Application Information

Transcription

1 Application Information MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) School of Rehabilitation and health Sciences Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Entry Start date: January 2016 Application deadline for UK and EU applicants 4.00pm, Thursday 4 th June 2015

2 Introduction We are pleased that you are considering applying for the MSc Occupational Therapy (preregistration) programme. This programme is designed to create occupational therapists that are clinical-scholars and fit for practice now and in the future. We offer an innovative programme and our academic tutors have excellent clinical, research and teaching expertise. I hope that you find all the information that you need in this document together with the information online. We recommend that you attend one of the Leeds Beckett University Postgraduate open evenings where you will be able to talk to teaching and admissions staff. Rob Brooks Senior Lecturer and Admissions Tutor 1

3 Contents Page 1. Course Overview 3 2. Entry requirement for UK, EU and international applicants 6 3. Additional guidance for UK, EU and international applicants 7 4. Application procedure for UK, EU and international applicants 8 5. Recognition of prior learning, module exemption and transferring 9 6. Frequently asked questions Contacts 13 2

4 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. The assessment strategies used include 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. The programme uses a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach throughout the two years. Year 1 Working and Learning Together (No credits) Shared learning and developing group and team-working skills will begin with a shared 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. 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, political, and cultural. While considering how these 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. 3

5 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 2 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 inter-professional element to this module where students work with colleagues from other courses to have a greater understanding of each other s 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. 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 complex occupational therapy interventions, supervision, continuing professional development, and career development. Following the placement students will return to the university for two weeks of consolidation and assessment. 4

6 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. 5

7 2. Entry requirements UK, EU and international applicants Applicants should normally have a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) completed within the last five years or a 2.1 degree completed more than five years ago and have University accredited study within the last 5 years at a minimum of level 4. The degree should be in the cognate subjects of Science, Social Sciences, Healthcare (including degrees in related health and social care professions), Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Environment, Humanities or Arts. Applicants will also need to demonstrate in their application: An understanding of the philosophy, practice and scope of occupational therapy Appropriate work experience/shadowing The attitudes, behaviours and values of care and compassion Evidence of self-direction and motivation Effective communication skills and 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 ensure they are submitted with your application before the deadline. International applicants: Applications from international students are welcomed. The entry criteria for international students are the same as for UK and EU students. Please see the international application procedure on page 9. Applicants with disabilities We welcome applicants with specific learning difficulties, physical disability or other health concerns. Early contact with the Leeds Beckett University Disability Support Team disabilityservices@leedsbeckett.ac.uk is advised. You can contact the admissions tutor if you wish to discuss learning, disability or health issues prior to applying for the programme. Health screening Due to the nature of the occupational therapy course it is necessary to pass a health screening. This is confidential and is carried out through the University health Centre. Disclosure and Barring Service check It is a requirement that students undergo an enhanced Disclosure and 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 6

8 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 3. Additional guidance for UK, EU and International applicants The following lists the criteria which are used to determine whether an application is short listed. Academic criteria Applicants should normally have a 2.1 degree. Exceptions to this are those with a 2.2 classification and a Master s degree or those with a 2.2 classification and extensive work experience relevant to occupational therapy, for example working as an occupational therapy assistant. Comprehensive details of work experience would need to be submitted at the point of application and could not be considered prior to making an application. Due to the accelerated nature of the programme students need to have current study skills. Study should have been completed within the last five years. If your degree was completed over 5 years ago you are advised to complete a module at level 4 or above relevant subject, for example at the Open University. Your degree should be in a cognate subject of Science, Social Sciences, Healthcare (including degrees in related health and social care professions), Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Environment, Humanities or Arts. 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. Non-academic criteria Information covering the following areas should normally be covered in your supporting statement: Demonstrate that you have an understanding of the philosophy, practice and scope of occupational therapy. This could include, for example, your understanding and experience of where occupational therapists work and the types of client s occupational therapists work with. Describe and reflect on your shadowing or work experience with occupational therapists; you should include where and when your shadowing/experiences took place and what you learnt about occupational therapy from your experiences. We do not stipulate an amount of work experience/shadowing but you should demonstrate that you have done enough to understand the role and that it is the right career for you. Your work experience or shadowing may be gained in a variety of ways including conversations with occupational therapists, visiting occupational therapy departments and spending time observing occupational therapy practice. The attitudes, behaviours and values of care and compassion are key principles for health professionals; illustrate how you demonstrate these for example through voluntary work. 7

