Levels of Study

Like any academic programme at BSc (Hons) degree there are three levels of study in the Degree Apprenticeship. As this programme follows a normal calendar year, and not an academic calendar the way the levels are organised is different to a BSc (Hons) degree. Where you move from one level to the next is identified on the Course Information page.

Below is brief information about each of the 3 levels in the form of the learning outcomes for each module. Next to the module information for each level basic insight in the different types of assessment is provided. Grey coloured modules are modules from our Integrated Care Curriculum. In these modules you will learn with, from and about apprentices on other professional programmes. These modules are taught by staff from different professions. Brown modules are modules you study with other apprentices, the assignment topic you choose in these modules is related to occupational therapy. The green modules are specific for occupational therapy. If you click on the right hand top corner of the image it enlarges.

Level 4

This level is very much about understanding the basics of the profession. You will cover different occupational therapy models of practice, look at different ways of assessment and a range of ways in which occupations are used as part of intervention. In addition you will expand your knowledge about the human body and brain. You will start your portfolio of evidence. You will collaborate with other healtcare apprentices in two of the modules at this level: these are in grey on the slides.

In your practice you should start to feel more confident about the occupational therapy process, the assessments and interventions we use. This should lead in you being able to make suggestions at work that are in-line with this. Depending on your work you could be asked to do more work independently - for instance complete initial assessments; suggest interventions for people you work with. You are likely to be able to suggest interventions for clients and be able to justify your reasons linking this to core occupatonal therapy models of practice as well as relevant, more general health and social care models. It is important that you remain within the boundaries of your contract though so you have to work with your mentor and agree what you are allowed to do first.

Here follows an overview of the different teaching weeks and which modules you can expect to be covered in these. The Orange indicates when assignments are due in.

Level 5

This level builts on the previous one you will explore a range of areas where occupational therapists practice. With other healthcare apprentices you will look at more complex scenarios and you will complete a small evidence based literature review. The second placement at this level is an extended scope placement. More information about this on the placement page. You continue to study with other apprentices in the modules in grey and brown. The difference between the two is that for the Evidence and Enquiry module your topic will be focussed on occupational therapy.

In your practice during this level of study there should be an increase in your ability to demonstrate clinical reasoning. Your depth of understanding about the profession will increase. You should feel more confident in the dual nature of occupational therapy and be able to look at clients mental and physical health. We expect a real client-centred focussed where the person and their circumstances (including their relatives and carers) are at the centre of your work. You are able to use relevant evidence as part of your justifications. This will lead in colleagues feeling comfortable in giving you more responsibility. All within the boundaries of your job description though.

Level 6

At this level you are getting ready to qualify. You will explore your leadership skills; look at compex care pathways with other healthcare apprentices. In addition you will engage in research related activities. Finally you will explore the possibility of occupational therapy in a new area. The placement is at the end of this level so that you can demonstrate your readiness to complete the End Point Assessment. More information on the End Point Assessment page.

During this final level of study you work on your skills to be an independent occupational therapist, ready for your first qualified position. You demonstrate the ability to work independently and justify the profession, as well as knowing the boundaries of the profession. At work you are likely to be able to manage people that are commonly treated more or less independently. It is possible you will represent occupational therapy at case conferences or in multi-disciplinairy team meetings. You may be allowed to work with more complex people with supervision. By the end of this level your mentor should feel confident that you are ready to complete the end point assessment. Even though you are improving your ability it is still important that you practice within the boundaries of your current contract so make sure you work with your mentor around this.