Courses and degrees

A-Z study options

Occupational therapy

Why study Occupational therapy?

Our postgraduate coursework programs are for:

Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy/ Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy / Postgraduate Certificate of Paediatric Occupational Therapy

qualified Occupational Therapists wanting to pursue further studies for professional development to extend their knowledge and skills for advanced level practice. [subjects available in 2013]

Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

graduates of other disciplines wanting to become qualified occupational therapists through our graduate entry level program.

Career opportunities

Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy /Postgraduate Certificate of Occupational Therapy / Postgraduate Certificate of Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Gaining a post-professional postgraduate qualification in occupational therapy enables Occupational Therapists to demonstrate continuing professional development and to attain advanced knowledge and skills for becoming expert practitioners in their chosen fields of practice. It may also support career advancement, the development of professional leadership, contribution to academic teaching, and entry into higher degrees by research.

Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

Occupational therapy deals with people's occupational needs and the loss of daily living skills that follow physical, emotional, psychological and social disorders. Occupational therapists use knowledge and skills in assessment and treatment, the therapeutic use of occupations, intervention techniques, the design of equipment and adaptation of environments to enable individuals to maximise personal productivity, wellbeing, and quality of life in their everyday lives.

Graduates new to the discipline with an entry-level Masters qualification in occupational therapy may expect to work in a wide range of practice settings that include general hospitals, rehabilitation, aged and mental health care facilities, as well as community health services for people at home, in schools and workplaces.

