Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The purpose of the qualification is to increase the capacity of persons appropriately qualified in the field of Occupational Therapy to:

• Take up leadership roles in the profession, and
• Be competent to research Occupational Therapy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours, NQF Level 8.

1).

• In using solving techniques, clinical reasoning and qualitative and quantitative research techniques in order to identify, assess, formulate and solve complex concrete and abstract problems related to occupational function and dysfunction creatively and innovatively in collaboration with clients.

2).

• Apply knowledge of Human Development and Human occupation, Occupational performance, Performance Components, Dysfunction, Occupational Therapy process and Models of Treatment, Disability, Primary Health Care Principles, Medicine, surgery, Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychology, Anatomy, Physiology and Physics in order to identify and solve a client's problems in Occupational Performance areas (work, leisure, self-care and play) within the context of the client's environment.

3).

• Keep accurate client, personal, departmental and service records relating to occupational therapy assessment, intervention and service.
• Critically evaluate professional literature relating to health and management of health service issues.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative research to a disability, clients, professional and service issues, communities and families.
• Gather, analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

4).

• Complete screening and specialised comprehensive occupational therapy assessment, and interpret the assessment in order to formulate and occupational therapy programme which is appropriate to the client's needs, the profession's codes of practice, and current legislation.
• Plan and implement an occupational therapy programme, with the client and family, based within the client's context and appropriate theoretical model of therapy.
• Evaluate and modify occupational therapy programme based on progress, and theoretical models of intervention.
• Develop new intervention methods based on the cause of occupational dysfunction and occupational therapy theoretical models.
• Supervise intervention implemented by support staff.
• Co-ordinate the occupational therapy programme with programmes offered by other health professional or other service providers and community-based organisations.

5).

• Use the following Occupational Therapy tools: Occupation, Activity Analysis, Assistive Devices and Specialised Equipment, Stress Management, Social Skills, Life Skills Training, Assertiveness Training and Vocational Training.
• Use the following Occupational Therapy methods: Task Groups, Discussion Groups, Socio-emotional Groups, Individual Therapy Programmes, Community Based Rehabilitation, Bio-mechanics, Neuro-developmental techniques, Psycho-social techniques, Perceptual-Motor Techniques and Health Promotion.
• Use the following skills: the Therapeutic use of self, facilitation of communication, counselling, Activity analysis and advocacy skills.
• Use appropriate information technology.

6).

• Communicate effectively with clients, health team, peers and the community, using appropriate communication styles, methods and structures.
• Have a therapeutic relationship with clients and their families.
• Facilitate interaction.
• Facilitate skills learning to clients, their families, caregivers, the community, other members of the health team and peers using a wide variety of teaching methods ranging from repetitive, familiar to complex and specialised.
• Counsel clients, families and caregivers on occupational therapy-related issues.
• Act and consult with other professions and disciplines.

7).

• Be critically aware of the need to consider personal, social, cultural values and needs of those affected by the Occupational Therapy service.
• Be critically aware of the impact of Occupational context on the Occupational Therapy service.
• Facilitate the development of Occupational Therapy policy statements on issues of public interest.
• Advocate with people with disability, and Disabled People's Organisations about rehabilitation issues and disability rights.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Solve advanced research problems.
• Apply complex and specialist knowledge.
• Conduct expert investigations, experiments and data analysis.
• Design therapy programme at an advanced level.
• Demonstrate therapy skills, methods, tools and information technology.
• Demonstrate professional and general communication skills.
• Demonstrate awareness of the impact of therapy on society and the environment.
• Work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate understanding of lifelong learning.
• Display professional ethics and practice.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification is assessed by thesis only.