How to apply for the OT-EuroMaster?
Information for potential students
For the delivery of the programme January 2014 – January 2016
The five cooperating institutions
University College Sjælland,
Næstved in cooperation with
Amsterdam University
University of Brighton
University of Southern
of Applied Sciences
Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Denmark
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Zurich University
of Applied Sciences
Winterthur, Switzerland
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden
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Contents
1.
Introduction
3
2.
Admission criteria OT-EuroMaster
2.1 Bachelor of Science in OT or equivalent
2.2 English language test
3
3
4
3.
Admission Procedure
3.1 Procedure A:
3.2 Procedure B:
3.3 Payment of tuition fee
3.4 Deadlines
4
5
6
7
7
Annex 1: Application Form
8
Annex 2: Entrance competences
10
Annex 3: Portfolio
11
Annex 4: Overview of the OT-EuroMaster
13
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1.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
which is also referred to as the OT-EuroMaster. This application pack contains information
about how to apply for the programme starting in January 2014 and finishing in January
2016.
We advise you to start the application process early. The Administrative Office supports you
throughout this process. Please send an e-mail to ot-euromaster@hva.nl if you need any
support or advice. It is also possible to arrange a Skype or telephone conversation with a
member of staff or to have contact with one of the current or former students, possibly from
your country.
Deadline for submission: 15 September 2013
Please send your application to:
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
European Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Administrative Office, Room D 2.21 Fenna van Nes
Tafelbergweg 51
1105 BD Amsterdam ZO
the Netherlands
2.


