Introduction to Occupational Therapy - Level 5

For module start dates, please view our Module Calendar found on our CPD page.

Please note this module is planned to be delivered at our Colchester campus. Application deadlines and interview dates are available on the module calendar. Please contact cpd@essex.ac.uk for further information. . This module is aimed at those who have previously obtained a relevant level 5/assistant practitioner qualification, but lack formal occupational therapy academic learning.

This is an occupational therapy specific pathway module that provides the an opportunity for you to explore and develop your knowledge of theory underpinning the profession: its origins, core beliefs, values and skills.  A 2-week full-time placement will also be undertaken within a placement ‘away’ from your current place of work.

This module will introduce students to the core knowledge and skills of occupational therapy enabling them to consider themselves and others as occupational beings and to identify potential influences on occupational performance.

The module will be delivered 1 day a week in the summer term and includes a 2-week full-time practice placement in an allocated occupational therapy setting. You will start to develop an understanding of your professional identity in relation to the core tenets of occupational therapy and have an opportunity to practice some core skills.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Evaluate occupational therapy and the core skills of an Occupational Therapist (Essay and PP Explore).
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the meaning of occupation to identify humans as occupational beings (Essay).
• Critically analyse the underlying concepts of how humans engage in occupations (Essay).
• Apply a critical understanding of the influences upon occupational performance across the lifespan (Essay).
• Evaluate and apply the theoretical frameworks that underpins the occupational therapy profession (Essay).
• Demonstrate knowledge of the OT process relevant to your placement setting (PP Explore).
• Demonstrate effective use of reflection to develop the professional practice (PP Explore).
• Demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals/people using a broad range of communication styles (PP Explore).

Accreditation and professional recognition

The completion of this module can lead to eligibility for applying to the OT degree apprenticeship.  Only after successful completion of the OT degree apprenticeship will learners be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Our expert staff

A unique feature of our School is that most of our staff work or have worked within clinical practice. This enhances our grasp of the contemporary links between academic research, the major issues of the day and real-life practice.

Occupational Therapy is taught by registered experienced staff with a variety of different backgrounds. The course is led by Selena Goodchild. Selena qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2003, and has practised in a variety of settings, including inpatient orthopaedics, A&E, and Hand Therapy.

We also have expertise in the areas of mental health, brain injury and hand therapy. Specialist guest lecturers additionally lend external expertise to our academic staff. Full details of our staff can be found on our HSC Staff Profiles.

• Evidence of Level 2 Maths and English.
• Relevant foundation degree or level 5 qualification (e.g., assistant practitioner).
• Completed 75 taster/insight hours in a relevant area of practice outside the applicant’s usual place of work and ideally outside of the organisation. This can be up to 10 insight days in different areas of practice that are negotiated with your employer and will need to be evidenced. If you require any further guidance, a template document can be provided.
• Employing organisation has a reciprocal arrangement in place for the individual to undertake a 2-week full-time practice placement ‘away’ from the individuals usual place of work and ideally outside of the organisation (RCOT 2019, Learning and development standards).
• Completion of a Placement passport provided by the university with the relevant mandatory requirements completed to undertake the practice placement including evidence of DBS, Occupational Health, and mandatory training.
• Identified work-based learning mentor to support the learner's progress and tripartite approach for the duration of the module.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of occupational therapy and practice settings together with effective communication skills.

Module Outline

The module will be delivered on a Thursday and will require the learner to undertake an induction and practice placement preparation session prior to undertaking the module. This module is delivered 1 day a week, supported by work-based learning opportunities.

The full-time placement provides an opportunity to explore the role of the OT in a different settings and inform the module learning.

A tripartite meeting between the university, learner and employer will be undertaken at the end of the module to discuss any next steps.

Teaching and learning disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently planned for 2022 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

Assessment strategy

• 100% weighting of a 2000 word written essay, based on an occupational profile
• Completion and achievement of a Pass grade for a 2-week full-time practice placement in which students will be able to explore occupational therapy in a different practice setting and be assessed using the standard practice placement form.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

Application deadlines and interview dates are available on the module calendar. Please contact cpd@essex.ac.uk for further information.