You will study in a small international group (about 20–30 students from at least 6 countries). Together, you will exchange experiences, develop your professional identity and improve your intercultural understanding.

Programme structure

• Modules 1–4 (Year 1): 2 weeks of self-study, 2 weeks of intensive classes on site, 8 weeks of self-study with an assignment.
• Module 5 (Year 2): 1 week on site at a partner university.
• Module 6 (Year 2): independent research project and thesis, written in the format of a journal paper with a critical reflection, completed in your home country.

Online sessions are included throughout to support your learning. All modules combine Occupational Therapy, Occupational Science and research, and each ends with an assignment.

Year 1

Module 1 - Brighton, United Kingdom

This module includes:

• An introduction to the programme and the expectations at Master of Science level.
• The history and current status of Occupational Therapy in each student’s home country.
• An introduction to Occupational Science.
• The practice of problem-based learning.

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Module 2 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This module includes:

• An introduction to qualitative research methods that capture subjective dimensions, such as lived experiences or the meaning of human occupation and participation.
• Exploration of the concept of positionality and reflection on your own position in research and OT-related questions.
• Examination of how environment, diversity and culture influence occupations and participation in society.

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Module 3 - Winterthur, Switzerland

This module includes:

• An exploration of quantitative approaches and measurement in relation to Occupational Performance and Participation.
• Learning how to collect, analyse and interpret data, understanding how context shapes data and how to use numbers to tell people’s stories, support arguments, and improve OT practice.
• Integration of quantitative research methods into Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention.

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Module 4 - A Coruña, Spain

This module includes:

• An exploration of socio-cultural perspectives of human occupation. You will discuss, critique, and synthesise how occupation is shaped by societal, political, economic, healthcare and cultural conditions in diverse contexts.
• Further development of your literature review skills to identify knowledge gaps and formulate relevant research questions.

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Year 2

Module 5 - Stockholm, Sweden

This module includes: 

• Synthesising and applying the knowledge and research skills gained in previous modules.
• Using the documents on your research interests, design, methods and ethical considerations from Module 4 as a starting point.
• Developing a research proposal for your Master’s thesis.

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Module 6 - Your home country

• You will conduct a research project on a complex topic or issue within Occupational Therapy and/or Occupational Science in a country and context of your choice.

• You will receive online supervision from a highly qualified staff member from one of the partner universities.

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Title and diploma

After completing all the 6 modules of the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programme, you will be awarded a degree 'European MSc in Occupational Therapy'. You may use the Master of Science title.