Application Information
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)
Course
2014-2015 Entry
Start date: January 2015
Application deadline for UK and EU applicants
4.00pm, Thursday 5th June 2014
Overseas applicants
4.00pm, Thursday 30th October 2014
Introduction
We are pleased that you are considering applying for this MSc Occupational
Therapy (Pre-registration) course.
This course is innovative and should you decide to apply, you will be part of a
small but close group of staff and students.
I hope you find all the information you need in this pack and the associated
website.
We do run a series of information sessions to help potential applicants decide
whether to apply to this programme. Please feel free to contact any of the team if
you have any other questions or concerns.
Senior Lecturers on the programme are Rob Brooks, Angela Murphy and Anita
Volkert. Rob Brooks is the Admissions Tutor. Please contact him or the
Admissions Team if you have any questions or queries.
Miranda Thew
Course Leader
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Contents
1 Course overview
1
2 Entry requirements
4
3 Application procedure
5
4 Career prospects
8
5 Frequently asked questions
9
6 Finding out more
11
7 Contacts
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1. Course overview
This section provides a very brief overview of the structure and content of the MSc
Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) course. Please note there may be some
variation to the number of weeks per module. Assessment strategies used: oral
presentations, report writing, reflective assignments, case studies, journal articles,
group work and group reports. These assessments take place in formative and
summative forms. The following information is a guide only.
Year One
Working and Learning Together
No credits
Shared learning and developing group and team-working skills will begin
with a shared two week induction programme with the MSc Physiotherapy
(Pre- registration) students. This experience will set the scene for future
shared learning on the course and will prepare students for working with
each other, and other professionals, in practice. It offers an early
opportunity for professional socialisation. The occupational therapy and
physiotherapy students are given the opportunity to work in both university
and mixed professional groups to discuss their expectations for the course
and future professional roles.
There are no assessments for this ‘module’.
Humans as Occupational Beings
20 Credits
This ten week module will introduce students to the key concepts and skills
which underpin an occupational perspective of humans and health. It will
explore occupation, health and well-being. Students will be supported to
understand themselves as occupational beings and consider methods of
understanding human participation in occupation.
The Occupational Therapy Toolbox
20 Credits
This module will include ten weeks of university based learning and six
weeks of placement based learning. These two elements will be brought
together in an assessment week at the end of the module. The aim of this
module is to introduce students to the key tools (including knowledge, skills
and attitudes) required of an occupational therapist.
It will include, for example, topics such as the occupational therapy process,
clinical reasoning, assessment theory and skills. While this material will be
given prominence in this module, subsequent modules will return to and
build on the material so that students can refine and develop their abilities.
Occupation in Context
20 Credits
This ten week module will introduce students to the ways in which human
occupation and occupational therapy are subject to a range of contextual
influences.
The contexts considered will include physical, social,
psychological, attitudinal and legislative. While considering how these
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impact on human occupation and occupational therapy practice, students
will develop an awareness of how it is possible to influence these contexts
for the benefit of clients. Students will therefore consider theories of
change and skills of managing change.
Contributing to Professional Knowledge
60 Credits
This module begins in year one and continues throughout most of year two
and culminates in the submission of a journal article based on original
research and presentation of a poster at the course conference. It will be
an opportunity for students to undertake a piece of independent research
which contributes to the professional knowledge base.
Students will have the choice of undertaking either a qualitative or
quantitative data collection research, a systematic review, an in-depth
literature review or a synthesis. Students will identify, plan, carry out, and
report a research project with support from a supervisor, who is a member
of the occupational therapy and science group. Students will consider
internal and external research ethics and governance issues as part of the
module. A variety of learning opportunities will be provided which will
provide students with experience of a range of research methodologies and
approaches.
Year Two
Occupation and Health: An Individual Perspective
20 Credits
This module includes ten weeks of university based learning with six weeks
of placement based learning. These two elements will be brought together
in an assessment week at the end of the module. This module will explore
in greater depth the issues of assessing the occupational performance of
individuals and the identification of barriers to participation.
Students will further develop their skills in planning, implementing, and
evaluating individualised intervention programmes for clients. This module
will include a one week shared learning experience with MSc Physiotherapy
(Pre-registration) students.