Admission criteria OT-EuroMaster
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score 6.5 or equivalent.
2.1
Bachelor of Science in OT or equivalent
The Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy should be obtained from a school
recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Those not having a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, but having a Bachelor of
Science in a field related to OT, will have to submit an extensive professional portfolio
demonstrating their entrance competences (see annex 2 and annex 3).
Those having a degree in Occupational Therapy which is not a Bachelor of Science degree
will have to submit an extensive professional portfolio demonstrating their entrance
competences (see annex 2 and annex 3).
The admission committee will look into each portfolio individually and consider whether the
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person concerned has attained the required entrance competences by previous work or
study and can be considered to be equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Occupational
Therapy.
2.2
English language test
Students are required to prove that they have a sufficient command of the English language
by submitting evidence of an overall band score of at least 6.5 for the academic IELTS1-test,
or of a comparable score in a test as referred to in the following:
The term ‘test’ – comparable with an IELTS test score of 6.5 is understood to refer to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
3.
TOEFL2 Paper: 550;
TOEFL Computer: 213;
TOEFL Internet: 80:
TOEIC3: 670;
Cambridge ESOL4: CAE – C.
Admission Procedure
The admission committee is in charge of the complete application process. You can apply
any time of the year before the deadline.
Those having a Bachelor of Science degree in OT are requested to follow procedure A.
Those not having a Bachelor of Science degree in OT, but a If you have a Diploma, or
another degree in Occupational Therapy or a Bachelor of Science in a related field, are
requested to follow procedure B. Notice that people who have to follow procedure B have to
send in a professional portfolio (see annex 2 and 3).
The deadline for application: 15th September 2013
We recommend you to send by registered post. Please send your application to:
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
European Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Administrative Office, Room D 2.21 Fenna van Nes
Tafelbergweg 51
1105 BD Amsterdam ZO
the Netherlands
1
International English Language Testing System
Test of English as a Foreign Language.
3 Provided the candidate has passed both the ‘Speaking and Writing’ and ‘Listening and Reading’
components.
4 English for Speakers of Other Languages.
2
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3.1
Procedure A:
If you have a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, please send the
following documents to the Administrative Office:
1. The Application Form;
2. Officially certified copies of diplomas, degrees and certifications with a counter
signature of the Occupational Therapy education institution. Both original and in English;
3. The certificate with test score of the academic IETLS (or similar test, see 2.2);
4. A Curriculum Vitae in English; addressing education, work experience, and further
professional and academic training courses;
5. A 1-2 page motivation letter in English concerning your level of competence and motives
for applying to the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programme;
6. Copy of passport;
7. One original passport photo.
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3.2
Procedure B:
If you have a diploma or another degree (not a BSc) in Occupational Therapy or a
Bachelor of Science in a related field, please send the following documents to the
Administrative Office:
1. The Application Form;
2. Officially certified copies of diplomas, degrees and certifications with a counter
signature of the Occupational Therapy (or related field) education institution. Both original
and in English;
3. The certificate with test score of the academic IETLS (or similar test, see 2.2);
4. A Curriculum Vitae in English; addressing education, work experience, and further
professional and academic training courses;
5. A 1-2 page motivation letter in English concerning your level of competence and motives
for applying to the European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programme;
6. Copy of passport;
7. One original passport photo;
8. A professional portfolio (see annex 2 and 3).
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3.3
Payment of tuition fee
Tuition fee of the complete OT-EuroMaster programme: 13,700 euro. The fee can be paid in
two instalments (of 6,850 euro each). Deadline for the first instalment 1 January 2014 (just
before the new group starts). An invoice will be sent to you for payment of the second
instalment in January of the next year. This fee is exclusive travel and accommodation
expenses and the costs of study material.
3.4
Deadlines
th
Until September 15
September 15th
September 30th
September 15th – October 15th
October 15th
November 1th
November 30th latest
December
Applicants can send their (preliminary)
applications and receive advice about the
development of a portfolio.
Applications must be received by (registered)
post.
Applicants have received email to confirm
receipt of their application.
Admission committee reviews applications
The admission committee decides if there are
enough accepted candidates (20) and if they
are from a variety of different countries. If not,
the start date may be deferred.
Accepted applicants receive statement of
acceptance and a letter to confirm attendance
to the programme.
Signed confirmation letter is sent by applicant
