Master of Science - Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)

The University of Essex MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme helps students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to enable them to work with clients of all ages who have physical, mental health or learning difficulties. If students already have a degree, and have carried out some relevant experience, then this programme could be their route into occupational therapy.

This pre-registration course is a two-year accelerated programme which enables students to take advantage of interprofessional learning (IPL), encouraging professionals to learn with and from each other – an understanding that helps to ensure students have the expertise to respond adequately and effectively to the complexity of their clients’ needs, and ensures that care is safe, seamless and of a high standard. Central to the philosophy of this programme is the value attached to ‘occupation’ and ‘activity’ as a means to achieving the health and well-being of individuals, which enhances their quality of life, thus enabling them to achieve their desired goals. In order to prepare students for the work-place and enrich their learning, Essex organizes the practice placement education for students with multi-professional health care teams in a wide range of settings. Students will gain experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team with people who have physical and mental health care needs. Over a thousand hours will be spent in the practice environment, where students will apply the theory and practice of occupational therapy. Whilst on placement students will have an educator allocated to them, and contact with a member of the academic team. Placements encompass a variety of multidisciplinary health and social care settings based within the NHS, the Private Sector, Social Services, Voluntary Organizations and Primary Health Care Services. 96% of Essex's postgraduate School of Health and Social Care students are in professional employment or further postgraduate study within six months of graduating from Essex.