There is also an interprofessional element to this module where students
work with colleagues from other courses to have a greater understanding of
each others role and address shared competencies.
Occupation and Health: Groups and Communities
20 Credits
This includes seven weeks of university based and six weeks of practice
based learning, in a role emerging setting in order to provide the opportunity
to explore the potential occupational therapy contribution in a novel setting.
This module will explore in greater depth the occupational issues of groups
and communities, considering assessment, treatment and evaluation at
community or group level. One week is devoted to shared learning with the
MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) students.
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Transition into Practice
20 Credits
This module will include five weeks of university based learning followed by
ten weeks of placement based learning. The module will cover topics such
as management, supervision, continuing professional development, and
career development, for example. Following the placement students will
return to the university for two weeks of consolidation and assessment.
Course Conference
No credits, formative assessment only
The course conference will take place in the final week and will be a clear
marker for the end of the students’ journey to becoming an occupational
therapist.
The conference will be a joint venture with the MSc
Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) students and will be open to local
clinicians, managers, practice educators, university staff and other key
stakeholders.
Students will present a poster and/or an oral presentation of the work
undertaken for the Contributing to Professional Knowledge module.
Practice placements
Students are involved in practice placements throughout West Yorkshire and in
exceptional circumstances outside the county. This may necessitate students
staying in local accommodation or travelling on a daily basis. All costs are initially
met by the student who may claim this back from the NHS Grants Unit subject to
the outcome of grant assessment.
Students are allocated practice placements based on their educational needs,
within the limits of the placements offered by local services. Students are not able
to negotiate their own practice placements or take up placements outside of the
region as these are utilised by students on courses at other institutions.
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2. Entry requirements
Applications for entry to the programme are made direct to the University and candidates must as
a minimum meet the essential criteria which are used in conjunction with the desirable criteria to
short list applications.
Applicants should normally have at least a 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in the cognate
subjects of Science, Social Sciences, Healthcare (including degrees in related health and social
care professions), Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, History, Politics, Environment or Arts. Other
subjects and classifications may be considered if they are supported by relevant and recent work
experience. Your first degree must also have had a research training component and you should
have completed an undergraduate research study. Applicants who do not have English as their
first language are required to have IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5 or an equivalent award.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate; a high level of interest and research into the profession,
including an awareness of the breadth of the profession and the philosophy and practice
underpinning it; appropriate work experience/shadowing; excellent communication skills; the ability
to work both independently and as part of a team.
Satisfactory health and enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to
acceptance on the course; these will be in line with professional body membership and HCPC
registration requirements.
All applications must be accompanied by TWO references. The references should provide
evidence of an applicant’s suitability for the occupational therapy profession and postgraduate
study e.g. academic tutor, current or recent employer. These should be supplied at the point of
submitting your application and it is your responsibility to request them and ensure they are
submitted with your application before the deadline, the university will not be able to request them
on your behalf.
Applications from international students are welcomed. Advice and assistance regarding degree
classifications and IELTS (7.0 with no skill below 6.5) can be sought from the University’s
International Office.
The Admissions Tutor and/or panel use a scoring system based on evidence in the application
form and references. Please note that we require two references to be provided with the
application form before the deadline. Those short listed will be allocated randomly to a place on
the course or a place on the waiting list.
Random selection is an approved method of shortlisting applications, the required number of
applications will be selected from the pool of applications that meet (and exceed) the above
criteria.
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3. Application procedure

Your application should be submitted via our online application system, Apply
Online, at this web address https://applyonline.leedsmet.ac.uk/main/. All
supporting documentation (certificates, transcripts, references) can be
uploaded to your online application before submission. If you experience any
difficulties
uploading
attachments,
please
email
[email protected]

Completed applications will be screened by the Admissions Team and those
eligible will be reviewed by the Admissions Tutor / panel.

All applications must be accompanied by two references – please do not
submit references and application forms separately. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to ensure that two references are provided with the application.
These references should provide evidence of your suitability for the
occupational therapy profession and postgraduate study e.g. academic tutor,
current or recent employer. You will therefore want to show your referees the
entry requirements for the course before they write the reference. Personal
references will not be accepted.
