Master of Occupational Therapy

1. To equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the theory pertaining to the profession of occupational therapy
2. To ensure mastery in the profession via high level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
3. To enable students to do advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methodology and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication, inter alia by assisting them to start publishing on their own
4. To prepare students who aspire to move to the highest level of academic study for the Doctoral qualification and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
5. To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement of the profession and meeting the country's need for a skilled workforce of the highest calibre.

First degree: Bachelor in Occupational Therapy.

Honours degree: Honours Bachelor in Occupational Therapy.

Additional qualification requirements

• Written application to the Senate, or the Executive Committee on behalf of the Senate
• A minimum of two years clinical experience after obtaining the Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Successful completion of a provisional examination for direct acceptance to the Thesis Master's in Occupational Therapy. Students who completed an acknowledged course in research and or advanced study may be exempted from the provisional examination.

1). GENERIC / CRITICAL CROSS FIELD OUTCOMES

The Master in Occupational Therapy graduate will

1. Show advanced critical and creative thinking in problem solving, clinical reasoning and accountable decision-making.
2. Manage professional activities effectively and responsibly, thereby contributing to the goals of the organisation and profession.
3. Communicate effectively and efficiently, using appropriate technology in collaboration with all role players.
4. Apply a holistic approach and consider all professional actions to contribute to the well being of all in the immediate as well as in the wider community
5. Further own professional development by reflecting on learning strategies, participating in and utilising learning opportunities as well as generating professional entrepreneurial services.

2). SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

The Master in Occupational Therapy graduate will

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the use of research methodology
2. Show an appreciation of the importance of research principles in professional practices and ongoing research
3. Demonstrate advanced skills in presentation of scientific reports
4. Demonstrate the ability to manage occupational therapy services on the tertiary, secondary and primary level within the various health care programmes
5. Show an in-depth understanding of advanced occupational therapy theory
6. Contribute to the development of the theory and practice foundation of occupational therapy by applying advanced cognitive, psychomotor and affective ability/skills in research
7. Demonstrate competence in applying clinical reasoning based on advanced occupational therapy knowledge to address direct and indirect services on all levels of care
8. Demonstrate the ability to confidently and independently apply well developed research skills

1).

1. The assessment used for Master's in Occupational Therapy ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.
2. A range of formative and summative assessment methods, such as portfolios, simulations, assignments, oral and written presentations and written and oral examinations are used in the structured programme
3. The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved
4. The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8.

To demonstrate competence in outcome (1, 3, 8 and 11) a student must be able to communicate logical and coherent way in both verbal and written presentations.

The criterion used to assess outcome (6, 9, 10) is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the assignment the student submits are correct and shows an advanced knowledge application.

Competence in outcome (6 and 11) will be demonstrated if the student shows an ability to compile, correlate, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts to develop or expand on occupational therapy theory and practice.

The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and the structural organisation of presentations.

The criterion used to assess outcomes (2, 6, 9 and 13) is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the work are reflected in assignments and the final assignment or thesis.

The criterion used to assess outcomes (5, 8 and 12) is largely whether the student shows enthusiasm, participate in discussions and present the knowledge attained in practical applications in assignments and discussions.

The criterion used to assess outcome (4) is largely whether the student apply advanced clinical reasoning in all professional activities.

The criterion used to assess outcome (13) is largely whether the student complete the final assignment or thesis independently.

The criterion used to measure outcome (8 and 13) is largely whether the thesis judged by an external examiner complies 100% with the requirements set by the department and the university.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The research assignment/thesis constitutes the ultimate assessment of the student's integration and application of advanced knowledge, critical and creative thinking, advanced clinical reasoning and management of outcomes (services onn all levels, own development and the management process). The research assignment/thesis integrates a comprehensive literature review, data selection and analysis, discussion of results and recommendations and presentation of the study in a well formulated/thoroughly evaluated / well written (logical and coherent) document.