Master of Occupational Therapy

Your workload

This programme is taught online with one compulsory block course in Dunedin (two to three days) at the beginning of the research process.

Most people complete this programme on a part-time basis, alongside full-time employment.

Domestic students - Level 8

At Level 8, each course is worth 30 credits equating to approximately 300 study hours. If you are completing one course a semester, you should allocate approximately 18-19 hours per week for attendance at fortnightly teleconferences, online discussions and reading, as well as research for your assessments.

Domestic students - Level 9

At Level 9, you will have selected either the Research Project OR the Research Thesis. For either option, you will need to be guided by the number of hours - with the project being approximately 600 hours and the thesis 1,200 hours.

Entry requirements

To enter the first year of the Masters:

• You must hold a Diploma OR Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) approved programme (OR equivalent), OR a Certificate of Registration (New Zealand).
• If you hold a Diploma or Certificate of Registration, you must also provide evidence of commitment to further education and two confidential referees attesting to your ability to manage postgraduate study.
• You must provide evidence of registration as an occupational therapist (Annual Practising Certificate), although this can be waived in certain circumstances.

To enter the second year of the Masters of Occupational Therapy:

• You must hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy or Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy Practice OR equivalent, with a B grade average across a total of 60 credits
• You must have successfully completed a Research course 
• OR you must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours endorsed second class, OR equivalent.

To enter both the first or second year:

• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet entry requirements.  
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection process

Applications for this programme are screened by the Masters Coordinator against the entry criteria. Should the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in date order.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Additional costs

You must have access to a personal computer, printer and internet connection. You will make extensive use of websites and the electronic library so must budget for the cost of printing reference material, as well as ordering inter-library loans.

You will also need to consider the costs of carrying out your research which could include payment for transcription, copying and posting out of surveys. You are expected to attend a three day Master's School (once a year) and are responsible for any costs associated with this including transport, accommodation and food. 

Tuition fees

The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.

Please note: If you already hold a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, then your costs are only for the Level 9 project or thesis.