Master of Occupational Therapy

Take your career worldwide with Occupational Therapy

Programs offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine include significant placements and/or practical/skills components. Programs are structured so that students gradually develop skills and/or professional competencies across the entire duration of each program. Due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, modifications have been made to enable remote study for as much of each program as possible. However, there is a point in every program beyond which students will need to be face-to-face on campus in order to continue.

Details for this program are:

The upcoming semester for first year students in this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with a remote option available to students unable to attend for COVID-19 related reasons^*. Whether a student is on campus or remote, students will be able to access Bond’s exceptional and personalised learning experience. Continuing students in this program are required to attend campus face-to-face to complete clinical competencies, placements, and research subjects in Semesters 2-6. Students who are unable to attend face-to-face for these semesters will be required to take a leave of absence until they can do so. Students who are living overseas may be eligible to apply for an exemption from the Office of Home Affairs that will enable them to enter Australia for these semesters however the continuing availability of these exemptions or individual success cannot be guaranteed.

* All students who wish to attend remotely must contact the Head of Program to confirm individual arrangements and study plans.

Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic and diverse profession, enabling people and communities to overcome barriers imposed by illness, injury, disability, psychological impairment, developmental delay or the aging and dying process.

With a focus on functional outcomes, OT's are practical problem solvers and have a broad perspective of health and wellbeing, underpinned by a solid scientific base. OT's are in high demand in hospitals, mental health, aged care, disability and rehabilitation environments. It is predicted that the demand for OT's will rise significantly with the introduction of the National Disability Scheme in Australia (NDIS).

This program is delivered primarily at the world-class Bond Institute of Health & Sport. Located approximately four kilometres away from Bond University campus, the Institute is adjacent to Robina train station. Parking is available to students within the vicinity and surrounding areas of the Institute. Bicycle storage facilities are also available. For more information click here.

Your industry placement with Bond will set you up for an international career

You will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills related to the practice of occupational therapy through extensive professional practice placements in a variety of settings such as private practice, community and mental health services, aged care and hospitals. The program places a strong emphasis on practical experience with 1,000 hours of practice education across various clinical contexts.

The Master of Occupational Therapy is delivered from the Bond Institute of Health and Sport, situated within the Robina Health Precinct and nearby Robina train station.

All students will also engage in research, providing preparation for future research careers.

What our students say

“The lecturers go above and beyond to help in every way possible; they guide and mentor their students and are genuinely interested in helping students succeed and perform to the best of their ability. The academics have vast backgrounds as practicing Occupational Therapists, they are very knowledgeable in their fields and are always approachable.”

"Bond University won me over with their small class sizes, top-notch education, the vast multicultural environment (a chance to make friends from all over the world), Bond’s international reputation and alumni network (a chance to work all over the world) and a beautiful campus close to the beach. When I commenced my studies, I learned that everyone who works here genuinely loves working here. The professors in the OT program are leaders in the Australian Occupational Therapy community and their field knowledge adds a practical twist to each lesson. Not only do my professors know what they are talking about, but they also genuinely care about each student and want us to be successful.

“My professors always guided and helped me locate placements in my preferred area of mental health. They provided wonderful references and were constantly helping me develop the skills required for my dream job. Bond University gave me confidence in myself!”

“The Professors at Bond go above and beyond to make sure students get the support they need to do well. They also value feedback, making continuous efforts to improve course content delivery. They are supportive and many go out of their way to help you. The students are listened to and our voices can make an impact.”

“The Occupational Therapy department at Bond offered a uniquely supportive environment. The staff demonstrated genuine concern for my academic success and personal wellbeing, with open and warm communication. The personal touch in the Faculty is unique and I felt like part of the occupational therapy family rather than just another number in a class. The class sizes are small which encourage genuine friendships and support amongst peers.”

“During my masters, the Occupational Therapy department has been so supportive of my studies and professional development and even assisted in my attendance at the annual Indigenous Allied Health Association this year. I appreciate all that they do in helping me succeed both personally and professionally.”

Key features

Graduate in 2 years through postgraduate entry
Offers a clinical research project or business electives to prepare for private and public practice settings
Strong emphasis on practical experience with 1,000 hours of practice education across various clinical contexts
Learn in small class sizes meaning a more personalised experience

About the program

Bond University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program is designed to produce highly competitive graduates with comprehensive clinical skills as well as possessing a solid business acumen and research experience. It is the first Occupational Therapy Masters in Australia to offer you the opportunity to complete a clinical research project or undertake business electives in preparation for a career in private practice. You will engage in either the Clinically-focused Research Pathway or Business-focused Pathway. The Clinically-focused Research Pathway prepares you for entry into higher research degrees and careers in research and academia, as well as bolstering research networks and culminates in an individual research project that may be eligible for publication. The Business-focused Research Pathway enables you to undertake business electives that will enable you to undertake management roles, and better prepare you to work in the growing private sector. The pathway culminates in an industry research project where you will apply both research and business skills. You will be taught by academics and industry staff who are current practising clinicians with up to date industry knowledge. Show less

