It is an accelerated professional-entry programme for graduates from relevant disciplines who want to transition into occupational therapy. Students develop advanced knowledge, professional reasoning, clinical skills, and research capability while gaining extensive practical experience through supervised placements.

Why Study the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at AUT?

• Accelerated pathway into the occupational therapy profession.
• Designed specifically for graduates changing careers.
• Over 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork across diverse healthcare settings.
• Strong emphasis on occupation-based practice and occupational science.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles embedded throughout the curriculum.
• Practice inquiry and research integrated into learning.
• Blended learning with face-to-face teaching and online components.
• Graduates become eligible to apply for professional registration in New Zealand.

Programme Structure

Students complete 240 points over two years.

Year One

Core courses include:

• OCTY801 – Exploring Occupation for Participation and Inclusion
• OCTY802 – Information Gathering for Occupational Participation
• HEAL864 – Contexts of Health Practice or MAOH804 – Te Hau o te Ora – Hauora M?ori Development
• OCTY803 – Practicum I
• OCTY804 – Intervention for Occupational Participation with Individuals and Wh?nau
• OCTY805 – Intervention for Occupational Participation with Communities and Populations
• Research methods course (HEAL865, MAOH801 or PUBH810)

Year Two

Core courses include:

• OCTY995 – Occupational Therapy Research Project
• OCTY806 – Practicum II
• OCTY901 – Generating Critically Informed Practice Decisions for Occupational Therapy
• OCTY807 – Practicum III
• One approved elective such as:
  • Disability and Health
  • Leadership and Management
  • Interprofessional Practice Innovation
  • Children in Context
  • Concepts of Rehabilitation
  • Mental Health
  • Disasters and Development
  • M?ori Health courses
  • Other approved postgraduate health science courses

Students complete more than 1,000 hours of fieldwork, including:

• 250 hours in Year 1
• Approximately 790 hours in Year 2
• Research-related practice hours

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study topics including:

• Occupational Science
• Occupational Participation
• Occupational Therapy Assessment
• Professional Reasoning
• Intervention Planning
• Community Rehabilitation
• Population Health
• Occupational Therapy Research
• Health Contexts
• M?ori Health
• Pacific Health Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Leadership
• Disability and Rehabilitation
• Mental Health
• Interprofessional Practice

Disciplines / Areas of Focus

The programme prepares graduates for occupational therapy practice across:

• Mental Health Services
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Community Health
• Child Development Services
• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Educational Settings
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Aged Care
• Disability Services

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• Professional entry-to-practice programme.
• Over 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork.
• Blended learning with flexible teaching methods.
• Strong emphasis on occupation-based practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Integrated research project.
• Eligibility to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
• Excellent preparation for practice across a wide range of healthcare settings.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as Registered Occupational Therapists (subject to registration) in areas including:

• Mental Health Services
• Aged Care Facilities
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Public Health
• Community Health
• Child Development Services
• Educational Settings
• Health Promotion

Visa Requirements

International students enrolled full-time will generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Applicants typically need:

• Offer of Place from AUT.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
• English language proficiency evidence.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Approved medical and travel insurance.

Because the programme includes extensive fieldwork, students must also meet additional professional requirements before placements, including:

• Police vetting.
• Children's Act safety checks.
• Current immunisation records.
• Health screening requirements.
• Ability to travel to placement locations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3950.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 9.
• Credits: 240 points.
• Duration: 2 years full-time.
• Campus: AUT North Campus.
• First intake: 2029.
• Delivered through blended learning with face-to-face and online teaching.
• Includes more than 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork.
• Graduates become eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
• Applicants must meet HPCA Act requirements, Children's Act requirements, police vetting, immunisation and placement compliance requirements.