University of Canberra
Master of Occupational Therapy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Learn how to empower and transform the lives of those in need.
Course overview
This thought-provoking two-year, full-time UC Master of Occupational Therapy course explores the science and strategies that enable 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 and who are serious about earning the qualifications to prove it.
In this course, you will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of health-related issues, enhance your credentials with research-based competencies and gain valuable hands-on experience in real-life scenarios.
Completing this course will earn you a qualification recognised by Occupational Therapy Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, which can open doors to global opportunities in the health profession.
Study a Master of Occupational Therapy and you will:
- 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, who are restricted in their participation or who are socially excluded.
- Develop the qualities of critical thinking, curiosity and reflective practice.
- Use your 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 multicultural appreciation and respect for others.
Work Integrated Learning
WIL is an integral part of this course, giving you an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and form strong relationships with industry stakeholders and professionals before graduating.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
9th August, 2027
7th August, 2028
What you will study
To earn the Master of Occupational Therapy course, students must complete 48 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.
Required
Students must pass 48 credit points from the following:
- Research Planning
- Counselling Skills and Models
- Foundations of Occupational Therapy
- Humans as Occupational Beings 1
- Humans as Occupational Beings 2
- Occupation in Context
- Occupational Therapy Toolbox 1
- Occupational Therapy Toolbox 2
- Epidemiology and Principles of Research
- Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology
- Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy and Mental Health
- OTPP 1: Foundations of Professional Practice
- OTPP 2: Developing Practice Competency
- OTPP 3: Transition to Professional Practice (six credit points)
Entry requirements
A completed bachelor's degree in any discipline with a credit average or higher.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
A credit application based on recognition of prior learning (RPL), including informal or non-formal learning, must include appropriate certified documentation. For more information, contact the university or visit their website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Graduates will have problem-solving skills, the ability to critically reflect on relevant local, national and global issues and the willingness to consider alternative perspectives, enabling them to work effectively as occupational therapists in environments of complexity, ambiguity and change.
- Graduates will have well-developed interpersonal and communication skills suited to the work of allied health professionals. They will communicate effectively with clients and acquire the skills to work well in inter-professional teams.
- Graduates will acquire the key elements of professional practice, including respect for others and professional ethics.
- Graduates will have the ICT skills required to work effectively in their chosen profession and remain up to date with professional development. They will also be equipped to understand and use relevant health research findings.
Career outcomes
Once graduated, students can choose to continue with further study or move into a variety of jobs in a range of public, private and voluntary sectors, including:
- Homes, Schools and Workplaces
- Health and Rehabilitation Centres
- Supported Accommodation
- Aged Care
- Hospitals
Fees and CSP
Estimated full-course fee in 2026: From $19,072 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Domestic full-fee paying place in 2026:
- Fee per unit: $4,312.50
- Fee per annum: $34,500
- Full-course fee: $69,000
The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the units you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
