Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Occupational therapy (OT) is a degree-based health profession. Our accredited Master of Occupational Therapy degree is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and equips you with the skills and knowledge to improve the lives of the people and communities with which you will work. Occupational therapists understand the importance of occupation to peoples and communities health and well being. You will develop the skills and knowledge to help achieve optimal health and well-being .
Gain invaluable real-world practical experience by completing 1,000 hours of practice education, with the support of CDU academics and registered occupational therapy professionals. There are unique placement opportunities in the Northern Territory's regional, rural and remote areas.
Our Master of Occupational Therapy offers and welcomes both First Nations and international students with dedicated support services on hand to support you through your degree.
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course prior to enrolling.
Professional recognition
CDU's Master of Occupational Therapy has been approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council, Occupational Therapy Australia.
All students within the occupational therapy program will be registered by the College with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Under the National Law, all students are required to comply with a range of legislative requirements.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
![Stephen Kho - Public Health Research](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-04/public-health-research-student.jpg?h=804837c8&itok=Wt2AETfD)
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
![Stephen Kho - Public Health Research](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-04/public-health-research-student.jpg?h=804837c8&itok=Wt2AETfD)
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
![Stephen Kho - Public Health Research](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-04/public-health-research-student.jpg?h=804837c8&itok=Wt2AETfD)
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
![Stephen Kho - Public Health Research](/files/styles/mask_column_narrow_1x/public/2021-04/public-health-research-student.jpg?h=804837c8&itok=Wt2AETfD)
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
Our Master of Occupational Therapy degree comprises 160 credit points, is delivered internally and externally, and includes 1,000 hours of practice education, supported by our academics. External student are required to attend on campus intensives and both internal and external students will need attend regular synchronous learning through tutorials/workshops (offered face to face and online). Unique opportunities exist in the Northern Territory's local, rural and remote areas.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (12 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) |
160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES and TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024
HSC133 replaces HSC203. Students who have completed HSC203 do not complete HSC133.
PHM526 replaces SWK312. Students who have completed SWK312 do not complete PHM526.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
OCC511 Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice | CO | OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation | CO |
OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Professional Practice 1 | CO |
SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO |
PHM526 Research Design (replaces SWK312 from 2024) | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
Year 2 | |||
OCC514 Mental Health Approaches in Occupational Therapy Practice (20cp) | CO | OCC515 Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth (20cp) | CO |
OCC516 Occupational Therapy Practice of Adults and Older Adults (20cp) | CO | OCC612 Occupational Therapy Professional Practice 2(20cp) | CO |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Occupational Therapy is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation and NT Resident applicants.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.00).
Please be advised short-listed applicants may be required to undertake an interview.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 58 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 22 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
![Nikki Govan](/files/styles/staff/public/2021-01/nikki-govan-1.jpg?h=5b6e382a&itok=4Dp7RO_X)
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
![Nishat studying](/files/styles/staff/public/2022-01/nishat4%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg?h=2848f5af&itok=bP5kyK5Q)
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
![Nikki Govan](/files/styles/staff/public/2021-01/nikki-govan-1.jpg?h=5b6e382a&itok=4Dp7RO_X)
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
![Nishat studying](/files/styles/staff/public/2022-01/nishat4%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg?h=2848f5af&itok=bP5kyK5Q)
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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