University of Canberra
Master of Occupational Therapy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Develop the knowledge and professional skills to support people’s participation in everyday life through occupational therapy, combining evidence-based study with 1,000 hours of practical education across diverse settings.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Master of Occupational Therapy prepares graduates to support people to participate in the activities they need, want or are expected to perform. The course explores how occupational therapy can support individuals and communities experiencing disability, health conditions, participation restrictions or social exclusion.
You’ll develop knowledge across occupational therapy practice, anatomy and physiology, mental health, counselling, professional reasoning and research. Studies also explore occupation in different contexts, evidence-based practice and approaches to planning, assessing, delivering and reviewing occupational therapy services.
Professional practice is embedded throughout the course. You’ll complete 1,000 hours of practical education across settings such as hospitals, health clinics, community organisations, schools and aged care facilities. Placements are undertaken full-time and may require interstate travel, with students responsible for associated transport and accommodation costs.
The 48-credit-point course can be completed in two years full-time or the part-time equivalent at UC’s Bruce campus. It is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia, approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist.
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
$1,235 (CSP)
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
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Previous study or work experience may only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and University policy.
Outcomes
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 maximise 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.
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
Total indicative amount in 2027: $20,778 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
- Price per standard 3-credit-point unit: $1,235
- Per annum: $9,880
- Total course price: $19,760
The indicative amount to complete this course in 2027 is calculated based on the total course requirement of 48 credit points over two years of full-time study.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number and type of units studied.
- The student contribution band of each unit.
- Annual changes to student contribution amounts.
Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm current fees.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course and are allocated based on academic merit. HECS-HELP may be available to eligible domestic students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Total indicative amount in 2027: $72,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
- Price per standard 3-credit-point unit: $4,500
- Per annum: $36,000
- Total course price: $72,000
The indicative amount to complete this course in 2027 is calculated based on the total course requirement of 48 credit points over two years of full-time study.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number and type of units studied.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Annual changes to tuition fees.
Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm current fees.
FEE-HELP may be available to eligible domestic students enrolled in a full-fee paying place.
