What will I learn on this module?
This module will build on your existing knowledge of public health issues studied in year 2. It will enable you to explore the use of occupation to develop and promote health and wellbeing in groups and communities in a practical and applied way drawing on placement and work-based experiences. You will focus on an identified community and collaborate with that community to understand their occupational needs and assets. You will further your understanding of engaging with groups and communities and develop skills in presenting your ideas and facilitating dialogue with others by adopting a co-production approach. Through a practical and work based experience you will further develop core professional skills in collaborative goal setting, risk assessment, project planning, evaluation and feedback. You will revisit the sustainability agenda in occupational therapy practice and work with a community to develop a plan linked to sustainable occupations. Links will be made throughout the module to concepts of occupational science.
How will I learn on this module?
This module will adopt a blended learning approach. Lectures on key concepts will provide the foundation for you to consolidate your understanding of the main module themes. A key strategy for learning on this module will be via an enquiry-based approach which will enable you to develop your understanding of occupation centred community practice and achieve the learning objectives.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure on-line learning opportunities to support your learning within the module and to assist you to work towards the module assessment. The module handbook, the electronic reading list, and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and on the e-learning portal will all signpost you to resources to support your academic development.
A formative assessment opportunity with staff and/or peer feedback will assist you to evaluate your own progress within the module and identify areas for development. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will also be an integral part of the module. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will also be an integral part of the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Knowledge & Understanding:
Understand theories and frameworks which support co- production when working with groups and communities.
• Critically debate occupational science concepts in relation to health and wellbeing for groups and communities
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Critically reflect on experiences of co-production including benefits and dilemmas
• Develop skills in collaborative goals setting, risk assessment, project planning, evaluation and feedback.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Critically reflect on professional and ethical responsibilities when working with groups and communities with diverse needs.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment
With opportunities for peer and tutor feedback, will be planned within the module to enable students to share and present experiences from practical projects and progress towards the summative assessment.
Summative assessment
A 15 minute oral visual presentation (All MLO’s)
Of the community project
*Students will be given clear guidance on confidentiality and anonymity.
You will receive written feedback summarising strengths and areas for development from your summative assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The potential for occupational science and occupational therapy to make a contribution to community and population health is receiving increasing focus and leading to exciting new developments within the profession. This module will draw on previous university and placement learning to promote detailed consideration of how occupationally focussed reasoning and practice can contribute to the health and wellbeing of groups and communities. Practical work with communities will be used to develop an in-depth understanding of community health and wellbeing from an occupational perspective.
The assessment for the module is a presentation in which you will reflect on your practical experience of working with communities and make links to theoretical concepts from this module. This module assessment will help you to develop important skills for future employability.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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