Master of Occupational Therapy

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with

• Specialised knowledge and applied competence in a specific field of occupational therapy that provides opportunities for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, rewarding contributions to society.
• Opportunities for taking up leadership roles in the profession.
• An opportunity to plan and execute a suitable quantitative and qualitative research topic scientifically and ethically, by using suitable research methods, techniques and procedures.

The learner also learns to compose a research report on it in the form of a mini-dissertation or dissertation, in chapter or article format.

Rationale

The qualification is an academic qualification which develops advanced and specialised professional knowledge with an emphasis on research. The qualification fulfils the requirements of the HPCSA with regards to Continuous Professional Development. Learners study the qualification to open up opportunities for professional advancement, career path development and research skills in various areas in occupational therapy.

The qualification creates an opportunity for career development in the field of occupational therapy education and project management. The qualification promotes evidence-based practice and advances scholarship in occupational therapy practice, to the benefit of the South African population.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognises, through the submission of Portfolios of Evidence, the formal/non-formal prior learning which learners who register for the modules leading to the award of the qualification, bring to the learning situation. Prior learning assumed to be in place includes research and critical thinking skills; and qualification in occupational therapy at Level 8. Learners must have at least a relevant four-year qualification or an Honours qualification or have received status from the Senate according to the rules and regulations regarding such Admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, NQF Level 8.

And

• Registration as an occupational therapist with the HPCSA.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 9,180 Credits

• OCTH801, 120 Credits.
• OCTH802, 60 Credits.

• Grasp advanced theories in the fields of Occupational Therapy.
• Identify, analyse and solve problems in the field of Occupational Therapy to make a decision using critical and creative thinking.
• Collect, analyse and organise information in a meaningful and effective way.
• Apply knowledge and competence to identify, analyse and evaluate complicated problems in Occupational Therapy.
• Develop solutions systematically and creatively in an ethical way.
• Make a theoretically grounded conclusion by using the acquired data and information.
• Communicate results and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences, orally or in writing by using the relevant IT.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Display the ability to apply advanced knowledge of Occupational Therapy Theories in practice.
• Solve problems using exploring and critically evaluating different situations.
• Apply critical and creative thinking in generating alternative strategies for dealing with problems.
• Solve problems using exploring and critically evaluating different situations. Apply critical and creative thinking in generating alternative strategies for dealing with problems.
• Compile portfolios to relate learning gained from individual experience to knowledge encountered in an academic environment and vice versa.
• Approach the complex problems in an open-minded and innovatively scientific manner.
• Demonstrate highly specialised scholastic or technical and advanced research skills across a major discipline.
• Report on research findings as it relates to academic and clinical practise.
• Relate learning from experience and academic context to different contexts using present and future scenarios.
• Conduct seminars to communicate learning from experience and academic contexts to peers.
• Create appropriate responses to resolve contextual and abstract problems.

Integrated Assessment

• Occupational Therapy Masters by (Dissertation/Thesis - 180 Credits): Completion of the qualification relies exclusively on examination of the written dissertation. The dissertation is examined based on whether a learner has managed to achieve the learning outcomes. The examiner uses a generic rubric to examine all MSc qualifications.
• Occupational Therapy Masters by Coursework - (180 Credits).

> Occupational Therapy (Examination Subject; 60 Credits): oral and written examinations (formative and summative evaluations used.

> Occupational Therapy (mini-dissertation; 120 Credits): Progress reports, completed dissertation.