Please note:
References must be the original copy on official headed paper and signed
by the referee. Applications which do not include two references will not be
processed.

All applicants who would like to be considered for entry in January 2015 must
ensure their completed application, with references and other attachments, is
submitted by 4.00pm on Thursday June 5th, 2014 (30th October for overseas
applicants). If you are unable to meet this deadline please email the team at
[email protected]

In all previous years the number of applications has exceeded the number of
places available to study. Hence those short listed will be allocated randomly to
a place on the course or to a place on the waiting list. Random selection is an
approved method of shortlisting applications, the required number of
applications will be selected from the pool of applications that meet (and
exceed) the above criteria.

We will begin informing applicants of the outcome of their application in July
2014.

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course for the next intake,
January 2015. This offer may be conditional on meeting particular terms, e.g.
2.1 honours degree completion, satisfactory health screening and criminal
history checks.
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Health screening and Disclosure & Barring Service checks
Due to the nature of the occupational therapy course and occupational therapy
practice, it is necessary to pass a health screening. This is a confidential
assessment carried out through the Leeds Trust on behalf of the university.
It is a requirement that students undergo an enhanced Disclosure & Barring
Service (DBS) check.
Successful applicants will usually be offered a place conditional on health and
DBS checks. If you are made a conditional offer and you accept this place, the
processes involved in carrying out these checks will be initiated approximately 3
months before the start of the course, you do not need to do anything until we
contact you with an information pack.
For more information see
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barringservice/about
Disabled applicants and applicants with specific learning difficulties, or other health
concerns
We welcome applications from disabled people and people with specific learning
difficulties e.g. dyslexia. Early contact with the Disability Support Team on
0113 812 8519 or at [email protected] is advised so that the
process of assessing individual needs can be commenced.
Accreditation of prior learning and experience
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is the generic term used for the award of
credit on the basis of demonstrated learning that has occurred at some time in the
past. In theory, for this course prior learning may be assessed and could be used
for
 entry into the institution,
 direct entry into the second year of the MSc Occupational Therapy or
 advanced standing with credit towards a target award.
Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) refers to non-certificated
learning gained from experience. For example, if students wish to demonstrate
equivalency for entry to the course. Applicants may demonstrate prior noncertificated learning equivalent to those identified using procedures set out in
University Academic Regulations. The applicant must demonstrate the claim using
procedures set out in University Academic Regulations.
The integrated nature and inclusion of essential skills in many modules of this
occupational therapy course may result in logistic difficulties in granting entry with
advanced standing.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of prior non-certificated learning will be
interviewed and the method by which they seek to demonstrate their claim will be
agreed.
All decisions on admission based on non-certificated learning shall be made by the
Admissions Committee and reported to the Examination Board. All applications
under this process will still be subject to health and DBS screening.
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Applying for exemption from modules
A single module for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) course is
valued at 20 M level credits. It is possible to obtain exemption from whole
modules if you have successfully studied the module content at the equivalent
level in a previous occupational therapy course. You are required to provide
evidence of your previous study including module content. However, due to the
highly integrated nature of this course it is unlikely that you will have completed
similar modules elsewhere.
Please contact the Student Administrator for
information about the course modules.
 The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) Student Administrator,
Diane Jacklin can be contacted on (0113) 812 5926
Transferring onto the course
It is possible, in theory, to transfer onto this MSc course from another MSc course.
However, this is a course leading to eligibility to apply for registration as an
Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council, so it is essential that
we ensure students have covered all areas of the curriculum. Therefore, in
practice, transfer onto the course is unlikely to be feasible due to the highly
integrated nature of this course.
Any application for transfer with advance standing would be considered by the
Admissions Team. If you are considering this option please seek advice from the
Admissions Tutor.
 MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) Admissions Tutor, Rob
Brooks can be contacted on (0113) 812 5636
Email: [email protected]
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4. Career prospects
Employment prospects for occupational therapists are good.
Successful
graduates are therefore likely to find a job, and may be able to stay within the
region.
