University of Limerick - Occupational Therapy

Course Overview/Contact:

Application Deadline:  9th February 2017

The application system for this programme has changed please note new entry requirements (Subject to Academic Council approval)

        Programmes Specific FAQs

The MSc Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification ) programme is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and accredited by the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland.
The MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) offered at the University of Limerick is the first Graduate Entry Masters programme in Ireland. The course was developed in response to the Bacon Report recommendation that graduate entry options for this programme be explored. This innovative programme is an opportunity for honours graduates to pursue studies leading to a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy. The two-year, full-time course is a timely and appropriate route for graduates, as it recognises their educational and work experiences to date.

Programme Aims

The MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) aims to develop graduates who are able to:

• Demonstrate how the relationship between person, occupation and environment is integral to health and well being
• Design and implement innovate, responsive and evidence-based practice/services
• Establish therapeutic relationships with diverse populations
• Employ the principles of client centred practice
• Engage in clinical reasoning to enable the OT process across a range of practice contexts
• Collaborate with clients, colleagues and communities
• Explain the theoretical underpinnings of OT practice to a range of audiences
• Engage in continuing professional development
• Critique and apply evidence to practice
• Advocate for occupational justice within systems

Contact

Dr. Nancy Salmon
Tel: 353-61-234232
Website: www.ul.ie/clinicaltherapies
Email: clinicaltherapies@ul.ie 

Graduate Profile:

Graduates will be qualified to practice in Ireland and eligible for registration in other parts of the world. You will be able to work in a diverse range of environments including schools, hospitals and community settings.

Programme Content:

Year 1	Year 2
Semester 1 Enquiry in Healthcare 1 The Anatomy & Physiology of Human Performance Occupational Therapy Approaches to Problems in Human Performance Science of Occupation Preparation for Practice Education (PPP1) Practice Education 1 (4 weeks)	Semester 4 Practice Education 3 Person-Occupation-Environment 2 Research Project 2 Occupation in Context
Semester 2  Person-Occupation-Environment 1 Sociology of Health & Illness for Occupational Therapy Occupational Development Through the Lifespan Seminar in Professional Practice Issues Enquiry in Healthcare 2	Semester 5 Education Practice 4 Engaging through Complexity Research Project 3 Innovation in Management for Health and Social Care
Semester 3 (Summer) Lifestyle Redesign through Occupation Practice Education 2 Research Project 1

 

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Entry Requirements:

*Please note: Entry requirements below are subject to Academic Council approval.

Applicants must have attained an award of at least a 2.2 in an undergraduate degree (Level 8 National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or a postgraduate degree (Level 9 National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). The type of previous undergraduate degree awarded is not a limiting factor in terms of eligibility.
Official confirmation of undergraduate degree results must be available at the time of applying.  For candidates who meet this requirement, the HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test- Ireland) will be used as the sole instrument to select students for this programme.
Candidates applying to the MSc Occupational Therapy programme in UL must register for HPAT-Ireland + Written Component (Registration fee €145).
HPAT Ireland Exam Dates:  25th February 2017.  Check website https://hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au/register
Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements* of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist applicants as deemed necessary.

Successful completion of the Garda clearance  process, Health Screening & Vaccinations Certification and CPR certification are programme requirements for this degree programme. Health Screening/Vaccination Certificates will incur costs to the student.

Applications must include

• A completed postgraduate studies application form (online)
• Qualification transcripts and certificates, including certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• English language qualification if English is not your first language.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document).

For international candidates the International Student Admissions Test; ISAT will be used to select candidates.  ISAT exam dates:  there are many exam dates from March to January each year.  Applicants must have sat the exam by 31st January in year of which they wish to apply.  Check the ISAT website at https://isat.acer.edu.au/

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – composite score 8 and not less than 7 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

Immunisations

A number of vaccinations are required in order to attend placement at clinical sites. All MSc Occupational Therapy students are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate vaccinations prior to commencement of the program. The Department of Clinical Therapies University of Limerick does not cover the cost of vaccinations.