Master of Occupational Therapy (Graduate Entry)

What you will study

Complete 96 units comprising:

• 60 units for all Core courses.
• 36 units for all Work integrated learning

Core courses

Complete 60 units for ALL of the following:

• Evidence Based Practice Skills
• Human Neuroscience
• Enabling Occupation 1
• Enabling Occupation 2
• Enabling Occupation 3
• Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
• Occupational Science
• Evidence Based Practice
• Enabling Occupation 4
• Enabling Occupation 5

Work integrated learning

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

• Occupational Therapy Field Practice 1
• Occupational Therapy Field Practice 2
• Occupational Therapy Field Practice 4
• Participatory Community Practice GE: Planning
• Participatory Community Practice GE: Implementation

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

• A completed bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution with a highly competitive GPA..
• Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses at a bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher within the last 10 years.

On a case-by-case basis, the Program Director may consider applicants whose prerequisites were completed more than 10 years ago, provided they have relevant and recent work experience.

Prerequisite courses - at least one course of each of the following:

• Human Anatomy that includes musculoskeletal and systems anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Either Human Psychology or Sociology/Anthropology
• Research Methodologies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

This degree is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are ready to take the next step towards becoming a registered occupational therapist. In just two years of full-time study, you can gain the qualification needed to practise in this rewarding field.

Be guided by expert occupational therapists and leading researchers, ensuring you receive a top-tier education grounded in the latest advancements.

Practical skills and experiences are embedded throughout the degree, with 1,000 hours of field placements in diverse settings, including health and rehabilitation centres, community agencies, children’s centres, schools and aged care facilities. These experiences bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, providing a seamless transition into the workforce.

In your first year, build foundational occupational therapy knowledge and skills with courses in:

• Occupational science
• Environmental modification and occupational adaptation.
• Evidence-based practice.
• Human neuroscience.

The second year will deepen your expertise as you apply your knowledge to practice in areas like mental health, chronic conditions, rehabilitation and return-to-work programs. As part of this, you’ll collaborate on a project with a community agency, gaining real-world experience that directly impacts lives.

With a focus on contemporary practice, this degree helps you to build valuable networks and professional relationships that will support your career long after graduation.  

Career outcomes

Working as part of a holistic healthcare team, you’ll be prepared for roles in a range of settings, including:

• Public and Private Hospitals
• Private Practice
• Community and Acute Mental Health Services
• Ambulatory and Rehabilitation Services
• Aged care Facilities
• Home-based Services
• Local council Services
• Government Departments
• Schools

Not-for-profit and non-government sectors.

As this qualification is recognised in most countries, this degree also opens doors to working overseas.

Fees and CSP

Estimated student contribution amount for full-time study (1.0 EFTSL - 48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place).

Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.

The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:

• Number of courses you are enrolled in.
• Unit value of courses.
• Funding cluster your courses fall under.

A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.