University of Brighton
Print

Health through Occupation
MSc (PGCert PGDip)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 2 years (Accelerated)

    Professional accreditation

    This programme is classified as a pre-registration course, at postgraduate level, for those who already hold a bachelors degree in another subject. Successful completion of the professional elements of the programme leads to the award of a postgraduate diploma in Occupational Therapy, which carries eligibilty for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

    On successful completion of the research dissertation, additional to the professional elements, the award of master of science in Health through Occupation is then awarded.

    About the course

    This innovative, two-year, accelerated, problem-based-learning course provides the opportunity to study for an MSc in Health Through Occupation where students examine human occupation as an essential component of health and wellbeing as well as a postgraduate diploma in occupational therapy, preparing them for professional practice in the ever diversifying role of an occupational therapist. The degree benefits from sharing facilities and expertise with physiotherapy and podiatry course teams as well as joint learning events with students in medicine, social work and nursing.

    The School of Health Professions was rated 'excellent' by the Quality Assurance Agency.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 7 overall with no element below 6.5 (to meet requirements of the Health Professions Council).

    Other:
    Two separate 500-word reports on a visits to occupational therapy setting to include a mental health and physical health setting, one of which should be with adults. These reports should be in addition to the personal statement and separate from the application form. Two academic/professional references. On entry to the programme, successful applicants will be also required to undertake basic life support training. Incomplete applications without the additional entry criteria will not be considered.

    Degree and/or experience:
    Degree 2:2 or above in any subject, obtained in the last 10 years. You need to supply a copy of the original certificate. Work experience in health or social care preferred but not essential.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    The intensive programme runs over 45 weeks per year. It has a student-centred, problem-based learning philosophy. The structure maintains a balance between campus-based study and clinical practice. On campus, students work in small groups together with a tutor to address real-life occupational therapy problems or scenarios. In this way, all subjects and skills are integrated as in real life, thus students are able to develop problem-solving skills relevant to the practice of a modern occupational therapist. Various clinical placement settings provide the environment, educational support and role models to apply the principles and skills acquired in campus-based study to practice. Understanding the occupational nature of human health and wellbeing is also examined through student participation in various activities such as cooking, craft, horticulture, performing arts and pottery. Assessments provide various opportunities for feedback in essential professional skills including written critique, report writing, team working, presentation skills, and verbal/written presentation of intervention. On completion of the programme successful students will graduate with a postgraduate diploma in occupational therapy which allows them to apply to the HPC for licence to practice. The MSc degree is awarded to students on submission of a research dissertation undertaken throughout the second year.

    Areas of study

    You will examine topics such as theories of occupation and occupational science (causes of occupational problems); occupation related to population health; clinical reasoning; occupational therapy process (assessment, treatment, and evaluation); occupational therapy skills (creative, productive, leisure and daily living); research methods and professional issues.

    Syllabus

    Year 1
    Human Occupation (including two-week Beginner Practitioner placement)
    Assessing Occupational Capacities
    Novice Practitioner (practice placement)
    Maximising Occupational Capacities
    Intermediate Practitioner (practice placement)
    Evaluating Occupational Therapy

    Year 2
    Occupational Therapy: Teams
    Diverse Practice (practice placement)
    Occupational Therapy: Settings
    Competent Student Practitioner (practice placement)
    Occupational Therapy: Consumers
    Achieving Best Practice
    Research project

  • Fees and costs

    Tuition fees for this course for UK/EU students are paid by the NHS. Students meeting residency requirements are also eligible to apply for a means-tested bursary and a non-means-tested loan.

    Further information can be found on the NHS student bursaries website www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students.

    Health Through Occupation (MSc) (Full time)  [L2BH013]
    UK/EU (Full Time)For advice on fees for this course please contact fees@brighton.ac.uk, +44/0 1273 642449.
    Island Students (Full Time)For advice on fees for this course please contact fees@brighton.ac.uk, +44/0 1273 642449.
    International (Full Time)16,000 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Eastbourne

    Eastbourne is a thriving town which offers traditional seaside attractions, modern nightlife, good shopping and a wide range of sporting activities. It’s one of the sunniest places in the UK.

    Our Eastbourne campus is located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, about ten minutes walk from the seafront and 20 minutes from the pier and Eastbourne town centre. Almost 3,000 students are based here.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Eastbourne

    Eastbourne’s buzzing university community and compact town gives it a laid back and friendly feel. The town combines the traditional seaside attractions with modern nightlife, a wide range of sporting activities and an exciting arts scene.

    Social scene

    The student community in Eastbourne ensures it has a thriving social scene, with dedicated student nights at many of the town’s pubs and clubs. Eastbourne’s expanding nightlife includes trendy cocktail bars, laid-back country pubs and modern nightclubs.

    Fireworks over the pier

    Arts

    The striking Towner contemporary art museum in Eastbourne features international exhibitions as well as a permanent art collection. Eastbourne's six theatres give you a chance to see West End musicals, touring shows, live music and comedy.

    The Towner contemporary art museum

    Sports

    Eastbourne has long been the home of pre-Wimbledon tennis tournaments at Devonshire Park. Eastbourne also hosts an extreme sports festival and the Beachy Head Marathon that takes place across the South Downs National Park.

    Eastbourne Extreme sports festival

  • Career opportunities

    After professional registration with the HPC graduates are eligible to take up opportunities in health and social care, in the NHS, social services, and the private sector. There are now many new and exciting possibilities for occupational therapists nationally and worldwide.

    Visit the careers service website.

Apply now for your place
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 644111
Email sohpadmissions@brighton.ac.uk

Visit the school that delivers this course