COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) program at Northumbria University is structured to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience, preparing them for professional practice. In the first year, students begin with an Introduction to Occupation, which includes Practice Placement A, allowing them to observe and engage in occupational therapy in real-world settings. They also study Research Informed Occupational Therapy, gaining skills to critically evaluate and apply evidence-based practice, alongside Developing Occupational Therapy Reasoning and Skills with Practice Placement B, which focuses on building clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention capabilities. International and EU students additionally undertake Academic Language Skills to support effective communication in professional and academic contexts. The second year deepens expertise through Occupation-Centred Practice, emphasizing client-focused interventions and applied problem-solving, while Professional Development and Lifelong Learning, combined with Practice Placement C, fosters leadership, reflective practice, and adaptability in diverse healthcare environments. The program culminates in the Occupational Therapy Research Project, where students design and conduct independent research, applying analytical and critical thinking skills to advance knowledge in the field. Across both years, the integration of practice placements with academic study ensures students graduate as competent, reflective, and professional occupational therapists, equipped to enhance independence and wellbeing for clients in a range of healthcare settings.