. Registration with the HCPC is compulsory for working as an
occupational therapist in the UK. Future careers prospects include clinical specialisation,
management, research or education. As the course is fully accredited by the COT, on
behalf of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, our graduates may work
overseas subject to local registration requirements.
Most occupational therapy graduates become employed utilising their occupational
therapy skills; increasingly however there an increasing number of employment roles not
explicitly described as an ‘occupational therapist’. This is due to the changing nature of
health and social care practice and the role emerging opportunities. The team are
attentive to preparing students for job application and interview. Professional profiling
continues to be embedded through the programme and a newly designed teaching and
learning session in the skills training weeks between years 2 and 3 focuses on evaluation
of professional profile in readiness for application for employment and uses role-play to
develop skills.
9.
SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS
As with other professional practice programmes, practice is embedded in the curriculum
and links with employers are sustained and robust. The programme liaises continually
with a range of potential employers as part of the quality processes, for example; joint
occupational therapy management meetings, practice education partnership meetings and
through wider professional occupational therapy networks. Additionally the programme
regularly engages with a range of social inclusion ventures and charities. This programme
has over 90% of practice based placements situated in local NHS and Social Services.
These include services in both community and hospitals throughout the whole of the
South East. We also place students in private clinics and hospitals. Staff from NHS, Social
Services, private practice areas, and the voluntary sector, are involved with the
recruitment of applicants to the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy and our annual quality
review activities.
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21 August 2014
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10. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The programme fully adheres to the University quality strategy, articulated in the Quality
and Standards Handbook. The programme is required to meet its obligations to the
Higher Education Funding Council, the HCPC and the COT who validate, approve
(HCPC) and accredit (COT) the programme.
Quality assurance is essential in maintaining the quality of the teaching and learning
opportunities being offered to students, as well as the development of the programme.
The processes occur at the end of semesters, end of the academic year and at five year
periodic review. All contribute to the overall continuous nature of quality assurance.
Some processes focus at the modular level, others on total programme review and others
focus on staff development.
Programme Speciification: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
21 August 2014

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