Fieldwork is a substantial and compulsory component of a first-degree programme in occupational therapy. A student must demonstrate competence in fieldwork in order to practise. This vital element of the course receives little recognition. Fieldwork is either marked on a pass/fall basis or included in the degree classification. This is hardly satisfactory because neither student nor prospective employer has a clear indication about competence to practise, other than that the student has attained the minimum level to graduate.
This article seeks to show how the occupational therapy course at Nene-University College in Northampton has addressed the problem. Students are now able to demonstrate excellence in fieldwork with a separate fieldwork award in addition to the normal degree classification.
