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.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as community health centres, public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, paediatric facilities, education facilities, mental health settings, alcohol and drug services, private clinics, non-government organisations, correctional institutions, universities and research facilities, corporate and industrial settings, supported employment and government departments.
Practical experience
To complete the Master of Occupational Therapy students are required to attend on-campus simulated learning experiences in Darwin (NT), once per semester and complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised occupational therapy practice education.
Practice education:
In the first year of the course students will undertake a practice education project placement with an organisation in Semester 2 for 10 hours a week over 12 weeks. In the second year of the course, students will complete a practice education clinical placement for 30 hours a week over 12 weeks in semester 1, and a capstone placement for 38 hours a week over 12 weeks in semester 2.
On-campus simulated learning:
In the first year of the course students are required to attend ten consecutive days on-campus in Semester 1, and five consecutive days on-campus in Semester 2. In the second year of the course, students attend on-campus for 5 consecutive days each semester (25 days in total).
Students are required to self-fund attendance at the on-campus simulated learning in Darwin and practice education placements, including covering any costs associated with travel and accommodation. Reasonable travel for community-based practice education placements is an expectation within the occupational therapy course. This may include travel or relocation for 5-8 weeks for one placement block in a regional or remote location. Options to apply for funding to assist with covering these costs are available through CDU Scholarship and Faculty of Health Placements Central. First Nations students are able to access the away from base funding through CDU if their attendance at the residential school or placement meets the eligibility requirements.
Students with a part-time study plan should discuss with the Course Coordinator how these requirements fit into their program of study.
Professional recognition
This degree is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
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
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $34,736.00. This equates to $ $4,342.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
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
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
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
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 students 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 (13 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
| 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.
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-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 assumed knowledge, pre-requisite, and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| OCC311 Foundations of Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice # | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation # | CO | OCC524 Approaches in Occupational Therapy - Mental Health # | CO |
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings # | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ## | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals | CO | OCC526 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Adults and Older Adults (available from 2027) # | CO |
| INTENSIVE 1 OCC525 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Children and Youth (available from 2027) # | CO | OCC613 Occupational Therapy Practice 3 (30cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO |
| OCC518 Occupational Therapy Practice 2 (20cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO | ||
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| OCC311 Foundations of Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice # | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation # | CO | OCC524 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Mental Health # | CO |
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings # | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ## | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| INTENSIVE 1 OCC525 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Children and Youth (available from 2027) # | CO | OCC526 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Adults and Older Adults (available from 2027) # | CO |
| HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| OCC518 Occupational Therapy Practice 2 (20cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO | OCC613 Occupational Therapy Practice 3 (30cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
This course is not available for commencement in Semester 2.
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; and
- A GPA of 5.0 (Credit average) from a completed qualification at bachelor level or higher.
Short-listed applicants may be required to undertake an interview.
Whilst you may meet the advertised minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you a place in the course, instead offers will be made on merit.
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical Requirements
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical placements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunisation requirements, Senior First Aid qualification, annual criminal record checks and/or working with children clearances and/or fitness-to-practice requirements.
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
Senior First Aid
A current senior first aid certificate is required before you can undertake practical placements.
Fitness to Practice
A fitness to practice check is required for placements in the course.
Immunisation Schedule
A current immunisation schedule is required before you can undertake practical placements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
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
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
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
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
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
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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