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Occupational therapists assess individuals’ and communities’ disruption and disengagement from their occupations. They facilitate alternative ways for people to re-engage and participate in their occupational roles to improve their quality of life, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Modules on this course reflect contemporary and prospective occupational therapy practice. The course is underpinned by person-centred, evidence-informed and occupation-focused occupational therapy practice.

Structure and exit awards

On completion of the full MSc (340 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits) over 90 weeks of study, you will be eligible to apply to register with the  and work as an occupational therapist.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The course philosophy integrates academic study and practice-based learning, possessing a strong occupation and person-centred focus. It employs adult learning perspectives including learner responsibility, active participation, collaboration, autonomy, and learning as a community. Problem-based learning using practice scenarios is an important part of the learning experience, where students work to develop professional reasoning, evidence-informed decision making, and interpersonal and team working skills. Learning is thus a facilitated process of acquiring enquiry skills, interpreting information, group discussion, exchanging of perspectives, creation of knowledge and arriving at a position or judgment. Teaching methods incorporate self-directed study, practice scenarios, group work, workshops, e-Learning modules, digital technology, reflection, lectures and placements.

Assessment methods include peer and self-assessment, written assignments, viva voce assessments, presentations, projects and placements.

Placements

There are four full-time placements in total:

Year One

• Practice-based Learning 1 (6 weeks) 
• Practice-based Learning 2 (6 weeks)

Year Two

• Practice-based Learning 3 (9 weeks) 
• Practice-based Learning 4 (10 weeks)

Placements can take place anywhere in Scotland. QMU allocates all placements in collaboration with students. Placements are situated in health, social care, education and the third sector.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module studied on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Academic modules require you to attend QMU from 9.00am to 6.00pm. You should be aware that services may operate over seven working days, so placements may involve evening and weekend attendance. You will be expected to mirror the working hours of practice educators and be required to purchase professional indemnity insurance.

Specialist facilities

QMU offers a variety of modern spaces for use by both our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOccTher) and MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) courses. There are a variety of spaces on campus that are utilised for the development of practice skills with our specialist Occupational Performance Room set up as a unique space where students can learn and practise relevant skills in facilitating occupational performance and engagement around the home environment. Creative occupations are facilitated within dedicated art rooms, and we have access to the outdoor learning hub for engagement in outdoor occupations. 

Class sizes

Normally, we have up to 40 pre-registration MSc students in any given cohort. Some of the classes will be integrated with our other pre-registration occupational therapy students undertaking the undergraduate 4-year route (MOccTher), please contact the team for more information about class sizes.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Year One

• Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice (40 credits): This module will enable you to develop a critical understanding of the key theories, skills and values for the practice of occupational therapy and the influence of context in shaping praxis.
• Preparation for Practice-based Learning (0 credits): The activities within this module enable you to demonstrate that you have completed all the mandatory learning activities and tasks required in preparation for practice-based learning.
• Occupational Therapy Process and Practice (40 credits): This module teaches you everything about the occupational therapy process, from assessment and evaluation to intervention planning and therapeutic decision making. You will engage in critical debate, utilising an evidence-based approach throughout.
• Practice-based Learning 1 (20 credits): This practice-based learning module will orientate you to the dynamics of the practice setting and enable you to establish foundational skills for professional practice.
• Practice-based Learning 2 (20 credits): This practice-based learning module will enable you to demonstrate practice knowledge and apply the occupational therapy process in a service context.

Year Two

• Elective module (20 credits): You will be able to choose from a number of options on offer (these may change each year, depending on availability), for example: transitions and occupation across the life course, working with people who are neurodiverse, working with individuals affected by dementia, occupation-based social transformation.
• Research Methods (20 credits): This module will enable you to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.
• Transforming Occupational Therapy Practice (40 credits): In this module you will critique occupational therapy practice and contexts, developing skills and knowledge to transform practice, in order to improve the health, wellbeing and occupational lives of individuals, carers and communities.
• Practice-based Learning 3 (40 credits): This module will enable you to articulate and critique specific practice knowledge and systematically apply an occupational therapy process in a service context. 
• Practice-based Learning 4 (40 credits): In this final practice-based learning module, you will be able to practice and demonstrate competencies commensurate with those of an entry level practitioner.
• Dissertation project (60 credits): In this final module of your studies, you will develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to a topic of your choosing.

Please note that the modules and placements listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but that the course is undergoing revalidation and review. There are therefore likely to be some changes to the modules running from September 2025. Please contact the team for further information.  

Occupational therapists are employed in a diverse range of settings including the NHS, public health, education, employment services, local authorities, prison service, third sector organisations and private practice. Outside the UK, graduates of this course have gone on to work in Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Canada, USA and New Zealand.

Entry requirements

• Evidence of a first degree at honours level 2:1 or above in an appropriate area including: health, biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, education or humanities.
• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5. This is consistent with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirement for registrants to be able to communicate in English to an IELTS standard equivalent to 7 with no element below 6.5.
• Evidence of knowledge and commitment to occupational therapy as a positive career choice.
• Evidence of a written research project, undertaking research training or practical research experience.
• Demonstrate substantial involvement and responsibility with diverse groups of people (inclusive of marginalised people or those with impairments) in a personal, employment or voluntary capacity, in the health, social care, education or third sector context. Substantial involvement might be indicated by a time period of at least six months or equivalent.
• Mature applicants who graduated more than 10 years ago will be considered with the condition that they successfully complete a relevant module at master’s level (SCQF Level 11 or equivalent) if they do not have equivalent CPD.
• Two satisfactory references, one should be academic, the other, professional.
• All successful applicants will participate in a values-based group interview.

Other requirements

A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.

Other costs

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is the responsibility of the student. For more information on this, visit the PG 2025 fees page on our website.
• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs – please see PG 2025 fees page on our website.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

The course accepts applications throughout the year, and normally the deadline for each academic year is mid-August for Home applicants, while the deadline for International students will typically be the end of June.

Applications will close earlier if course is filled. We expect this course to be highly competitive and advise applicants to apply early to be considered.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Contact Occupational Therapy team or Contact  Admissions.

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