Program Overview

Master of Occupational Therapy

The Master of Occupational Therapy is a two-year, full-time course that enables individuals to lead full, meaningful lives regardless of age, disability, or social and mental limitations. This study pathway is ideal for students committed to a career that transforms the lives of everyday people.

About this Course

The Master of Occupational Therapy course develops a deeper understanding and appreciation of health-related issues, enhances credentials with research-based competencies, and gains valuable hands-on experience in real-life scenarios. Completing this course earns a qualification recognized by Occupational Therapy Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, opening doors to global opportunities in the health profession.

Course Objectives

• Learn how to empower people to engage in the occupations they need to, want to, or are expected to perform.
• Work with a variety of people, including those who have an impairment of body structure or function, are restricted in their participation, or are socially excluded.
• Develop the qualities of critical thinking, curiosity, and reflective practice.
• Use foresight, initiative, and leadership skills to communicate effectively with clients and work in inter-professional teams.
• Acquire essential professional practice ethics and traits, such as multi-cultural appreciation and respect for others.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

WIL is an integral part of this course, providing an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and form strong relationships with industry stakeholders and professionals before graduating. Over two years, students participate in 1000 hours of practical education in places such as hospitals, health clinics, community organizations, schools, and aged care facilities both locally and nationally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will enter an industry expected to experience enormous and continuous growth as the aging population of Australia and the rest of the world continues to grow. There will be a high demand for those with a master's in Occupational Therapy to help guide research and policy practices in various areas, including aged care, disability services, pediatric services, and community-based support services.

Admission Requirements

• A completed bachelor's degree in any discipline with a credit or higher average.
• Domestic applicants: Applications accepted on a yearly basis from August 1 of the preceding year and close on June 30 of the commencing year.
• International applicants: Applications accepted on a yearly basis from August 1 of the preceding year and close on March 31 of the commencing year.

Course Requirements

• Master of Occupational Therapy (132JA) | 48 credit points
  • Required: Must pass 48 credit points from the following:
    • Research Planning PG (6486) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Counselling Skills and Models PG (7743) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Foundations of Occupational Therapy PG (8349) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Humans as Occupational Beings 1 PG (8937) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Humans as Occupational Beings 2 PG (9069) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Occupation in Context PG (9070) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Occupational Therapy Toolbox 1 PG (9071) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Occupational Therapy Toolbox 2 PG (9072) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG (9594) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology G (10415) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy PG (12248) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • Occupational Therapy and Mental Health PG (12249) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • OTPP 1: Foundations of Professional Practice PG (12250) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • OTPP 2: Developing Practice Competency PG (12251) | 3 credit points — Level P
    • OTPP 3: Transition to Professional Practice PG (12252) | 6 credit points — Level P

Typical Study Pattern

• Standard Full Time, Semester 2 Commencing:
  • Year 1:
    • Semester 2: Counselling Skills and Models PG (7743), Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology G (10415), Foundations of Occupational Therapy PG (8349), Occupational Therapy Toolbox 1 PG (9071)
  • Year 2:
    • Semester 1: Humans as Occupational Beings 1 PG (8937), Occupational Therapy and Mental Health PG (12249), Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy PG (12248), Research Planning PG (6486)
    • Semester 2: Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG (9594), Humans as Occupational Beings 2 PG (9069), Occupation in Context PG (9070), Occupational Therapy Toolbox 2 PG (9072), OT Block 3, OTPP 1: Foundations of Professional Practice PG (12250)
  • Year 3: OT Block 1, OTPP 2: Developing Practice Competency PG (12251), OT Block 2, OTPP 3: Transition to Professional Practice PG (12252)

Course Information

• Course duration: Standard 2 years full time or part-time equivalent. Maximum 6 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes:
  • Implement evidence-based occupational therapy service planning, assessment, intervention, and review based on the needs of individuals and communities.
  • Critically evaluate and enact ethical and culturally responsive occupational therapy, supported by reflective practice.
  • Consolidate skills which facilitate active engagement in lifelong learning through integration of complex ideas, different systems of knowledge, and creative use of technologies.
  • Communicate in a respectful, responsive, and effective manner to maximize the occupational participation of individuals and communities.
  • Develop culturally responsive practice and understanding of lived experience and diverse perspectives to work equitably in cross-cultural contexts, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Awards

• Master of Occupational Therapy: M OccupationalTherapy

Alternative Exits

• HLC002 Graduate Certificate in Health Studies: Students may exit early with this award if they have passed 12 credit points as specified.
• HLG002 Graduate Diploma in Health Studies: Students may exit early with this award if they have passed 24 credit points as specified.