Course description
This Occupational Therapy course (Postgrad Dip OT) developed as a result of collaborative working between Bangor University and Cardiff University.
The 2-year Occupational Therapy course curriculum is a higher level academic award than the BSc (Hons) gained on completion of the full- and part-time routes. Potential students should be aware that this is an intensively timetabled curriculum, with one-third of studies weighted at Masters Level.
The teaching methods used on the Occupational Therapy course centre on problem-based learning and other complementary learning opportunities which utilise the study expertise of postgraduate learners. This offers graduates a programme that develops their academic skills, as well as meeting the requirements of the relevant professional Occupational Therapy bodies thus enabling state registration and practice on completion of study. Registration will be with the Health Professionals Council.
After registration, occupational therapists who have been awarded an Occupational Therapy postgraduate diploma worth 120 M level credits may enrol for further study (60 credits) to gain a Masters level degree if they wish. This would take the form of a short dissertation based on research carried out as a clinician.
Course Dates
The postgraduate Occupational Therapy Diploma programme is offered each January, and started in 2004. This followed successful validation by the University of Wales and Cardiff University and College of Occupational Therapists and Health Progressions Council in Autumn 2003.
Language of delivery
The Occupational Therapy programme is delivered predominantly through the medium of English. Support and active encouragement is given for the use of the Welsh language whenever possible; this includes individual assessed work and tutorials facilitated through the medium of Welsh. Bilingual course documentation is freely available. Students can also request to be considered for particular placement settings which predominantly utilise and value the Welsh language.
Occupational Therapy Programme Structure
This accelerated Occupational Therapy programme is offered full-time over 2 calendar years. To meet the educational requirements of the professional body 'The College of Occupational Therapists', the curriculum runs over 45 weeks each calendar year, a total of 90 weeks in all. The 45 weeks are scheduled from January through to December.
In accordance to the requirements of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, over 1000 hours of the programme are dedicated to fieldwork placements in a range of service settings. These are distributed at dedicated times throughout the programme.
Awarding Universities
The Occupational Therapy programme is offered concurrently at two sites: Bangor and Cardiff. The awarding University for students enrolled in North Wales is the University of Wales.
Brief Overview of Curriculum
This Occupational Therapy programme is designed in modules, to be delivered at 2 geographically distanced sites (Bangor and Cardiff). This means that all students will undertake the same modules and assessments at the same time. Two joint residential workshops each year for students from both locations enable people to broaden their experiences further. Elements of inter-professional learning are also incorporated. Practice placements in health and social care settings are designed to link in and complement the academic curriculum.
The learning style of the Occupational Therapy curriculum reflects a philosophy that respects the academic experience of postgraduate learners. The programme values previous academic skills and subject knowledge as relevant to OT. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for identifying and monitoring their own learning throughout the curriculum. Learning is facilitated through techniques that value student directed work and interactive education. These integrate the key principles of problem-based learning in small group tutorials with a range of other educational opportunities such as seminars, workshops and lectures to enhance and inform these tutorial elements.
Modules are designed to integrate the study of occupation and practice of OT within a range of relevant medical. psychological and sociological parameters.
Assessments
Assessments are integrated throughout the curriculum. These include coursework, a range of different assignments as well as written and verbal examined components. Successful completion of all practice placements is required.
