Post Graduate Occupational Therapy Education

There are a host of postgraduate opportunities for occupational therapists wishing to extend their knowledge and skills, including distance and on campus based opportunities. The programmes described here, offered by the Schools of Occupational Therapy, are specifically designed for occupational therapists.

The qualifications they offer are:

AUT

Certificate of Proficiency
Honours
Postgraduate Certificates
Postgraduate Diplomas
Master of Health Practice
Master of Health Science
Master of Philosophy
Doctor of Health Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Otago Polytechnic:

Honours
Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy Practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy Practice
Masters of Occupational Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my Occupational Therapy Diploma to a Degree?

Otago Polytechnic and AUT accept therapists who hold a diploma or Health Department Certificate in Occupational therapy into their postgraduate programmes. Your ongoing study allows you to exit with the higher qualifications of a postgraduate certificate, diploma, masters etc. AUT requires completion of a research bridging course to gain entry to some programmes, whereas Otago Polytechnic has no pre-requisite for entry.

What subjects will I study?

Unlike undergraduate programmes, postgraduate study offers students more control over what they learn about. AUT has special focuses including advanced paediatric therapy, mental health, and occupational science as well as papers that allow students to set their own topic. Postgraduate study with Otago Polytechnic allows students to design their own learning programme. Students can select from a range of courses which have a clear clinical, or conceptual/theoretical focus, core papers are kept to a minimum. Otago Polytechnic's programme is designed to enable it to be responsive to the needs of the profession, so talk to us about your learning needs.

Do I need to live in Dunedin or Auckland to study?

At Otago Polytechnic, our programmes are 100% distance based using a range of learning methods including online resources and discussions, regular teleconferencing, and workbooks, all supported by enthusiastic experienced staff . Our library is totally distance based, with students being able to access articles online, and receive texts and articles from the library free of charge. At AUT many papers are available by distance, others involve one or two weeks on campus, and others require attendance. Students can access the electronic databases and print many articles from their computer. In addition, the library posts articles and books to students resident more than 50 kms from AUT, free of charge.

How long is the course?

That depends on how much you want to do, and whether you study full time or part time.

How do I find out more?

To discuss the options, contact

Merrolee Penman at Merrolee@tekotago.ac.nz
Clare Hocking at clare.hocking@aut.ac.nz

More papers are available by distance every year, so the best options are to check the timetable (available from Leanne.Meikle@AUT.ac.nz) or contact Clare Hocking.

For more details about the programmes offered please click on the links to the right.

Post Graduate Certificate in Health (Allied Mental Health)

The Post Graduate certificate in Health (Allied Mental Health) is designed for social workers and occupational therapists nationally, who have been employed in the specialty area of mental health for less than 2 years. The programme focuses on a recovery approach.

Qualification: Postgraduate Certificate in Health (PGCHLH)

Major: Allied Mental Health (ALMH)

Consisting of two courses at Master's level:

HEAL521 Allied Mental Health Practice

Heal512 Practicum

The programme runs for 10 months, from February to November. The theoretical content is covered in two block courses. Contact is maintained through the use of the internet-based teaching platform Blackboard, and by visits to your work place. The programme is supported by senior occupational therapists and social workers in mental health. You will need to attend the first block course in Wellington, and the second in either Wellington or Auckland.

For further information please contact Chris Fox at Chris.Fox@vuw.ac.nz