MSc Occupational Therapy
(post registration)
Distance learning
Location • Collegiate Campus
Subject area • Occupational therapy
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One of our lecturers receives the highest honour available from the College of Occupational Therapists. Read more about it.
One of our students talks about his experiences of studying a distance learning course.
FInd out more about the teaching staff in this subject area.
At a glance
Explore contemporary practices in occupational therapy with an international online learning community on this course. If you are not already registered the course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to apply for HCPC registration.
Key points
• Explore your practice in occupational therapy with an international online community.
• Benefit from the flexibility of distance learning.
• Gain a masters degree that is tailored to your personal and professional needs.
Explore the contemporary practices of occupational therapy around the globe as part of an international online learning community. Your studies take place entirely online and use a range of creative learning resources, such as digital stories, e-lectures, wikis and blogs in a virtual learning environment.
This course is suitable for occupational therapists at any level working in any specialism as you can tailor it to your practice and personal needs.
This course offers you an opportunity to
• learn in an interprofessional and international community
• receive support for research from experts in community-based rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, professional education, older people, neurology, mental health and children
• learn with tutors who contribute to inspirational movements in the profession for example, occupational therapy without borders
• develop your understanding of UK and other health and social care systems to enhance your employment opportunities worldwide
All modules have a focus on the use of meaningful occupations and key occupational performance areas of work, play, leisure and daily living. Person-centred care and service user perspectives are also central to your learning. The course also draws on aspects of occupational science and occupational justice.
You can choose two option modules to support further the development of your knowledge around a specialist area of occupational therapy practice, or modules which enhance your understanding of leadership and management or teaching.
You are supported on the course by a personal tutor who works with you to help you to get the most out of the course and achieve your full potential.
More about online learning
Your online learning is designed to be flexible so you can fit it in with your lifestyle and learn at a pace which is most convenient to you. Learning and assessment are tailored to your own personal and professional needs. This might mean you are returning to practice, changing the direction of your career, seeking promotion or wanting to develop advanced skills within an international occupational therapy community.
Our students come from various cultural backgrounds from countries such as America, Greece, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. The online community is an important aspect of the course where students can share their experiences through digital stories, wikies, blogs and skype discussions.
Find out more about MSc Occupational Therapy
Distance learning
Part-time – two years to six years maximum
Start date – January
To apply for this course complete an application form
2013/14 academic year
Typically £4,590 for the course
£385 for a 15 credit module
£765 for a 30 credit module
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £7,200 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £7,380 for the course
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
You are assessed by a variety of methods including • virtual presentations • written assessments • case study reports. There are no formal written exams.
If you are not already registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you develop the skills and knowledge needed to apply for HCPC registration.
Distance learning study
Distance learning is a rewarding and flexible way to learn. You study at the time, place and often pace of your choosing, to fit around your personal and working life. Like all types of learning, you need skills in personal organisation, time management, self-motivation, and a commitment to academic study.
As a distance learning student, you normally learn away from the University – in your own home or place of work. Most of our distance learning courses are delivered online via a portal called Blackboard.
We prepare you for your distance learning course with an online induction package. It helps you develop and practise your skills and allows any issues, concerns or development needs to be addressed prior to commencing a course of study.
You're fully supported by our learning centre, with library database searches and information enquiries, journal article supply and other help in accessing library and information services, all without having to travel to Sheffield.
We believe that you learn best when you engage in prolonged debate. Your course provides an active learning experience, with an ongoing dialogue between you, your peers and your tutors via discussion forums, blogs and others. You carry out a series of structured tasks, which build towards a successful final assessment submission.
Claire Craig receives the highest honour from the College of Occupational Therapists
Claire Craig, fellow of the College of Occupational Therapists
A Sheffield Hallam researcher and lecturer in occupational therapy has completed a rare double by achieving the highest honour awarded by her professional body.
Claire Craig has become one of only 86 people to become a fellow of the College of Occupational Therapists, the highest honour the organisation can give.
It follows Claire becoming a National Teaching Fellow in last year's National Teaching Fellowship Scheme awards, and success in the University's own Inspirational Teaching Awards in which she was nominated by students for her approach to learning.
Claire is actually the second Sheffield Hallam lecturer to receive the fellowship, following Dr Sarah Cook, a fellow reader in occupational therapy, in 2010.
Claire, originally from Royston, Barnsley and now living in Hoylandswaine, said: "This really is an exceptional honour for me and it is great to be recognised by my peers. It also shows the strength of the occupational therapy provision at Sheffield Hallam as I am the second person to receive the fellowship, and there are only 86 in total across the UK."
Naomi Hankinson, Chairman of Council, British Association and College of Occupational Therapists said “It gives us great pleasure to award this Fellowship to Claire in recognition of her outstanding work.
"Claire is a talented and inspirational educator who generates and implements innovative ideas in education and practice.
"Much of her work centres on the important role that occupational therapy plays in the well-being of older people and people with dementia. She is a wonderful ambassador for the profession both here and abroad.”
Last year, Claire was one of just 55 winning lecturers and learning staff chosen from hundreds of teaching fellow nominations made by Higher Education Institutions across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The awards scheme, run by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), recognises and rewards excellent learning and teaching.
Claire is a researcher in Lab4living within the Art and Design Research Centre as well as teaching in Health and Wellbeing. The focus of her research and teaching is around active ageing and people with dementia.
This led to previous external recognition in 2010, when she received two awards from her professional body.
John Sharpe (1:34)
John Sharpe, Rolls-Royce employee, and one of our MSc Total Quality Management and Organisational Excellence graduates talks about his experiences of studying a distance learning course while working.
Download the transcript of this video.
Staff profiles
Visit the Department of Allied Health Professions website to view profiles of the staff who teach in this subject area.
