The MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) offered at the University of Limerick is the first Graduate Entry Masters programme in Ireland.  This innovative programme is an opportunity for honours graduates to pursue studies leading to a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy. The two-year, full-time course is a timely and appropriate route for graduates, as it recognizes their educational and work experiences to date.

The MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) aims to develop graduates who are able to:

• Demonstrate how the relationship between person, occupation and environment is integral to health and well being
• Design and implement innovate, responsive and evidence-based practice/services
• Establish therapeutic relationships with diverse populations
• Employ the principles of client centred practice
• Engage in clinical reasoning to enable the OT process across a range of practice contexts
• Collaborate with clients, colleagues and communities
• Explain the theoretical underpinnings of OT practice to a range of audiences
• Engage in continuing professional development
• Critique and apply evidence to practice
• Advocate for occupational justice within systems

 The MSc is a two-year, full-time course incorporating four regular university semesters and one summer study period. As a graduate entry masters, the workload is consistently high across the programme and the completion of 1000 hours of placement increases the intensity of the course.

Clinical Work Experience

Practice Education is an integral part of the MSc in Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification). It is organized by the Practice Education Co-ordinator and takes place throughout the two years of the course. A total of 1000 hours of placement is expected.  Students will be placed in four different sites around Ireland and there may be opportunities for some placements to take place outside of Ireland. There is no financial support for practice education: students will need to cover their travel and accommodation costs associated with placement.

Entry Requirements

Applicants require an Honours Bachelor degree or equivalent, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 75%.

ISAT

For international applicants the International Student Admissions Test; ISAT, will be used to select candidates.  Applicants must have sat the exam by 31st January in year of which they wish to apply.

Contact KOM for more information.

Professional Recognition

The MSc Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) programme is recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and accredited by the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland.

Graduates of this program will be licensed to practice in Ireland and will be eligible for registration in Canada.  It is critical students understand the requirements needed to complete this process before licensing will be granted.  Students wishing to register in Canada should contact the Canadian Association for Occupational Therapists.  The CAOT helps those who want to work in Canada to understand the requirements for registration.

KOM Consultants understand the process and requirements needed to enter the Occupational Therapy profession in Canada. Contact KOM Consultants for more information.

All students applying directly through KOM Consultants will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.