9 Identify and describe times when you have demonstrated self-direction and motivation, for example in previous academic settings or in your social life. Illustrate when you have demonstrated effective communication skills and identify what made your communication effective. Reflect upon your abilities to work independently and upon your own contributions to teamwork. 4. Application procedure Applications for entry to the programme are made direct to Leeds Beckett University. Your application should be submitted via our online application system called Apply Online. All supporting documentation (certificates, transcripts, references) should be uploaded to your online application before submission. If you experience any difficulties uploading attachments, please Please only attach relevant supporting documentation, for example we do not need to see GCSE and A-Level qualifications or first aid certificates. 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 UK and EU applicants who would like to be considered for entry in 2016 must ensure their completed application is submitted by 4.00pm on Thursday 4 th June (International students see next page for application deadline). All appropriate applications are reviewed by the admissions tutor or other academic staff from the programme using the criteria on page 6. We do not usually conduct interviews for the programme. All those applicants who meet all elements of the entry criteria, both academic and nonacademic are placed in the accepted pool. We use random selection to allocate funded places from the accepted pool. All the remaining applicants in the pool are randomly allocated a place on the waiting list. It is expected that we will begin informing applicants of the outcome of their application in early July

10 Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course for the next intake, January This offer may be conditional on meeting particular terms, e.g. 2.1 honours degree completion, satisfactory health screening and Criminal Records Bureau checks. Applicants on the waiting list may have the option to secure a place on the programme by self-funding. International applicants: International students should apply using the Apply Online application system. International students should make contact the Leeds Becket University International Office (+44 (0) to Mon-Thurs / to Fri GMT or internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. The International office will be able to help compare and verify your qualifications The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment. The deadline for international applicants is 4.00pm Thursday 29 th October

11 6. Recognition of prior learning, module exemption and transferring. Recognition of prior learning and experience Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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 onto the course direct entry into the second year of the MSc Occupational Therapy advanced standing with credit towards the target award Recognition of Prior Experience and Learning (RPEL) refers to non-certificated learning gained from experience. For example, if applicants wish to demonstrate equivalency for entry to the course. Applicants may demonstrate prior non-certificated 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 Approvals Board and reported to the Examination Board. All applications under this process will still be subject to health and DBS screening. 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 admissions tutor for information about the course modules. 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 and Care 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. 10

12 7. 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 Admission Tutor I do not have a 2.1 honours degree, how can I gain entry to the course? Applications may be considered from those with a 2.2 degree who also either have a Masters qualification or who have extensive relevant work experience. Will I have the opportunity to do a practice placement abroad? There are sometimes opportunities for students to have international placements depending on circumstances. 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; students will normally have seven weeks holiday (two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter and three weeks in the summer). How many hours are students in university? The course is an accelerated two-year course, which does mean that it will be more intense than other courses. The usual requirement is to be in university Tuesday all day, Wednesday morning, Thursday all day and Friday morning. Mondays and Friday afternoons are selfdirected learning, 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. Would I be able to stay working on a part time basis and study for the MSc? We have spoken to students about whether they manage to work and study. Most students reported that they could manage some evening or weekend work but that flexible employment is needed to accommodate full-time practice placements. 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. Further details of NHS bursaries can be found here If you are a UK or EU student and your application is successful but you do not get randomly allocated a funded place there is an option to self-fund. Fees are typically 12,000 a year. If you are an international student you will not qualify for any NHS 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 12,000 per year, this figure is subject to confirmation for 2016 entry. What areas can you specialise in? 11

13 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. Some countries will still require you to sit an additional exam. A number of our students have been successful at gaining registration in the United States of America and Australia. How many places do you have? We currently (as of 2015) have 19 funded places. In addition we accept a number of selffunded UK, EU and international students. How many applications do you receive? While this varies each year we usually receive between applications by UK and EU students for our funded places. In addition we receive 5-10 international applications. What are my 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 nongovernment 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 are eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as well as apply for membership of the College of Occupational Therapists. 8. Contacts 12

14 Admissions Office Telephone (0113) Rob Brooks Senior Lecturer / Admissions Tutor Telephone (0113) r.b.brooks@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Miranda Thew Senior Lecturer / Course Leader Telephone (0113) m.thew@leedsbeckett.ac.uk 13