Master of Occupational Therapy

Take your career worldwide with Occupational Therapy

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).

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
Duration	6 semesters (2 years)
Starting semesters	May 2020 September 2020 May 2021 September 2021 May 2022 September 2022
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]

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.

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

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

Private practice
Public and private hospitals
Independent living centres and rehabilitation facilities
Schools and tertiary education
Workplace health
Community health centres
Mental health services
Aged care
Research

Graduates may be eligible to progress to further post-graduate research, leading to potential career options in research organisations and academia.

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)
Managing People (MGMT71-104)

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:

Business Elective Subject (please refer to Recommended Program Structures page for subject selection)
Capstone Research Project (OCTY71-404)

*Subject names and structure may change

Program fees

The below fees are based on an average per semester cost, fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester:

2020 fees: $21,720 per semester (based on 4 subjects per semester)
2021 fees: $22,840 per semester (based on 4 subjects per semester)

Price may vary depending on elective discipline choice.

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 if you went to another university.

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 living costs to consider.

Admission criteria

Academic entry requirements

A degree in health sciences or other related degree 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 pre requisite 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.

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

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