Curtin University

What you'll study

The Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) is a research‑led degree focused on an original, substantive thesis. Candidates undertake an independent research programme under supervisory guidance, exploring a clearly defined question in occupational therapy or related allied health fields. Typical research topics include neurorehabilitation, paediatrics, community and public health, mental health, ageing and dementia, indigenous and culturally responsive practice, assistive technology and outcome measurement.

Although the emphasis is on research, candidature normally involves structured training to develop research capability. Common elements include:

• Designing and conducting original empirical or theoretical research leading to a thesis;
• Research methods training (qualitative methods, advanced quantitative methods, mixed methods, systematic review techniques);
• Ethics and governance for human research and clinical studies;
• Data management, research integrity and intellectual property considerations;
• Scholarly communication skills: academic writing, dissemination, conference presentation and grant writing;
• Professional development through seminars, HDR workshops and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Progress is monitored through formal milestones such as confirmation of candidature, annual progress reviews and a final oral examination or thesis assessment. Many candidates also contribute to teaching, supervision of honours students, or industry‑based projects as part of their training.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based primarily on research potential. Typical entry requirements include:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification with a strong research component (for example a research master's degree) or a first‑class honours degree in occupational therapy or a closely related discipline;
• Evidence of research capability demonstrated through prior research outputs, a detailed research proposal and academic or professional references;
• Professional registration or practising credentials where relevant—applicants who are registered occupational therapists or have extensive clinical experience are often preferred;
• Agreement from an appropriate supervisor or supervisory team within Curtin with expertise aligned to the proposed project;
• Satisfactory English language proficiency where English is not the applicant’s first language, in line with Curtin’s research degree requirements;
• Ethics and site approvals may be required before data collection begins for studies involving human participants.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Occupational Therapy pursue a range of careers across academia, clinical practice, policy and industry. Common pathways include:

• Academic and research roles: university teaching, research fellowships, leading clinical trials and applied research programmes;
• Senior clinical positions: clinical specialists, advanced practice clinicians and clinical educators within hospitals, community health services and rehabilitation centres;
• Policy and leadership: service design and evaluation, health policy advisory roles and management of allied health services;
• Industry and innovation: roles in assistive technology development, product design and consultancy for rehabilitation technology and accessibility;
• Clinical research coordination and grant management, or roles within non‑government and peak professional bodies advocating for practice standards and workforce development.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a supportive research environment with supervisors who have expertise across the breadth of occupational therapy and allied health research. The university has established links with hospitals, community services and industry partners, providing candidates with opportunities for clinically relevant and translational research.

Facilities and supports available to higher degree by research candidates include access to specialised research laboratories, simulation suites, statistical and qualitative data analysis support, and structured HDR training programs. Curtin emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling occupational therapy candidates to work with colleagues in areas such as nursing, physiotherapy, public health, engineering and data science.

Prospective students benefit from a research culture that values impact on practice and policy, with pathways to build a publication record, obtain competitive research funding and develop leadership capabilities within the occupational therapy profession.