Mode	On Campus and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world.
Duration	6 semesters (2 years)
Starting semesters	September 2021 May 2022 September 2022 May 2023 September 2023
Program type	Masters Extended
Study area	Health Sciences, Sport
Program code	CC-63050
CRICOS code	090670E
Credit for prior study	For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected]

Structure and subjects

Learning and teaching methodology

The Master of Occupational Therapy combines lectures, tutorials, workshops, case studies, fieldwork and simulation to embed the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an occupational therapist. The program focuses on real-world learning with fieldwork opportunities in most courses to help students link theory to practice. Students will learn from highly qualified occupational therapy academics with clinical and research experience. The choice of a clinically-focused or business-focused research pathway allows students to contribute to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession, and broadens future career possibilities in research, academia or private practice.

Recommended study structure*

Please visit Recommended Program Structures for guidance on study plans.

Foundations of Occupational Therapy (OCTY71-100)
Health Conditions and Multidisciplinary Management (OCTY71-101)
Neuroscience for Health Professionals (OCTY71-102)
Enabling Environments: A Systems Approach (OCTY71-103)
Engage: In Occupation (OCTY71-104)
Enable: Occupational Performance (OCTY71-105)
Occupational Therapy Roles and Responsibilities (OCTY71-106)
Evidence Based Practice for Health Professionals (OCTY71-107)
Occupational Therapy: Work (OCTY71-108)
Occupational Therapy: Learn, Play, Connect (OCTY71-109)
Occupational Therapy: Independence and Participation (OCTY71-110)
The New Global Occupational Therapist (OCTY71-111)
Promoting the Occupational Health and Well-being of Communities (OCTY71-112)
The Occupational Therapy Professional: Practice, Standards and Quality (OCTY71-113)
Health Research Design & Planning (OCTY71-401)
Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy I (OCTY71-701)
Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy II (20CPS) (OCTY71-702)
Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy III (30CPS) (OCTY73-703)
Choose one of the below subjects
Managing People (MGMT71-104)
Educating the Health Workforce (HPER71-114)

Students choosing to study the Research Stream will complete:

Health Professional Research Internship A (OCTY71-402)
Health Professional Research Internship B (OCTY71-403)

Students choosing to study the Business Stream will complete:

Capstone Research Project (OCTY71-404)
Choice of 1 subject from the below elective options:
- Health Systems: Australia and International (HPER71-111) – Jan and September
- Knowledge Translation in Healthcare (HPER71-112) – Jan and May
- Accounting Principles (ACCT71-600)
- Economics for Business (ECON71-600)
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENFB71-104)
- Managerial Finance (FINC71-600)
- Marketing Fundamentals (MKTG71-600)

*Subject names and structure may change

Program fees

The below fees are based on the total estimated program fee divided by the number of standard full-time semesters required to complete the program. Fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.

Semester program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $22,840* per semester average
Students commencing study in 2022: $22,840* per semester average

Total program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $137,040
Students commencing study in 2022: $137,040

When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than most other universities.

This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.

Find out your financing options and other costs to consider.

* The fees listed are average costs displayed to provide an indicative program cost only, they may differ to the indicative fee included in the Bond University offer letter due to differences in individual and exact study schedules.

Tuition fees are subject to change on an annual basis and will be charged at the appropriate fee for the year of enrolment.

* Note: for students commencing January 2021 the University has held the 2020 tuition fee amount in recognition of the current circumstances, with 2021 fees effective only from the University’s May 2021 semester.

Admission criteria

Academic entry requirements

A degree in health sciences or other related degrees with a minimum GPA of 1/4 (equivalent to 4/7) and the equivalent of one semester of anatomy AND one semester of physiology AND two semesters of behavioural science (for example, psychology, sociology).

Applications should include all accompanying documentation, including academic transcript and subject outlines.

Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite subject requirements may complete bridging subjects prior to entry. For more information regarding eligibility, domestic students please contact 1800 074 074 and international students contact +61 7 5595 1024 for further details.

Eligible undergraduate programs at Bond University:

Eligible Undergraduate Program	Required subjects within program
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science	Completion of program
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Performance	Completion of program including required (2) elective subjects for Behavioural Science: SPEX11-104 Sport, Health and Exercise Psychology SPEX13-334 Behaviour Change to Enhance Health Or any subject listed for Behavioural Science - https://bond.edu.au/intl/program/master-occupational-therapy/master-occupational-therapy-prerequisites
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pre-Health Major Only)	Completion of program including required (2) elective subjects for Behavioural Science: PSYC11-100 Foundations of Psychology: Biology and Personality PSYC11-101 Foundations of Psychology: Development, Learning and Social
Bachelor of Health Sciences	Completion of program including required (2) elective subjects for Behavioural Science: PSYC11-116 Love, Sex and Relationship PSYC11-101 Foundations of Psychology: Development, Learning and Social SPEX13-334 Behaviour Change to Enhance Health PSYC12-315 Developmental Psychology SPEX11-104 Sport, Health and Exercise Psychology PSYC12-214 Biological Psychology
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences	Completion of program including required (2) elective subjects for Anatomy and Physiology: For information about subjects at Bond that meet requirements - https://bond.edu.au/intl/program/master-occupational-therapy/master-occupational-therapy-prerequisites
Bachelor of Social Science	Completion of program including required (2) elective subjects for Anatomy and Physiology: For information about subjects at Bond that meet requirements - https://bond.edu.au/intl/program/master-occupational-therapy/master-occupational-therapy-prerequisites

Applications

In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the online application form. To find out more about the application process please refer to how to apply.