to administrative office.
New students receive practical information
about first module.
New students receive first invoice with
instructions to pay an amount prior to 1
January 2014.
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Annex 1: Application Form5
Personal data
family name (surname)
job
first name (given name)
title
date of birth
gender (male/female)
place of birth
country of birth
citizen of country
nationality
Home address
street / number
city
state / country
postal code
telephone number
fax number
e-mail address
Work address
employer’s name
street / number
city
state / country
postal code
telephone number
fax number
your work e-mail address
I apply based on my previous qualifications
□
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy
□
I have another degree in Occupational Therapy
□
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in a field related to Occupational Therapy:
...................
Please thick the appropriate box(es)
5
We recommend you to send by registered post
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Education
Upper secondary education
type of secondary education
name of college
city and state / country of college
length of study (in years)
date of graduation
Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy recognized by WFOT
name of university
city and state / country of university
length of study (in years)
date of graduation
Bachelor in occupational therapy recognized by WFOT
name of college / university
city and state / country of college / university
length of study (in years)
date of graduation
Diploma in occupational therapy recognized by WFOT
name of college
city and state / country of college
length of study (in years)
date of graduation
Bachelor of science in a related field
Type and level of the education
name of university
city and state / country of university
I understand that providing false information, or failing to provide requested information, is
just cause for my dismissal from the programme of the European Master of Science in
Occupational Therapy if accepted. If I am accepted I agree to abide by the policies and
regulations of the OT-EuroMaster programme.
Date:
Name:
Signature
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Annex 2: Entrance competences
Entrance competences based on Dublin descriptors on Bachelor of Science level
1. Knowledge and
understanding is
supported by
advanced text books
with some aspects
informed by
knowledge at the
forefront of their field
of study
2. Applying
knowledge and
understanding
through devising
and sustaining
arguments
3. Making
judgments involves
gathering and
interpreting relevant
data
4. Communication
of information,
ideas, problems and
solutions
5. Have developed
those learning
skills needed to
study further with a
high level of
autonomy
You are able to identify the forefront of knowledge in Occupational
Therapy and Occupational Science supported by leading literature.
You are able to explain the theoretical concepts underpinning
occupational therapy specifically the nature of human beings and their
performance of occupation.
You can explain the relationship between occupational performance,
health and well being.
You identify the differences between a research question and a clinical
question.
You are able to identify the forefront of knowledge in research
methodologies within the literature about quantitative and qualitative
traditions.
You mention the fundamental steps in a research process.
You are able to select, modify and apply appropriate theories, models of
practice and methods to meet the occupational and health needs of
individuals/populations.
You are able to actively seek, critically evaluate and apply a range of
information and evidence to ensure that occupational therapy practice is
up-to-date and relevant to the client.
You search independently, critically examine and synthesize scientific
literature and other information relevant to occupational therapy.
You are able to identify different approaches in quantitative and
qualitative studies.
You are able to critically evaluate occupational therapy practice to ensure
that the focus is on occupation and occupational performance.
You are able to identify the need for research on issues related to
occupation, occupational therapy and/or occupational science and
formulate relevant research questions.
You can gather and interpret relevant data with quantitative and
qualitative methods.
You recognize the difference between scientific knowledge and common
sense knowledge.
You can present information learned from clinical practice and can
recognize theories within their own practice.
You are able to present information, ideas and solutions to specialists in
the field of OT and non-specialists.
You are able to independently identify your gaps in knowledge, based on
your practical/clinical experience.
You seek and find relevant information and use information technology.
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Annex 3: Portfolio
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is an instrument to show the personal and professional skills you have to offer.
The portfolio contains a collection of products that demonstrate the knowledge and skills you
have acquired until now through your education, experience in practice and lifelong learning.
The pieces products should be supplemented with a description on how each product
demonstrates a particular competence(s).
The admission committee examines the portfolio to assess whether you have acquired a
sufficient level in all five fields of the entrance competences (see annex 2).
Examples of suitable evidence?
 A report, presentation, writing, article or other product that presents the process and
outcomes of a clinical project that you took part in.

