Masters degrees by coursework
Master of Occupational Therapy – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HMOTC)
Course Coordinator: Ms Ellie Fossey
Tel: (03) 9479 5815
Email: e.fossey@latrobe.edu.au
Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/occtherapy/
Duration: 1 year full-time; 2-4 years part-time
The Master of Occupational Therapy provides graduate occupational therapists with the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies through coursework or a combination of coursework and research tailored to support occupational therapists’ professional development. The Master of Occupational Therapy course enables students to develop specialist knowledge and skills in specific practice areas; to extend their knowledge of the evidence base of occupational therapy; to deepen their understanding of human occupation and the theoretical frameworks used in occupational therapy; and to acquire knowledge and skills for undertaking research.
The Master of Occupational Therapy provides graduate occupational therapists with advanced knowledge and skills to work effectively in healthcare systems with changing demands and to respond to the changing needs of specific populations and communities. The course also provides a standard of theoretical and applied studies, which if completed at a high level, can enable students to meet the eligibility requirements for entry into the Doctor of Clinical Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs.
Students may undertake this course in one of two modes: mode 1 – coursework only or mode 2 – 50% coursework plus a 20,000 word thesis.
Prerequisites
A four-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent World Federation of Occupational Therapists recognised qualification in occupational therapy.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on the mode of enrolment (i.e. 100% coursework or a combination of coursework and thesis). All applicants should hold at least a four-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree (or equivalent qualification from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists recognised program).
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- For Mode 1 (100% coursework), applicants should hold a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree with at least a B average (70%+), with evidence of clinical expertise and research /continuing professional development.
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- For Mode 2 (50% coursework, 50% thesis), which includes undertaking a research project, applicants are also required to hold an Honours degree (H2A, 75% +) or relevant postgraduate diploma (with H2A, 75%+ and evidence of research ability).
Prospective applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements should contact the course coordinator for information regarding non-standard (conditional) admission. Non-standard entry may involve satisfactory completion of a negotiated program of postgraduate study, prior to enrolment. Students who are considering undertaking a research project as part of the Master of Occupational Therapy program (Mode 2) should discuss potential topics with the course coordinator prior to applying.
Course structure
Students must complete 120 credit points of new study to satisfy the Master of Occupational Therapy course requirements. Credit will not normally be granted for previously completed courses of study. The course is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. A minimum of one year of full-time equivalent study is required to complete the course. Students undertake the course in one of two different modes as shown in the table below.
| Mode | Thesis length (words) | Coursework | (Credit Points) | Thesis (%) | Total Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | 120 | 0% | 120 | |
| 2 | 20,000 | 60 | 50% | 120 |
Students complete coursework subjects related to research, occupational therapy and areas of specialist interest. Subjects offered within the course are listed below. Some coursework subjects are taught on campus, some are offered by distance education, and some may be tailored to individual students’ areas of interest.
Subjects offered within the course
| Teaching period1 | Subject code | Subject title | Mode offered | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM 1 | OCT5OHF | Graduate Research Skills | Distance Education | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 | OCT5OTA | Occupation: Foundations in Occupational Science & Therapy | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 | OCT5OAD | Occupational Adaptation | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 | OCT5AGW | Advanced Groupwork | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 | OCT5OHE | Professional Practice in the Workplace | Distance Education | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | OCT5OTB | Occupation-Focused Assessment & Intervention | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | OCT5CRD | Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | OCT5CPE | Clinical Placement | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | OCT5NRE | Neurological Rehabilitation: Theories to Practice | On Campus | 15 |
| TE-SEM 2 | OCT5AEI | Advanced Environmental Intervention in Occupational Therapy | Combined: On Campus & online | 15 |
| TE-SUMMER | OCT5AOT | Application of Orthotic Devices in Upper Limb Therapy | Block | 15 |
| TE-WINTER | OCT5PAE | Paediatric Intervention in Occupational Therapy | Block | 15 |
| TE-WINTER | OCT5PAO | Assessment & Outcome Measurement in Paediatric Practice | Block | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 & 2 | OCT5PRD | Postgraduate Research Design in Occupational Therapy | Distance Education | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 & 2 | OCT5ROT | Readings in Occupational Therapy | Distance Education | 15 |
| TE-SEM 1 & 2 | OCT5RBA | Research Project A | On Campus | 30 |
| TE-SEM 1 & 2 | OCT5RBB | Research Project B | On Campus | 30 |
Key: 1. TE-SEM-1 and TE-SEM-2 subjects: these subjects are usually offered in both semesters each year; TE-SEM 1 or TE-SEM-2 subjects: these subjects may be offered in semester 1 or 2 but not both.
All coursework subjects are offered subject to sufficient enrolments; some subjects may be offered in alternate years. During 2009-2010, additional subjects delivered via online learning are expected to be offered, subject to University approval.
Students may undertake approved electives from within or external to the university. Elective subjects must be of an appropriate level and credit point value, and be approved by the course coordinator prior to enrolling in the subject (maximum 30 credit points in Mode 1; maximum 15 credit points in Mode 2).