Skip to content
Logo Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences - link to home page

Programme structure

Read more about the programme structure of the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT-EuroMaster).

The European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT-EuroMaster) is a postgraduate 2-year, part time, research-oriented programme of 90 EC consisting of 6 modules. Each of the first 5 modules is hosted by a different European higher education institution.

You will be part of a small group of students (ca. 30) from at least 6 countries. You will share and compare experiences, strengthen your professional identity and enhance your cultural understanding.

The part-time programme takes 4 semesters and consists of 6 modules. The first 5 modules (12 EC each) are hosted by one of the partner institutions. The last module involves the completion of a semi-independent scientific research project in the field of occupational therapy or occupational science, resulting in the thesis.

Modules 1 to 4 take place in the first academic year and all have the same structure: 

  • 2 weeks of self study time at home with preparatory work tasks 
  • 2 weeks of highly intense classwork on site at one of the partner universities 
  • 8 weeks of self study time working on the module assignment 

In module 5, you will spend one week at one of the partner universities and module 6 takes place entirely in your home country. 

In all the modules, some online sessions will be planned during self study time in order to support you in your learning process. 

Partner institutions

The partner institutions are: University of Brighton (UK), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS, NL), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW, CH), University of A Coruña (Esp) and Karolinska Institute (Swe).  

Modules

The programme aims to enhance understanding of the complexities of occupation, foster intercultural understanding and increase the research capacity of the profession. Occupational therapy, occupational science and research are integrated within each module. Every module ends with an assignment. In the final modules, you plan and conduct a research project and write your thesis in the format of a journal paper with a critical reflection.

Year 1
ModuleLocationSubjects
1Brighton, UK
  • An introduction to the whole programme and what is required at Master of Science level education.
  • The history and current status of OT in each of your own countries
  • An Introduction to Occupational Science
  • The practice of problem-based learning
  • Read the full description of module 1(opens in new window)

2

Amsterdam, NL
  • An introduction to qualitative research methods. Different methods capture subjective dimensions, such as the lived experiences or meaning of the concepts of human occupation and participation. 
  • Introduction of the concept of positionality and reflection on your own position in research and OT-related questions. 
  • Explore how the environment, diversity and culture affect occupations and the possibilities for humans to participate in society. 
  • Read the full description of module 2(opens in new window)
3Winterthur, CH
  • Occupational performance is the performance of meaningful and relevant everyday life tasks to satisfy life needs. When implementing assessments and interventions, occupational therapy practice must therefore place its focus on occupational performance, assisting clients to become actively engaged in the everyday activities that are relevant and meaningful for them.
  • n this module, you will explore and integrate the use of quantitative research approaches in such occupational therapy assessment and intervention processes.
  • Read the full description of module 3(opens in new window)
4A Coruna, Spain
  • Dive into socio-cultural perspectives of human occupation. You seek to explore, discuss, critique, and synthesize how human occupation of individuals and population groups is shaped by societal, political, economic, healthcare, and cultural conditions in diverse settings.  
  • In addition you further develop your skills in literature review for the purpose of identifying a gap in knowledge, leading to a suitable research question.
  • Read the full description of module 4(opens in new window) 

Have a look at the Module in Winterthur, CH

 

Year 2
ModuleLocationSubject
5Stockholm, Sweden
  • You start synthesising and applying the knowledge and scientific skills you've gained in the earlier modules.
  • The documents about your research interests, designs, methods and ethical issues as discussed in the learning groups, and as elaborated in the module 4 assignment, will serve as starting point.
  • You develop a research proposal for your thesis research.  
  • Read the full description of module 5(opens in new window)
6Your home country
  • You will carry out a research project on a complex topic or problem within occupational therapy and/or occupational science in a country and context of your choice. You are supervised (online) by a highly qualified staff member from one of the partner universities.
  • Read the full description of module 6(opens in new window)

Title and diploma

After completing 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.

What is your study load?
Download the leaflet