OT5003 - Innovations in Occupational Therapy

What will I learn on this module?

By the end of this module, you will gain an understanding of the benefit of occupational therapy in a variety of contexts. You will develop your knowledge of occupational science to inform your understanding of how the professional philosophy of occupational therapy and occupational justice can be applied in emerging and innovative settings to enhance and facilitate occupational opportunities for individuals, groups and communities.

You will also explore and critique current health, social care, economic and political drivers which are key in the development of occupational therapy services and debate the opportunities and barriers to occupational justice and professional practice.

How will I learn on this module?

Lectures and online lectures will be utilised to introduce you to key module concepts, with practical and seminar sessions to explore these concepts in interactive and experiential ways. Practical sessions will explore Occupational Therapy roles in new or emerging areas and will include visiting practitioners who are working in these areas in order to provide you with an authentic, contemporary experience.

Student-led directed learning will also be important to help you to develop knowledge about key theoretical concepts which will be introduced during the module.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure a blended approach including face-to-face and online 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.

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:
1. Discuss how concepts of occupational justice can be applied to a range of contemporary, innovative practice areas.
.
2. Understand local, national and international socio-political factors shaping societies and occupational therapy practice

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Recognise and apply transferrable professional skills and abilities to innovative, emerging areas of practice

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Awareness of and curiosity about the opportunities for creative and imaginative use of resources.
5. Awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse range of cultural, social and economic influences on individuals, groups and communities

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment
In groups – produce a leaflet explaining and promoting a new Occupational Therapy service

Summative assessment
20 minute “Dragon’s Den” style presentation of new, innovative or diverse practice area and the role of the Occupational Therapist

Discuss supporting information and evidence for the Occupational Therapy role, considering occupational justice and the professional philosophy of Occupational Therapy. (All MLOs)

You will receive written feedback summarising strengths and areas for development from your summative assessment.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

and innovative roles. This module will consider the health and social care factors which have seen the development of occupational therapy into non-traditional settings and in different areas of practice, locally, nationally and internationally. You will examine the development of your own core skills and understanding of the concept of occupational justice before thinking creatively and innovatively about how these core beliefs and values could be applied in different areas of contemporary and future practice.

You will learn from academic staff and practitioners who have experience in practicing in new, expanded and diverse areas of occupational therapy, with information available from contemporary literature and culture. A formative assessment in the form of small groups producing a leaflet to explain and promote a new occupational therapy service or innovative Occupational Therapy practice, will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of the occupational needs and occupational risks for people and the potential role of Occupational Therapy innovative practice or in an emerging area. This will then lead to the summative assessment for the module. The summative assessment will be a Dragon’s Den presentation of your idea for a new/innovative or emerging role for occupational therapy.

Course info

UCAS Code B925

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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