Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Occupational Therapy) (Year 0)

Program Overview

The Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Occupational Therapy) program prepares mature students with diverse educational backgrounds for an Occupational Therapy degree. This program focuses on developing core health sciences knowledge, practical skills, and professional values through blended and face-to-face teaching. It provides opportunities for global study placements and supports students with personalized guidance and resources throughout their studies. Successful program completion allows graduates to pursue rewarding careers in occupational therapy, supporting individuals in overcoming health challenges to live fulfilling lives.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Occupational Therapy) (Year 0) is a one-year foundation program designed for mature students who have been out of formal education for some time or have non-traditional qualifications. It provides access to the Occupational Therapy BSc program. The program is specifically targeted at Home mature and non-traditional students who have typically taken a break from studies.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with:

• Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
• A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a diverse population
• A range of skills for a rewarding career that enhances the quality of life for a variety of people
• An understanding of the philosophy of the person, occupation, and environment relationship

Outline:

Year Zero:

It is delivered through a blended approach using small group e-lectures, e-tutorials, and on-site support tutorials. Assessment includes coursework based on practical laboratory skills and an end-of-semester multiple-choice examination.

• BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002): This module builds upon the knowledge gained in HEAL001, exploring more complex physiological processes in mammals and aspects of gross mammalian anatomy.
It is delivered through a blended approach with face-to-face and online components. Assessment includes coursework and an end-of-semester written examination.
• MATHS FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL003): This module introduces basic mathematical concepts used in other modules.
It is delivered face-to-face or through a blended approach. Assessment is through a one-hour unseen written paper.
• MATHS FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL004): This module builds upon HEAL003, introducing additional mathematical concepts.
It is delivered face-to-face or through a blended approach. Assessment is through an unseen written examination paper. It also supports the development of study skills. Assessment includes a reflective portfolio and a presentation.
• APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES (HEAL006): This module introduces key psychological aspects related to human thought and behavior.
It is delivered face-to-face or through a blended approach. Assessment includes coursework and an end-of-semester written examination. It is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, tutorials, and group work. Assessment includes coursework and a presentation.

Teaching:

Learning is promoted through a variety of activities, including:

• Interactive lectures
• Practical and clinical skills group work
• Directed study
• Role play
• Problem-based learning
• Small group work
• Student-led seminars
• Collaborative project work
• Interactive tutorials
Practical work is conducted using the imaging suite digital equipment, the Clinical Skills Resource Room, and the Human Anatomy Resource Centre.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Seen and unseen written examinations
• Essay assignments
• Multiple-choice questions
• Case study presentations
• Video analysis
• Interactive practical examinations
• Assessment of work-based learning

Careers:

Successful completion of the program allows graduates to work in a range of specialist services with people of all ages to support them in addressing psychological, physical, cognitive, social, and environmental challenges that impact their daily functioning. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) to work outside the UK.

Other:

• The program is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK.
• The program is delivered in collaboration with local FE partners.
• The program emphasizes inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all Healthcare Professions programs.
• The program is aligned with the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment.
• The program provides careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market, and strengthening networking skills.
• The program offers a dedicated student services team to provide assistance with studies, health and wellbeing, and financial advice.
• The program provides confidential counselling and support for students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing.

• UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
• Full-time place, per year: £9,250
• Foundation year fee: £7,500
• Year in industry fee: £1,850
• Year abroad fee: £1,385