Masters (Coursework)
If you already have an undergraduate degree and want to become a registered occupational therapist, this is the degree for you. The degree is a high demand program with core occupational therapy knowledge condensed into two years of study.
UniSA has close to 50 years' experience in occupational therapy education and is proud of the rich knowledge base we have created.
Occupational therapists understand that health and wellbeing is affected by a person's environment, the things they do, and their state of health. They work with a wide range of people in a number of settings and manage complex and difficult problems.
You will spend over 1,000 hours completing practice placements in metropolitan, rural or regional settings, providing you with the opportunity to consolidate and apply your knowledge and skills. You could have the opportunity to complete a placement overseas.
You will study the major theoretical approaches and skills occupational therapists use to work with a broad range of clients.
Practical learning is a strong focus of this master's degree and you will practice your skills in real scenarios when you complete 1,000 hours of field placements. Placements will take place in a variety of settings, such as health, disability and community agencies, kindergartens and aged care facilities.
The importance of critical thinking, superior communication skills, ethical action and problem solving are also explored in depth.
A successful occupational therapist is practical, logical, attentive and observant. You will enjoy working with people and be mentally and physically capable. This field of work is immensely rewarding and can offer exciting challenges, assisting people of all ages to overcome physical and mental barriers in their life.
As an occupational therapist you can gain employment in a range of settings across the various health, disability and community sectors, working with people across the lifespan including:
There are also opportunities to work with both children and their families, to assist with the child's development of functional skills and strategies to build their motor skills, social skills and self-care.
The degree prepares you for working overseas, qualification is recognised in most countries.
You may also choose to pursue a career in research - graduates with honours degrees are highly sought after by prospective employers, particularly within academia and research settings.