Keele Badge

OCT-40015 - Module Specification
School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

OCT-40015 - Psychology, Pathologies, Life Changes and Choices.
Coordinator: Sasha Gardiner
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module forms part of the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme at Keele which is an innovative programme of study which prepares the graduate for diverse practice settings.
This module introduces you to a range of psychological theories, which may include, for example, cognition, memory, capacity, processing, motivation, learning and development.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the typical pathologies encountered in practice. Exemplar pathologies may include schizophrenia, dementia, anxiety and depression and learning disabilities, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, cancers, diabetes.
Focus on occupational disruption, life choices and life changes may address issues such as aging populations / retirement, unemployment, developmental change, smoking, drug taking, alcoholism, homelessness, prison and their Impact on occupational performance.

Aims
This module aims to inform student understanding of relevant underpinning psychological theories and common pathologies and how these impact on individual occupational performance and participation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand and critically apply psychological theories to occupational performance and participation.: 1
demonstrate a critical appraisal of a range of common pathologies.: 1
critically consider the potential impact that common pathologies have on an individual's occupational performance and participation.: 1
analyse how occupational disruption, life changes and choices potentially impact on an individual's occupational performance and participation.: 1

Study hours

48 active learning tutor led hours to include:
~ 10 hours lectures,
~ 33 hours workshops,
~ 5 hours of assessment preparation classes

102 hours independent study including guided study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 100%
A 2,500 word assignment based on critical case scenario
An assignment based on a tutor provided case scenario. Students will be offered a range of pertinent case scenarios to select from and will use a proforma to complete their chosen activity analysis.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025