About Occupational Therapy, BA, BSc - at Trinity College Dublin
Integration between academic studies and professional fieldwork is supported by a continuing close liaison between fieldwork and college staff.
The design of the course is intended to provide an educational experience which helps students to develop both self-reliance and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Students have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of life and society and to realise the contributions which all individuals can make within their own limitations.
The course incorporates a practical approach to solving problems and fosters a research- oriented attitude which is necessary for the continuing development of the profession. Studies in research and investigation formalise the processes of evaluation and critical thinking and to this extent, students conduct an individual or group research study of their choice.
Aims of the CourseThe overall aim of the course is to produce a graduate who has the skills, knowledge and attitudes to be competent to practice as an occupational therapist. Competency will be demonstrated by the ability to:
1. Follow an occupational therapy process in intervening with clients who have a variety of needs, from a range of cultural backgrounds, demonstrating an approach that is context sensitive.
2. Show an in-depth knowledge of the person as an occupational being, an understanding of the person-occupation-environment and its relationship to health.
3. Understand, reflect, analyse, and evaluate their practice; make decisions, grounded in ethical practice, using an evidenced-based approach and critical reasoning skills.
4. Establish effective therapeutic and professional relationships with clients, clients’ significant others, colleagues, and agencies while working independently or as part of a team.
5. Provide a client-centred service that shows appreciation of the social, organisational and legislative environment in which they practice.
6. Take a self-directed approach to their personal and professional development and engage in life long learning practices.
Structure of the CourseThe course extends over four years. Both the academic and fieldwork hours are in keeping with the minimum hours as laid down by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
The course is divided into four structural components that is, into basic and human sciences, clinical sciences, occupational therapy studies and fieldwork.
