During the first year you will have four modules, in each module you have two weeks of intensive classes and nine weeks for making assignments.
It is possible to take these first modules separately, in which case each module costs 2,000 euro.
Each module combines theoretical topics within Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science with scientific method and theory.
Module 1: Exploration of concepts of Occupation and Research
Module one starts with an introduction to the master's level study and the rationale for the Masters programme. Problem-based learning is introduced, practiced and discussed so that students become familiar with this pedagogical approach that underpins the whole programme. Epistemology and ontology are explored in relation to the basic concepts of occupation. Students practice critical appraisal of literature in groups. The summative assessment involves a critical appraisal of both a qualitative and quantitative study in occupational therapy.
Module 2: Societal and scientific aspects of Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science
In module two Occupational Therapy in Europe and Internationally is examined. This includes the history and development of Occupational Therapy in each of the student's countries; plus the societal and legislative influences which shape the process of professionalisation. Special reference is made to the impact of European welfare systems and legislation on practice and the position of clients within health and social care. Students investigate the concept of humans as occupational beings in relation to societal aspects, such as the labour market. The social and societal aspects of occupation are presented in a position paper for the summative assessment.
Module 3: Scientific reasoning about Human Occupation, Diversity, Culture and Participation
The third module explores the nature of occupation, participation and their effect on health and well being. Special attention is given to the influence of culture and diversity on daily activities. Qualitative methodologies are introduced and practiced with formative and summative assessment. In the summative assessment students conduct a small scale, qualitative study on culture and occupation.
Module 4: Enhancing and evaluating Occupational Performance
Module four focuses upon measuring occupational performance, assessments and evaluations of interventions, and the environmental aspects. The psychometric properties of reliable and valid assessments are reviewed and skills in statistical analysis are practised. The competences of quantitative data analysis, interpretation and reporting are tested in the summative assessment, by writing a research report.
Module 5: Planning a research project placed within the knowledge in the discipline
In module five students conduct a literature review and analysis of the area of their research question in order to place the question in state of the art in the area and secure the originality of the project. Individual supervision over the student's research project is a major learning strategy in this module and there are also master classes about specific methodologies tailored to the needs of the student group. The summative assessment is the formulation and presentation of a well designed, ethical research project, the findings of which will contribute to the body of knowledge about occupation.
Module 6: Conducting a research project within an area of the discipline
Finally, in module six the project is conducted as a semi-independent research project which is then reported as a Master of Science thesis. The thesis consists of two parts: first, an article prepared for a named, peer reviewed journal; the second part is an extended introduction and reflective discussion. The examination has two parts: the assessment of the written part and the assessment of the oral presentation.
