Master of Occupational Therapy

Otago Polytechnic

Subject area

Occupational Therapy

Qualification

Check out Fees Free to see whether you are eligible for a year of fees-free study or two years industry training. Contact your provider to confirm your study options meet the criteria.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Masters of Occupational Therapy commencing at level 9 can enter by any of the following pathways:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (- Honours) or equivalent:
Applicants must have:
- Completed a discrete 120 credit Honours following a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, OR a four-year Honours degree in occupational therapy or equivalent, in which they have individually completed a small-scale research project and undertaken a research course (normally 50% of their final year of study)
- Achieved a First Class Hons or Second Class Hons, First Division (2:1) or equivalent.
Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy Practice or Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice in Health and Wellbeing (Specialty) or The Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy Practice
- Must have a minimum of a B grade average over 60 credits at Level 8

When entering at Level 8 ākonga can select the appropriate pathway listed below and provide the relevant evidence:
Pathway One - Research thesis -- They will have:
- Successfully completed 60 credits at level 8 of relevant study
- B grade average across the 60 credits
- Successfully completed MO435001 Research for Practice or equivalent 30 credit course

Pathway Two - Research Dissertation - They will have
- Successfully completed 90 credits at level 8 of relevant study
- B grade average across their best 60 credits
- Successfully completed MO435001 Research for Practice or equivalent 30 credit course

Pathway Three - Research Project They will have:
- Successfully completed 120 credits at level 8 of relevant study
- B grade average across their best 60 credits
- Successfully completed MO435001 Research for Practice or equivalent 30 credit course.

Additionally, a candidate's prior qualification should have been completed no more than five years prior, the programme leader will assess the qualification to make the final determination.
International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have an IELTS overall band score (Academic) of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each band. These IELTS scores align with what is required to apply for registration as an occupational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements for entry into the programme can make an application to the Head of School, who will consider the application on a case-by-case basis. Entry to the programme will be at the Head of School's discretion.

About the course

What can I expect out of this qualification?

The aim of the Master of Occupational Therapy is to produce graduates that demonstrate expert knowledge and leadership in an area of practice. Graduates will have conducted independent research in a chosen area to advance professional theory and practice. They will have demonstrable research and analytical skills which can be used to advance evidence-informed practice in practice or academic roles. Graduates will be equipped to apply their advanced knowledge to influence policy, conduct further research or pursue further academic study in Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural context.