A certificate of a post-graduate course with an English summary of the content of the
course and a description of the competences you gained by completing this course.

A critically appraised paper (CAP) or topic (CAT). Look for more information at
http://www.otcats.com/

An extended case study of a clinical situation and an essay on theoretical and/or
practice Occupational Therapy (OT) or Occupational Science (OS) aspects using
relevant OT and/or OS literature.

A bachelor final thesis supplemented by a follow-up research outline using relevant
methodological literature.

A literature review of a topic within Occupational Therapy/Occupational Science

A report of a research project that you took part in (describing clearly your role, e.g.
assisting in data collection).
How many products are needed?
Your portfolio and your degree should cover all the entrance competences together. Some
competences are already clear from your education; the missing competences should be
demonstrated in your portfolio. One product can give evidence of more than one
competence. Usually, more than one product is needed.
Does the portfolio have to be in a paper form?
No, the portfolio can be made in a form that suits you. Be creative! The use of a website or
presentation programme like PowerPoint of Prezi is also possible.
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Example of part of a portfolio
Portfolio Anna Hoogenkamp
This portfolio shows my personal and professional skills acquired until now through
your education, experience in practice and lifelong learning. The pieces of evidence
are supplemented with a description on how each product demonstrates particular
competences. Etc....
Personal information
My name is Anna Hoogenkamp and I work as an occupational therapist in an
academic hospital in Amsterdam. I’m 27 years old and have 3 years of working
experience. Etc...
Competences
1. Knowledge and understanding is supported by advanced text books with
some aspects informed by knowledge at the forefront of their field of study
2. Etc....
Evidence competence 1
‘Participation in social activities of teenagers at the Indische Buurt, Amsterdam’
This article shows my knowledge and understanding of participation of a specific
group. Social participation is one of the study fields of Occupational Therapy. The
relationship between occupational performance, health en well-being is
demonstrated by the use of a qualitative scientific method.
*Notice: provide a paper version or a link to a digital copy of the article
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Annex 4: Overview of the OT-EuroMaster
Here you find an overview of the programme. Please note: the information may change. Final
information is available by the end of 2013.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
University of Brighton;
Eastbourne
United Kingdom
University College
Sjælland, Næstved in
cooperation with
University of Southern
Denmark
Amsterdam
University of Applied
Sciences;
Amsterdam the
Netherlands
Zurich University of
Applied Sciences;
Winterthur Switzerland
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm
Sweden
Own country
12 ECTS
12 ECTS
12 ECTS
12 ECTS
12 ECTS
30 ECTS
Week 1-12
Week 14-25
Week 33-44
Week 46-7
Week 8-18
Week 19-4
Wk 3-4 Class work
January
Wk 16-17 Class work
April
Wk 35-36 Class
work
September
Wk 48-49 Class work
November
Wk 18 Exam +
Class
May
Wk 4
Examination
January
Exploration of
concepts of
occupation and
research
Societal and scientific
aspects of OT & OS
Scientific
reasoning about
human occupation,
diversity, culture
and participation
Evaluating and
enhancing
occupational
performance
Planning a
research project
within the body of
knowledge of the
OT discipline
Conducting a
research
project within
the OT
discipline
Preparatory work
Preparatory work
Preparatory work
Preparatory work
Semi-independent
research plan
Semiindependent
research
Class work:
Introduction to OTEuroMaster: problembased learning,
competence based
teaching, and
assessment
Concept of occupation
Epistemology
Ontology (philosophy
underpinning science)
Ethics
Critical appraisal of
literature
Class work:
Occupational therapy &
occupational science in
community and health
care
Societal and sociological
perspectives on
occupational
performance and health
Demography
Implementation
Critical review of
literature and position
papers
Class work:
Occupation and
participation in
relation to culture
and diversity
Autonomy of people
in the society and
health care services
Explorative scientific
methods
Epistemology of
qualitative research
Qualitative research
methods
Class work:
Measuring
occupational
performance
Technology and
environment
influencing
occupational
performance
Development of
assessments
Evaluating intervention
programmes
Epistemology of
quantitative research
Quantitative research
methods
Master classes
Literature review as
background study
Research plan
Methodological
master classes
connected to the
research plans
Assessment
Critical literature
review
Assessment
Position paper
Assessment
A report on a small
scale qualitative
study
Assessment
A report on a small
scale quantitative
study
Assessment
Research plan
Oral presentation
Assessment
Thesis
Oral
presentation
Action Learning
Group
Reflections on own
research ideas
Action Learning Group
Reflections on possible
research topics
Action Learning
Group
Reflections on
different research
designs
Action Learning
Group
Reflections on own
research plan and
method
Action Learning
Group
At a distance
Portfolio from Action
Learning Group
Action
Learning
Group
At a distance
As peer review
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Data collection
Data analysis
Discussion on
results
Synthesize the
material to a
master thesis
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Module 1-4
Module 5
Preparatory work
56 hours
Class work
80 hours
Assignments (including supervision)
200 hours
Assignment: research plan (including supervision)
280 hours
Action Learning Group at a distance
20 hours
Course work: Master classes
28 hours
Examination (written and oral)
12 ECTS
8 hours
Semi-independent study on assignment: conduct study and
write thesis (including supervision)
Module 6
12 ECTS
for each module
Action Learning Group at a distance
812 hours
20 hours
Examination (written and oral)
30 ECTS
8 hours
Module 1: Exploration of concepts of occupation and research
Module one starts with an introduction to master level study and the rationale for the OTEuroMaster programme. Problem-based learning is introduced, practiced and discussed so
that students become familiar with this pedagogical approach that underpins the whole
programme. Epistemology and ontology are explored in relation to the basic concepts of
occupation. Students practice critical appraisal of literature in groups. The summative
assessment involves a critical appraisal of both a qualitative and quantitative study in
occupational therapy.
Module 2: Societal scientific aspects of occupational therapy & occupational Science
In module two occupational therapy in Europe and internationally is examined. This includes
the history and development of occupational therapy in each of the student’s countries plus
the societal and legislative influences which shape the process of professionalization.
Special reference is made to the impact of European welfare systems and legislation on
practice and the position of clients within health and social care. Students investigate the
concept of humans as occupational beings in relation to societal aspects, such as the labour
market. The social and societal aspects of occupation are presented in a position paper for
the summative assessment.
Module 3: Scientific reasoning about human occupation, diversity, culture and
participation
The third module explores the nature of occupation, participation and their effect on health
and well being. Special attention is given to the influence of culture and diversity on daily
activities. Qualitative methodologies are introduced and practiced with formative and
summative assessment. In the summative assessment students conduct a small scale,
qualitative study on culture and occupation.
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Module 4: Evaluating and enhancing occupational performance
Module four focuses upon measuring occupational performance and on quantitative research
methodologies. Assessment development and psychometric properties of reliable and valid
assessments are explored and skills in statistical analysis are practised. Students will also
look into the issue of evaluating occupational therapy interventions. The competences of
quantitative data analysis, interpretation, and reporting are tested in the summative
assessment, by a small scale empirical quantitative study on occupational performance.
Module 5: Planning a research project placed within the body of knowledge of the OT
discipline
In module five students conduct a literature review analysing their proposed research topic to
establish current knowledge and to secure the originality of the project. Individual supervision
of the students’ research projects is a major learning strategy in this module and there are
also master classes about specific methodologies tailored to the needs of the student group.
The summative assessment, the examination, is the formulation and presentation of a well
designed, ethical research plan, the findings of which will contribute to the body of knowledge
about occupation.
Module 6: Conducting a research project within the occupational therapy discipline
Finally, in module six the project is conducted as a semi-independent research project which
is then reported as a Master of Science thesis. The thesis has two parts: firstly, an article
prepared for a named, peer reviewed journal; the second part is an extended introduction
and reflective discussion. The examination has two parts: the assessment of the written part
and the assessment of the oral presentation.
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