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

2013

Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy

Duration :: 1 year full-time or 2-4 years part-time.
Semester starts :: Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Campus:: Melbourne

Year: 2013
Course description: This course provides graduate occupational therapists with postgraduate study options tailored to extend their knowledge and skills for occupational therapy practice with children, adults or older adults, and to become expert practitioners and leaders in their fields. It enables students to deepen their understanding of human occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy; critically examine the evidence base underpinning occupational therapy practice; and develop their research knowledge and skills by undertaking a supervised research project.

The course comprises a combination of coursework and a 20,000 word thesis. It 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 amount: Indicative (2013): $16,210 for 120 credit points.
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.

All applicants for MAOT by coursework + thesis must provide a completed Supplementary Information Form with their application.
Full course details: Advanced Occupational Therapy (Master)Melbourne

Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

Duration :: 2 years full-time (2.5 years for Honours).
Semester starts :: Semester 1 (January)
Campus:: Bendigo; Melbourne

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.
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 per cent in the final year of studies is required.

Successful applicants who do not have a background in biological sciences, for example anatomy and physiology, must undertake a bridging course.
Fee amount: Indicative (2013): $23,600 per 120 credit points.
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: Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Melbourne
Occupational Therapy Practice (Master)Bendigo

Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy

Duration :: 1 year part-time
Semester starts :: Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Campus:: Melbourne

Year: 2013
Course description: This is a nested qualification within the Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy (formerly Master of Occupational Therapy) for graduate occupational therapists. The course aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills in specific occupational therapy practice areas. You'll develop skills for critically appraising research and extend your knowledge of of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. The Postgraduate certificate course also provides a pathway into continuing study, in the Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy for high-achieving students, with a B-grade average (70 per cent and above).
Prerequisite: All applicants are required to hold at least a three-year qualifying degree or diploma in occupational therapy from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists' approved program.

For academic entry requirements and other requirements, see Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy.
Fee amount: Indicative (2013): $8105 for 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).
Apply directly to the University by end of November 2012 for Semester 1 (February) and by 30 May 2013 for Semester 2 (July).
Full course details: Occupational Therapy (Postgraduate Certificate)Melbourne

Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Duration :: 1 year part-time
Semester starts :: Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Campus:: Melbourne

Year: 2013
Course description: This is a nested qualification within the Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy (formerly Master of Occupational Therapy) for graduate occupational therapists. Students will gain advanced knowledge and skills in paediatric occupational therapy practice to respond effectively to the needs of children. They will develop skills for critically appraising research and extend their knowledge of evidence-based paediatric occupational therapy practice.The Postgraduate certificate course also provides a pathway into continuing study, in the Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy for high-achieving students, with a B-grade average (70 per cent or higher).
Prerequisite: All applicants are required to hold at least a three-year qualifying degree or diploma in occupational therapy from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists' approved program.
For academic entry requirements and other requirements, see Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy.
Fee amount: Indicative (2013): $8105 for 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: 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

2013

Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy (077466G)

Duration :: 1 year
Semester starts :: Semester 1 (March)
Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :: 24 370
Campus: Melbourne

Year: 2013
Course description: This course provides graduate occupational therapists with postgraduate study options tailored to extend their knowledge and skills for occupational therapy practice with children, adults or older adults, and to become expert practitioners and leaders in their fields. It enables students to deepen their understanding of human occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy; critically examine the evidence base underpinning occupational therapy practice; and develop their research knowledge and skills by undertaking a supervised research project.

The course comprises a combination of coursework and a 20,000 word thesis. It 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 or equivalent from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists' approved program, with Honours (H2A, 75 per cent or above) or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (with H2A, 75 per cent or above and evidence of research ability) and evidence of research ability).
Additional information: Applications for this course close on 30 November each year for commencement in the following academic year (February). All applicants must provide a CV, a personal statement and completed Supplementary Application Form with their application. Find out more about how to apply.
Full course details: Advanced Occupational Therapy (Master)Melbourne

Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (044367E)

Duration :: 2 years (2.5 years with Honours)
Semester starts :: 4 February 2013
Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :: 25 690
Campus: Bendigo, Melbourne

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.
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: 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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