La Trobe University
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention, the therapeutic use of occupation and the adaptation of environments.
Course overview
Occupational therapists help individuals and communities maximise productivity, well-being and quality of life through occupational participation. You will develop knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention, the therapeutic use of occupation and the adaptation of environments.
Subject to completing local requirements, graduates may be eligible to apply to practice in other countries, including the UK, North America and Sweden.
The course comprises 70 weeks of coursework (35 weeks per year), including 1000 hours of professional practice. First year includes a four-week full-time professional practice block; second year includes two eight-week full-time professional practice blocks and a ten-week project-based learning placement. You will enrol on 120 credit points per year.
Whether you have a background in health or are looking to switch industries, this entry-to-practice program equips you to meet the growing demand for qualified occupational therapists.
- Focus on client-centred practice and evidence-based learning
- Build skills in real-world settings with supervised placements
- Opportunities for an overseas placement in your second year
- Graduated as a qualified occupational therapist, ready for a diverse range of career opportunities
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice award, students must complete 240 credit points over two years.
- Academic Integrity Module
- Foundations of Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy: Enabling Change C (Children)
- Professional Practice A
- Enabling Change: Mental Health Across the Lifespan (30 credit points)
- Enabling Change: Musculoskeletal and Neurological Conditions (30 credit points)
- Evidence Review in Occupational Therapy
- Advanced Clinical Practice (30 credit points)
- Macro Strategies for Advanced Professional Practice (30 credit points)
- Professional Practice B (30 credit points)
- Professional Practice C
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
- Subsequent postgraduate study and/or work experience in a relevant area may also be considered.
- Specialisation - recommended: Health, education, social, psychological or biological sciences, completed within the last ten years.
- WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 65%
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses for which admission is limited to Year 1. In these cases, credit is limited. Please take a look at the list of limited-entry courses.
Please visit the Advanced Standing webpage to check if this course is available for credit.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Implement and evaluate occupational therapy practice in diverse and changing contexts.
- Integrate and apply diverse understandings and strategies to support occupational participation, health and wellbeing among individuals and communities.
- Critically analyse research evidence to enable knowledge translation for ethically informed and evidence-based occupational therapy practice.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with professional and non-professional stakeholders using advanced verbal, non-verbal and written skills.
- Exercise personal autonomy and collaborative decision-making in applying professional knowledge and skills in various health-related settings.
- Critically reflect on learning and practice using digital literacies and appropriate technologies to support continued personal and professional development.
Career outcomes
Occupational therapists work in various health and welfare systems, including general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health services, mental health agencies, health services for older people and children with special needs and support services for intellectually disabled people. They also work as coordinators and consultants in developing and providing services in areas such as occupational health and safety and private practitioners.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $40,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 120 credit points (typically eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
