Occupational Therapy (4-year) (BSc)
This is a 4 year part time Programme leading to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council and professional membership of the College of Occupational Therapists.
The Programme starts in September of each year and is either based at Cardiff University, Ty Dewi Sant, Heath Park Campus, Cardiff or at the North East Wales Institute in Wrexham.
Introduction
The All Wales Part-time Occupational Therapy Programme was established in 1986 by Mid-Glamorgan Health Authority to address the recognised shortfall of qualified Occupational Therapists throughout Wales. The In-Service training model, pioneered in Essex (1979), was adopted to facilitate a part-time qualification route for those students in Wales with commitment to Occupational Therapy and valuable employment experience. Although established for two cohorts only, the success of this programme has led to nine degree and four diploma intakes entering the school to date.
This programme has been approved via the Joint Validation Committee of the Health Professions Council and the College of Occupational Therapists, meaning that graduates from this programme are eligible to apply for Registration as Occupational Therapists in the UK. The programme is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
This four year BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy was the only part-time programme of its kind in Wales. In September 2004 approval was granted to the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education in Wrexham to deliver the Cardiff curriculum concurrently.
Assessments
The assessment schedule has been designed to complement a modular framework. Combining assessments reflects the integrated nature of occupational therapy, but has been undertaken on this programme only where required to avoid duplication of learning outcomes. Too much integration of assessments across modules on a four - six year curriculum makes it difficult for students to defer their studies at appropriate points.
Practice education should be considered an integral part of the assessment programme. It should not be viewed in isolation from academic assessments as it contributes to the achievement of the overall learning outcomes at each level.
A variety of assessment strategies have been selected to evaluate the student's ability at each level of the programme and to emphasise the diversity of skills required of the occupational therapist.
In addition, the needs of mature, part-time students have been addressed by distributing the assessment submissions throughout the terms, rather than a single focus at the end of each Level.
Admission Criteria
The programme is designed for mature students who are considered independently and on merit and will be advised in relation to the following qualifications:
Recognition of previous work and life experience which applicants bring with them to their studies. Preference will be given to those who are working alongside Occupational Therapists. However, applications are also welcomed from people who can present evidence of similar experience.
All applicants will normally be required to provide evidence of recent study and an ability to work to an A/AS level equivalent standard. Previous applicants have found it helpful to study subjects such as Human Biology, Psychology, Sociology or English.
Those applicants with overseas qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but where English is not the first language, an appropriate certificate of proficiency in English must be held, e.g. IELTS level 7.
Younger applicants may be considered if they possess five GCSE passes (or equivalent) including two at A level and relevant work experience.
There are also other qualifications which are considered appropriate, such as the BTEC National Diploma (Science or Health Studies), GNVQ, Access Courses or Open University modules. If applicants have studied on any courses they think may be relevant, they should contact the Admissions Tutors for clarification. A minimum of 60 credits is required for entry consideration. It is also desirable that applicants have experience or qualifications in IT and First Aid together with a full driving licence.
Student Support
A student support network is available to all students and provides assistance on a wide range of issues covering three basic areas: Counselling, Welfare and Disability.
Application Procedure
The 4 year part-time programme is by online direct application only. Should you wish to apply please follow this link. A potential student study day is held in the summer of each year, usually in July. This aims to give a range of information about the programme, together with a chance to meet some current students who have first hand knowledge and experience of this type of study.
See this course on the University's Coursefinder website.
