Occupational Science Master's (MSc)

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Course-based Stream

Dalhousie’s MSc in Occupational Science course-based stream gives you the opportunity to engage in a major capstone project of special interest to you.
You will:
·       Develop a project proposal relevant to your personal or professional interests
·       Apply critical analysis to understand and explore occupation
·       Contribute to social change through a capstone project
·       Ethically and responsibly engage in knowledge generation and knowledge sharing

videography credit: Cody Turner

Thesis Stream

Dalhousie’s MSc in Occupational Science research thesis stream, gives you the opportunity to research what you love, with the mentorship of experienced faculty.
You will:

  • Design a research proposal
  • Apply critical analysis to understand and explore occupation
  • Advance innovative approaches to social transformation
  • Develop research skills
  • Create and share knowledge
Cathy_Rose_Pic

Analyzing occupation is one way to understand health and well-being and to address the root causes of social and health inequities in society. ~Catherine Rose Talastas, MScOS graduate.

Occupational Science Assignment Sample

In this assignment, students analyze an occupation in relation to one or more occupation-related concepts discussed throughout the course. Consistent with decolonising approaches to knowledge, this assignment may be presented in whichever format the student finds conducive to knowledge sharing, such as a written assignment, video or audio recorded presentation, a short film, storytelling, or another format. [approx. 10mins]. ~Dr. Niki Kiepek, MScOS Supervisor

More about Catherine Rose Talastas and her MScOS journey.

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of the Philippines in 2019. Being in this profession has allowed me to explore various fields in mental health, physical rehabilitation, and community rehabilitation. My experiences made me appreciate the value of enabling and doing occupation. In 2018, I was one of the Filipinos in USC’s Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion Program. This ignited me to advance knowledge in occupational science, which supports the advancement of occupational therapy.

I chose this program because of my goal of contributing to the development of occupational science and occupational therapy. Ever since my undergraduate degree, I have been interested in studying occupations, especially the whys and hows.  Analyzing occupation is one way to understand health and well-being and to address the root causes of social and health inequities in society. The MScOS program facilitates interdisciplinary and online distance education, promoting collaboration and learning among students from all walks of life across the globe. This allows me to view occupation from different perspectives and unravel a deeper understanding of the concepts with people with diverse backgrounds.

This program helps me develop research skills and analyze health and social issues and policies. It guides me to become a person who continuously reflects, which leads to a better understanding of myself and the world around me. The knowledge that I will earn through this program will be beneficial as I pursue research and flourish as an occupational therapist by applying the theories and concepts. This program trains me to critically analyze knowledge before accepting it as an absolute truth. Everything that I would learn through this program will help me venture into the lifelong learning journey as a healthcare professional and as an involved citizen in society.  

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