Courses

Local students

Occupational therapy courses (Mid year entry)
Offer year	Course title	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts
2013	Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2-4 years part-time.	Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy continued… Course description This course gives graduates with a qualification in occupational therapy an opportunity to further advance knowledge and skills, and to become expert practitioners and leaders in their fields. Students can specialise in specific practice areas, such as paediatric occupational therapy, to deepen their understanding of human occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy, and to critically examine the evidence base underpinning occupational therapy practices. Two exit options are available: Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy (2 core subjects & 2 electives) and Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Occupational Therapy (3 core subjects & 1 elective). The program also aims to enable students to meet the eligibility requirements for entry into the Doctor of Clinical Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, depending on academic performance. Prerequisite Mode 1: four-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent from a program recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists is required, with a B grade average (70% or above) preferred, and evidence of clinical expertise and/or continuing professional development. Mode 2: Honours degree (H2A/75 % +) or relevant Postgraduate Diploma (H2A/75%+ and evidence of research ability); applicants should discuss potential topics with the course coordinator prior to applying. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements should contact the course coordinator for information regarding non-standard (conditional) admission, which may involve satisfactory completion of a negotiated program of postgraduate study prior to enrolment. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $15,440 per 120 credit points for Master of Occupational Therapy, or $7,720 (60 credit points) for Postgraduate Certificate How to apply Apply direct to the University by 30 November 2012. Late applications may be accepted until the end of November. Please download an application form here. Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Advanced Occupational Therapy (Master)Melbourne
2013	Master of Occupational Therapy Practice	Bendigo Melbourne	2 years full-time (2.5 years for Honours).	Semester 1 (January)
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice continued… Course description This course aims to give graduates from another discipline a professional qualification in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy deals with people's occupational needs and the loss of daily living skills that follow physical, emotional, psychological and social disorders. Occupational therapists help individuals to become more independent and maximise personal productivity, wellbeing and quality of life through occupational performance. Students develop knowledge and skills in assessment and treatment, the therapeutic use of occupations, intervention techniques, the design of equipment and adaptation of environments. Students are eligible for accreditation as an occupational therapist by the end of second year. High-achieving students may be selected for the Honours program (comprising an additional 45 credit points). For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. Prerequisite Bachelor's degree in health, education, social, psychological or biological sciences (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience is preferred). A minimum grade point average of 65% in the final year of studies is required. Bridging course - successful applicants who do not have a background in biological sciences, for example anatomy and physiology, must undertake a bridging course. Fee type Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available Fee amount Indicative (2012): $23,600 per 120 credit points. Additional costs National Police Check ($15.50) and immunisations (A$500). Prices are approximate. Accommodation for any clinical placements may vary according to the venue and location. Additional information This course is Youth Allowance / ABSTUDY approved. Students enrol into 120 credit points per year. NOTE: this course starts 4 February 2013 - earlier than the official first-semester start. How to apply Apply through VTAC. Please note it is compulsory for applicants without a background in biological sciences (eg anatomy) to take a bridging course as a foundation for further studies; this course provides an understanding of the function and structure of the human body. Please complete the Occupational Therapy Supplementary Application Form. (Should be sent to La Trobe University to the address detailed on the form) Professional recognition The course is accredited by Occupational Therapy Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Melbourne Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Bendigo
2013	Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy	Melbourne	1 year part-time	Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy continued… Course description This course enables graduates with occupational therapy qualifications to pursue further studies tailored for professional development. It enables students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in specific occupational therapy practice areas of interest, develop skills for critically appraising research, extend their knowledge of evidence based occupational therapy practice, and deepen their understanding of occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy. The course also provides a pathway into continuing study, with the option to transfer into the Master of Occupational Therapy for high-achieving students (with a grade average of 70%+). Please note: Subject to University approval, students enrolling from 2013 will be enrolled in the Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy and may complete an alternative course structure. Prerequisite WFOT-recognised Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (or equivalent). Evidence of some professional practice experience is preferred. Prospective applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements should contact the course coordinator for information about non-standard (conditional) admission. This may involve satisfactory completion of a negotiated program of postgraduate study prior to enrolment. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $8,105 (60 credit points). How to apply Apply directly to the University by end of November 2012 for Semester 1 (February) and by 15 June 2012 for Semester 2 (July). Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Occupational Therapy (Postgraduate Certificate)Melbourne
2013	Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Occupational Therapy	Melbourne	1 year part-time	Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Occupational Therapy continued… Course description This course enables graduates with occupational therapy qualifications to pursue further studies tailored for professional development. It enables students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in paediatric occupational therapy practice in order to respond effectively to the needs of children, develop skills for critically appraising research, extend their knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice, and deepen their understanding of occupation and thetheoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy. The course also provides a pathway into continuing study with the option to transfer into the Master of Occupational Therapy for high-achieving students (with a grade average of 70%+). Prerequisite WFOT-recognised Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree (or equivalent). Evidence of some professional practice experience is preferred. Prospective applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements should contact the course co-ordinator for information about non-standard (conditional) admission. This may involve satisfactory completion of a negotiated program of postgraduate study prior to enrolment. Fee type Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available Fee amount Indicative (2012): $7720 (60 credit points). How to apply Apply directly to the University by end of November 2012 for Semester 1 (February) and by 15 June 2012 for Semester 2 (July). Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Paediatric Occupational Therapy (Postgraduate Certficate)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Occupational therapy international courses
Offer year	Course title (CRICOS)	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013	Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy (077466G)	Melbourne	1 year	Semester 1 (March)	$24 370
Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy continued… Year 2013 Course description This course gives graduates with a qualification in occupational therapy an opportunity to further advance knowledge and skills, and to become expert practitioners and leaders in their fields. Students can specialise in specific practice areas, such as paediatric occupational therapy, to deepen their understanding of human occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy, and to critically examine the evidence base underpinning occupational therapy practices. Two exit options are available: Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy (2 core subjects & 2 electives) and Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Occupational Therapy (3 core subjects & 1 elective). The program also aims to enable students to meet the eligibility requirements for entry into the Doctor of Clinical Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, depending on academic performance. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0; TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English; TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27; Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0. Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher. or approved international equivalent. Academic entry requirements A four-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, with Honours (H2A, 75 per cent or above) or relevant Postgraduate Diploma (with H2A, 75 per cent or above and evidence of research ability) or equivalent. Applicants should discuss potential research topics with the course coordinator prior to applying. Special requirements Evidence of two to three years of professional practice experience in a relevant field of occupational therapy is preferred. Additional information The program also aims to enable students to meet the eligibility requirements for entry into the Doctor of Clinical Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, depending on academic performance. Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Advanced Occupational Therapy (Master)Melbourne
2013	Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (044367E)	Bendigo Melbourne	2 years (2.5 years with Honours)	4 February 2013	$25 690
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice continued… Year 2013 Course description This course aims to give graduates from another discipline a professional qualification in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy deals with people's occupational needs and the loss of daily living skills that follow physical, emotional, psychological and social disorders. Occupational therapists help individuals to become more independent and maximise personal productivity, wellbeing and quality of life through occupational performance. Students develop knowledge and skills in assessment and treatment, the therapeutic use of occupations, intervention techniques, the design of equipment and adaptation of environments. Students are eligible for accreditation as an occupational therapist by the end of second year. High-achieving students may be selected for the Honours program (comprising an additional 45 credit points). For more information, please visit out Frequently Asked Questions. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0; TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English; TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27; Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website; English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0. Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher. or approved international equivalent. Academic entry requirements A Bachelor's degree in health, education, social, psychological or biological sciences (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the final year. Successful applicants who do not have a background in biological sciences, for example anatomy and physiology, must undertake a bridging course. Special requirements Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and Working With Children Check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. This course has a clinical component. For more information, please visit this website Applicants must complete the Supplementary Application Form available at this link Successful applicants who do not have a background in biological sciences, for example anatomy and physiology, must undertake a bridging course. Additional costs National Police Check ($15.50) and immunisations (A$500). Prices are approximate. Accommodation for any clinical placements may vary according to the venue and location. Additional information Applications close on 31 October 2012. Students enrol into 120 credit points per year. The Honours program (CRICOS Code 062794C) is an additional six months of study comprising an additional 45 credit points. Please note this course commences on 4 February 2013. To enable clinical placements, students enrolled in this course will be registered as students, at no cost, with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Professional recognition The Master of Occupational Therapy Practice is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT). Full course details Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es): Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Melbourne Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Bendigo

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Inherent Requirements

All applicants must review and be aware of the Inherent Requirements for Occupational Therapy Courses at La Trobe University [PDF].

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