The National Health Service is the largest employer of occupational therapists, but
many also work in Social Services Departments. There are also growing
opportunities in other areas such as non government and voluntary sector
employers.
This qualification will also entitle you to work in other countries, subject to local
requirements and procedures.
On successful completion of the course graduates will be eligible to apply for
registration as an occupational therapist with the Health Professions Council
(HPC) as well as apply for membership of the College of Occupational Therapists.
www.hpc-uk.org
www.cot.co.uk
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5. Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the questions frequently asked by potential students. If your particular question
is not covered here please visit our website or contact the Admissions Team on [email protected]
What degrees are considered 'relevant' to occupational therapy?
The view taken of occupational therapy at Leeds Metropolitan University is broad and so a wide
range of degrees will be considered as relevant. Some of the degrees people have applied with
include teaching, psychology, nursing, social policy, textile design.
The literature that I received about the course suggested that a 2.1 honours degree was normally
required, is it possible to apply for this course with 2.2 or lower?
In deciding the entry requirements for the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) course we
were very deliberate in trying to make the requirements as flexible as possible, given that we are of
the view that a wide range of people have the potential to become occupational therapists.
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may be considered if they are able to
demonstrate evidence of successful previous study in conjunction with a strong personal statement
and relevant work experience.
How long is the course and is it full time?
The course is full-time. It starts in late January and runs continuously over two years. Because it is
an accelerated programme students will have approximately seven weeks holiday (two weeks at
Christmas, two weeks at Easter and three weeks in the summer). So you will not get the usual long
summer holidays, but you should graduate in two years rather than three or four.
What is the teaching schedule like?
This year’s teaching is as follows; Monday - Study day (students do not usually need to be in
university on Mondays) Tuesday - 9am-4pm Wednesday - 9am-12pm Thursday - 9am-4pm Friday
- 9am-12pm.
Would I be able to stay working on a part time basis and study for the MSc at the same time?
The course is an accelerated two-year course, which does mean that it will be more intense than
other courses. Although the current timetable has some time when study is self directed, if
students choose to work during this time they will need to consider when they will fit studying into
their week. During practice placements students must be present for a normal full-time working
week.
Do I have to pay any fees?
Students who are eligible for an NHS bursary will have their fees paid and may also be eligible to
apply for a means tested bursary to help with living expenses.
If you are classed as an international student you will not qualify for any funding and you will be
required to pay the course fees and have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of the
course. The fees you will be required to pay are typically £12,500 per year (as of January 2013).
Please note that this figure is subject to confirmation for 2015 entry.
To find out which category you fall into please check the Student Grant Unit Website at
http://www.ppa.org.uk/StudentBursariesCalculator/reset.do;jsessionid=3A6C780708265FAC3DCB3
1C70B2148F2
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I do not wish to approach my present employer for a reference. Could I use my past employer for a
reference instead?
Who you choose for your referees is up to you, although a reference from someone who has had
recent sustained contact with you is necessary. Personal friends are not acceptable. The key thing
is to choose people who can make some comment on your suitability to be an occupational
therapist / health professional and to study at postgraduate level.
Will the students have an option to do part / all of the practice placements abroad? If so is there
funding for this?
Students on the MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) have had ten week placements in
Australia, USA and Malaysia. Some funding is available to contribute towards the cost, this has to
be applied for and is awarded following an interview.
Can I arrange my own placement close to home?
Unfortunately not as other placements within the region and across the country are utilised by
other courses at other institutions.
What areas can you specialise in?
This course, like all pre-registration occupational therapy courses, aims to produce therapists who
can work in any setting. For that reason there is no possibility of specialisation within the course;
you would do that after graduating.
Is this course recognised abroad or will I have to do further exams?
As the course is accredited by the College of Occupational Therapists it is recognised by the World
Federation of Occupational Therapists, but some countries will still require you to sit an additional
exam.
How much do occupational therapists get paid?
Obviously salaries vary between areas and organisations. Newly qualified occupational therapists
within the NHS begin at Band 5 presently £21,388 (as of July 2013).
What if my application is unsuccessful?
