Key facts
Duration
2 years of full-time study or 6 years of part-time study
Locations
Course overview
Designed for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice prepares you to enter the profession as a registered occupational therapist in just two years. This industry-aligned course equips you with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and professional experience needed to support people to live with autonomy, dignity, and choice. You’ll undertake 1000 hours of clinical placement across diverse health, community and social settings, applying person-centred, culturally safe and evidence-informed approaches to real-world practice. Delivered through a blend of online learning and hands-on experiences, this course combines flexibility with professional immersion.
You’ll develop the confidence to work collaboratively with people, families, communities and multidisciplinary teams, while learning to navigate complex systems and respond to emerging social and health challenges. With demand for occupational therapists growing rapidly, and roles expected to increase by 17.2% by 2029 and 32.8% by 2034*, this course offers a timely and rewarding pathway into a high-demand profession.
Are you ready to empower people to live with autonomy, dignity and choice when and where it matters most?
Throughout the course, you’ll explore occupational therapy across the lifespan, from childhood to older adulthood. You’ll learn to work alongside people to help them to do the everyday things that matter most to them, working creatively to support participation, health, and wellbeing in ways that are meaningful to each individual. A strong focus on cultural safety, inclusive practice and Indigenous health ensures you can work in partnership with individuals and communities with respect and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You’ll also examine how social, economic and systemic factors shape health outcomes, equipping you to advocate for equitable and accessible services.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in professional practice through:
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clinical placements in hospitals, community health, aged care, schools and private practice
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collaborative practice working in multidisciplinary teams and learning interprofessional approaches to care
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cultural and community engagement embedding Indigenous knowledge, equity and inclusion into professional practice.
You’ll also develop professional skills to support your transition into the workforce, including leadership, reflective practice, clinical reasoning and career preparation strategies.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and professional readiness to make a meaningful impact as an occupational therapist. With Australia’s occupational therapy workforce projected to grow rapidly, completing this course positions you to pursue a fulfilling, high-demand career, delivering positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
*2024 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2034, Jobs and Skills Australia
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H766
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice, you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Geelong Waterfront
Note
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the following which are required within four weeks of commencing the course:
- Essential first aid certificate (approximately $200-400)
- Manual handling course (approximately $200-400)
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the following mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional practice education experience:
- Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
- An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
- A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
- Immunisation Status
Mandatory student checks
Inherent requirements
Applications are accepted from students who possess the skills and prerequisites required to complete the course, gain professional certification and practise safely. The inherent requirements of the course are listed here.
Students will need to hold a current Essential First Aid Certificate within four weeks of the start of this course and attend a pre-approved Manual Handling course before the end of the first Trimester in their first year of study. Information on manual handling requirements and suggested course providers will be provided by the school before commencing your professional practice education experience.
Mandatory checks
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining mandatory checks.
Working with Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education impeding their progression in the course. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to practice education in each calendar year of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course. Learn more about the National Police Record Check.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and community organisations where they will be undertaking their practice education. An organisation may refuse to accept a student for practice education if the student’s immunisation status does not align with their requirements, impeding the student’s progression in the course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check at the commencement of the course. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. Students who fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check may not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course.
Workload
Students are expected to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, on-site professional experience (placement), placement and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
This course requires a high level of engagement with learning in all units, and students are expected to undertake self-directed learning and complete assessment tasks in addition to scheduled learning activities.
Participation requirements
This course involves compulsory practice education across the course. The requirement of completing a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education during the course is essential for the course to meet national and international accreditation standards.
Reasonable adjustments to participation can be made for students with a health condition or impairment impacting performance. The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) can provide advice and support
Work experience
This course includes practice-based learning (placement). Students will undertake a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education over the duration of the course. Placement provides students with an opportunity to practice skills, gain experience and apply their learning, under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. Attendance and demonstration of competency within placement is a mandatory requirement for successful progression in and completion of this course.
Pre-placement seminars and activities are considered part of the placement experience and attendance at these is also mandatory.
Students will be allocated to placements by the University. Students should be aware of the requirement for travel to placement sites. Travel time up to 2 hours each way is considered acceptable. It is also likely that students will have to attend at least one rural placement during the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive, therefore only full and completed applications will be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a full and completed application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- An undergraduate level (AQF level 7) unit in human anatomy and physiology equivalent to HBS109 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.
Applicants who do not meet the human anatomy and physiology requirement are able to enrol into HBS109 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology as a single (non-award) unit. Alternatively, applicants can choose to undertake an equivalent subject at another university.
To meet the English Language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised English-speaking Country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0 in each component of test)
- Other evidence of English language proficiency
Applicants will not be permitted to defer their studies.
Applicants are required to submit a personal statement and Curriculum Vitae to support their application.
Graduates of courses which meet the eligibility requirements for registration with AHPRA, such as the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) or equivalent, will not be admitted to this course.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$37,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$9,537 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above.
This course has full fee-paying places and limited Commonwealth supported places available. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan - including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP - depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Career outcomes
With roles in occupational therapy expected to grow by 32.8% by 2034, it is one of the top five fastest growing professions in the health care and social assistance sector.* This strong demand means you’ll graduate into a career with outstanding prospects, equipped with the skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
As a graduate of Deakin's Master of Occupational Therapy Practice course, you’ll help people of all ages participate fully in daily life – from supporting children with developmental needs to enabling older adults to live independently, and from assisting people managing mental health challenges to guiding workplaces in creating safe, accessible environments.
You could pursue opportunities across a wide range of practice areas, including:
- paediatrics and childhood development
- adult and aged care
- mental health and trauma-informed care
- rehabilitation and neurology
- disability and NDIS support
- community health and wellbeing
- workplace health, safety and injury management
- environmental design and home modifications.
Deakin graduates are highly employable, finding roles in hospitals, community health organisations, government departments, schools, research institutes, private practice and workplace wellbeing services. Many go on to work with leading employers such as Western Health, Barwon Health, the Department of Education, the NDIS, TAC and a wide range of private occupational therapy practices and educational support services. Earn more with a Deakin occupational therapy degree – #1 in Victoria for median graduate salary.^
*2024 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2034, Jobs and Skills Australia
^Rehabilitation inc. Occupational Therapy (Undergraduate), ComparED (QILT - Graduate Outcomes Survey), 2022-2024
Professional recognition
This program is accredited (with conditions) by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Students studying in an approved program are required to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) (the University will organise this). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA.
The program has also been developed to meet the expectations of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Critically apply evidence-based and evidence-informed knowledge about occupation and its dynamic interrelationship with people, the environment and health, to design and deliver strengths-based, person- and community-centred occupational therapy. |
| Communication | Communicate sensitively, professionally, and respectfully to advocate for and with clients, preferred supports, and communities using strengths-based, culturally safe language and a diverse range of communication strategies. |
| Digital literacy | Access and critically evaluate information from digital and other technologies to support evidence-based and evidence-informed occupational therapy practice. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse and synthesise, information to inform, justify and advance occupational therapy practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to improve occupational therapy practice outcomes. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy in upholding professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, and ongoing professional development. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate respectfully and professionally within teams, contributing occupational therapy expertise to achieve shared goals and demonstrate initiative and leadership within teams. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate culturally responsive and ethical occupational therapy practice through the integration of diverse worldviews and perspectives of local and global cultures, with a particular emphasis on working in respectful, reciprocal partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