Applications should include all accompanying documentation, including your academic transcript.
Applications will then be assessed by the Faculty to determine your eligibility based on an assessment of academic performance.

English language proficiency requirements

Applicants whose previous study was not completed in one of the countries listed where English is considered a first language, must provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language.

Applications should include all accompanying documentation, including an academic transcript and documented proof of English language proficiency.

For more detailed information: English language proficiency requirements.

Credit for prior study

Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information.

Key Dates

Bond University calendar

Future outcomes

Industry overview

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, future growth in the demand for Occupational Therapists is “very strong”. The roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, has increased the demand for Occupational Therapists in recent years. Globally, the focus on helping people to stay at home longer (‘ageing in place’) continues to drive demand for professionally qualified Occupational Therapists.

Graduates of the program will be able to apply their experience across a wide range of areas including:

Public and Private Hospitals – neo-natal care, children, post-operative, rehabilitation
Organisations working with physically impaired clients
Organisations working with people recovering from a mental illness
Mental health services
Community health centres
Rehabilitation facilities
Aged care – community-based and in aged care facilities
Workplace Health and Safety (including injury prevention, rehabilitation and return to work)
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education
Research

Professional outcomes

The Bond University Master of Occupational Therapy program has been designed to prepare graduates with the professional qualifications required to practice as an Occupational Therapist in Australia and abroad. Graduates may be eligible to progress to further post-graduate research, leading to potential career options in research organisations and academia.

The program aims to produce graduates with the comprehensive skills and knowledge to succeed as occupational therapists in both national and international healthcare environments. Our graduates also possess the business acumen to compete in a health care setting of increasing privatisation.

Further study

Postgraduate research studies can lead to careers in research organisations and academia. Research degrees available at Bond include:

Master of Science by Research (Health Sciences) – minimum 2 years
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – minimum 4 years

The Master of Occupational Therapy also offers a pathway into Bond’s medical program for domestic and international students. Students eligible to graduate from the Master of Occupational Therapy who meet the minimum required GPA may be considered for selection to enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and progress to the Doctor of Medicine (MD). In addition to GPA, the selection process will be based on psychometric testing and an interview. Applicants must also meet the broader entry requirements for the BMedSt. Places in Year 2 of the BMedSt are strictly limited and dependent on availability.

Professional accreditation

Bond University’s Master of Occupational Therapy has full accreditation with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

Career readiness

According to the annual Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Australian Government Department of Education, employer satisfaction with Bond graduates has been rated highest in Australia for three years in a row.

We believe this is due to Bond’s uniquely personalised approach to teaching, combined with the application of case-based learning that encourages the development of increased analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and a range of broader employability skills.

The Master of Occupational Therapy’s focus on practical experience through extensive professional practice placements ensures that Bond graduates stand out from their competitors in terms of their skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Professional recognition

Bond’s Master of Occupational Therapy program has full accreditation with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Our graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and will be graduating from a program that is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Bond University Occupational Therapy Philosophy

The philosophy of the Bond University Occupational Therapy is based on the principles of occupational science using a systems approach to environments. The course is founded on the belief that meaningful and purposeful occupation is fundamental to health and well-being. The Bond University Occupational Therapy graduate will have a global outlook, be contemporary, work-ready, pragmatic and skilled. In addition to technical OT competence, the Bond OT graduate will have strong business acumen and professionalism, leadership and research ability. Our students of today will be prepared to be the therapists of tomorrow. The student experience is paramount with an individualised experience, small class sizes, and exceptional learning environments.

Educational Philosophy

The professional program fosters culturally sensitive and evidence based clinical competence by actively engaging the learner in a collaborative process (student, client and educator) that builds on prior knowledge and experience and integrates professional academic knowledge, experience learning, clinical reasoning, and reflexivity. The program facilitates integration of philosophical and theoretical knowledge, values, beliefs, ethics, and technical skills for broad application to practice in order to improve human participation and quality of life (Hinojosa, 2006). The Bond OT professional program is values based and provided within an interdisciplinary context. The values of the program are:

Trust – we respect others and trust our tour; we are trustworthy and ethical
Truth – our practice is based on the best available evidence
Care – we care for others, our colleagues, our clients and ourselves
Quality – we strive to learn and improve and to always provide safe and quality OT
Fun – we celebrate our successes, enjoy what we do and have a passion