Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy Practice

• 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 employment as an occupational therapist (Annual Practising Certificate), although this can be waived in certain circumstances.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet the 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.

You must supply certified copies of proof of identity, academic records, proof of residency (where appropriate) and curriculum vitae.

Applicants will apply using the Otago Polytechnic online application form. Each application is assessed against the entry requirements. Should the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements exceed the available places, applicant will be placed on a waiting list in date order.

If you want to apply for this programme, we’ll need to see evidence of your Covid-19 vaccinations (including types and dates). You need to have had three doses. We’re legally obliged to collect this additional information from you as this programme is covered by the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccination) Order 2021. 

Please just complete our online application process as normal. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to provide your vaccination record. 

The Government have advised that the only proof of vaccination that we can accept is a vaccination record PDF from your My Covid Record. 

Find out how to get your vaccination record here >

As this programme is taught via extensive online resources, you must budget for internet access as well as for printing of readings/course materials.

This Postgraduate Diploma consists of four courses. Domestic students will complete the compulsory Research for Practice course and select three others from the range of elective courses offered to make up your qualification. Plan your own progress through the programme choosing which courses you prefer to take first.

All courses are at Level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework. Please note that not all elective courses are offered every year. Please contact the School of Occupational Therapy for the current list of available courses. Email ebsOCC@op.ac.nz 

If you are an international student interested in studying with us, please contact the School of Occupational Therapy by emailing info@op.ac.nz.

Each course is worth 30 credits, equating to approximately 300 study hours. If you are completing one course per semester, you should allocate approximately 18 - 19 hours per week for attendance at fortnightly web-based sessions, online discussions and reading, as well as research for your assessments.

You can choose to move in to the Master of Occupational Therapy qualification at any point as you progress through the Postgraduate Diploma courses. Your path of study will be discussed with the Masters Coordinator to ensure that you have completed the required academic entry criteria for the subsequent programme. 

Please note: Not all electives are offered every year. Please contact the School of Occupational Therapy for more information. 

Jackie Herkt - Academic Leader/Acting Postgraduate Programme Lead (Jackie.herkt@op.ac.nz)

Helen Jeffery- Senior Lecturer (Helen.jeffery@op.ac.nz)

Debbie Davie - Administrator, Postgraduate Programmes (Debbie.davie@op.ac.nz)

Sian Griffiths - Principal Lecturer/Honours Coordinator (Sian.griffiths@op.ac.nz)

Rita Robinson - Principal Lecturer (Rita.robinson@op.ac.nz)

Dr Ema Tokolahi - Lecturer (Ema.Tokolahi@op.ac.nz)

For more details, please visit our staff page.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

Looking for a job as an occupational therapist? Check out New Zealand Careers or Health Careers.

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