Due to the popularity of the course we receive significantly more suitable applications than we can
offer places. We use random selection to identify the few candidates to make offers of places to
and those who will have a place on the waiting list. We only keep a short waiting list as places
rarely become available. If your application is unsuccessful at the random selection stage there is
no further feedback we are able to offer you. You met the essential selection criteria and would
always be advised to continue with your research, development and experience in the field.
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6. Finding out more
There are several ways you can find out more about occupational therapy, the
course, and Leeds Metropolitan…
 Visit the Leeds Metropolitan University website
http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk
 Visit the website of the Leeds Metropolitan University Occupational Science
and Occupational Therapy group
http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/health/osot
 Attend a course information session, please register for any these sessions
by emailing
[email protected]
th
Wednesday 16 October, 1-2pm in Rose Bowl RB206
th
Wednesday 18 December, 1-2pm in Rose Bowl RB223
th
Wednesday 12 March, 1-2pm in Rose Bowl RB223
 General reading of information on the internet (links are located on the group
website) or by obtaining information from NHS Careers, the College of
Occupational Therapists, or the library.
 For more information on NHS bursaries and student grants visit
Students NHS Business Services Authority
 If you are concerned about the financial implications of studying full-time visit
the Leeds Metropolitan University Student Services website – they are also
happy to speak to prospective students if you have particular questions.
http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/metoffice/stuserv/
 Leeds Metropolitan University provides undergraduate and postgraduate
students with a unique combination of living and learning experiences. Leeds
Metropolitan University operates in partnership with Unipol, a charity that helps
students find housing from the private sector.
http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/fm/accomm/
http://www.unipol.leeds.ac.uk
 You can find out more about problem-based learning by searching the web or
by visiting some of these websites…
http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/resources/pbl/what.html
http://www.med-ed-online.org/f0000012.htm
http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~maggisb/two.html

Spend some time with an Occupational Therapist.
While it is not a requirement that you have direct experience of occupational
therapy before applying, you do need to have an understanding of the
occupational therapy profession and occupational therapy practice. You will
also want to make sure that you are choosing the right profession for you. One
way to obtain this information is to spend time with occupational therapists.
The following services in West Yorkshire have kindly agreed to have
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prospective applicants visit their services. Please contact them directly if you
would like to arrange a visit. There are many demands on their time and it may
take some time for the service to arrange a visit for you so please allow plenty
of time for them to slot you in.
Caitlin Edwards
Acute Occupational Therapy Dept
Staincliffe Wing
Dewsbury District Hospital
Halifax Road
Dewsbury
WF13 4HS
Tel: 07903 755647
Email: [email protected]
Carol A. Rhodes
Occupational Therapy Services Manager
Occupational Therapy Department
Horton Wing
St Luke's Hospital
Little Horton Lane
Bradford
BD5 0NA
Tel: 01274 365234 or 365180
Fax: 01274 365443
Email: [email protected]
Ruth Eckersley
Disability Team Manager (temp)
Morley Town Hall
Queen Street
Morley
Leeds LS27 9DY
Mandy Graham,
OT Professional Lead (Kirklees & Calderdale
BDU’s), South West Yorkshire Partnership
NHS Foundation Trust, The Bretton Centre,
Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield, WF1 3SP.
(01924) 327030. [email protected]
Maureen Drake
AHP Lead
1st Floor, Stockdale House,
Victoria Road,
Headingley
Leeds LS6 1PS
0113 220 8545
[email protected]
[email protected]
Catherine Eaves,
OT Professional Lead (Forensic BDU), South
West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital,
Wakefield, WF1 3SP. (01924) 327386.
[email protected]
Alison Clements
OT Professional Lead (Wakefield BDU), South
West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, Day Treatment Service, Garden Street,
Wakefield, WF1 1DX. (01924) 327670.
[email protected]
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7. Contacts
Admissions Office
Telephone (0113) 812 3700
Email [email protected]
Rob Brooks
Senior Lecturer / Admissions Tutor
Telephone (0113) 812 5636
Email [email protected]
Miranda Thew
Senior Lecturer / Course Leader
Telephone (0113) 812 5796
Email [email protected]
Website
http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/health/osot
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/OccupationalTherapyAtLeedsMetropolitanUniversity
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