Occupational Therapy (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Teaching is mainly through discussions, lecturer-led sessions, student-led seminars, presentations and individual tutorials. There are also some lectures.

Self-directed study forms an important part of the course, and you will be guided in the areas for study.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through written assignments and oral presentations. This enables you to demonstrate your ability to analyse and evaluate situations and to use different ways to present your ideas and abilities. The research project is a culmination of the development of these skills.

How will I be supported?

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, crèche and day facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.

This programme gives you the opportunity to share ideas with health professionals. As well as developing your own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables you to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.

You are given a named personal tutor following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.

All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which students will find programme materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars.

We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback during lectures, written feedback provided through online module discussion forums, and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework through GradeMark.  You can discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, day care facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services. 

Our student app allows you to access Cardiff University services and personalised information in one place in a simple and convenient way from a smartphone via the app store.  

Features include: 

• Campus maps
• Student library renewals, payments and available items
• Student timetable
• Find an available PC
• Access to help and student support
• Student news
• Receive important notifications
• Links to launch other University apps such as Outlook (for email) and Blackboard (for Learning Central)
• Links to recommended apps such as Nextbike to help make the most of their student experience.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Develop an analytical and problem-solving approach and show advanced skills in implementing the occupational therapy process.
• Develop an in depth understanding of occupational therapy theory, the evidence behind it, and its application in practice.
• Develop confidence in initiating change and advancing the occupational therapy profession through scholarship and leadership.

Intellectual Skills:

• Evaluate practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice.
• Demonstrate ability to reflect on own practice and therapeutic use of self.
• Demonstrate ability to engage in critical analysis, advanced scholarship, and research.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Develop standards of practice based on reflective thinking and problem-solving.
• Confidently link theory to practice.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Critically appraisal skills and ability to manage a research-based project.
• Demonstrate ability to initiate change and advance the profession through research and critical thinking.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate clear and concisely in both speech and writing, presenting well-considered arguments.
• Demonstrate ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload.