Master in Occupational Therapy
«The European MSc in Occupational Therapy is unique. Approved in Switzerland, it is a truly international course that takes you to five European countries during the six learning modules, namely Great Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and Sweden.»
Claudia Galli, Head of MSc in Occupational Therapy
The Institute of Occupational Therapy, together with four prestigious European universities, offers the European MSc in Occupational Therapy in English.
Three good reasons for studying at ZHAW
- The European MSc in Occupational Therapy is the only MSc in Occupational Therapy of its kind in Switzerland and was approved by the Federal Council (the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER) in 2013.
- In 2004 and 2010, the European Master in Occupational Therapy was awarded top marks by the Accreditation Institute of the Netherlands.
- Due to its international orientation, it provides access to a unique international network in occupational therapy.
Five European universities of applied sciences – one master degree programme
The European MSc in Occupational Therapy in English is a consecutive (following a BSc) degree programme in cooperation with five renowned universities: University of Brighton in Eastbourne (UK), University College Absalon in Næstved (DK), University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam (NL), Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur (CH), Karolinska Institut in Stockholm (SE).
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from a training institution approved by the WFOT or equivalent (i.e. holders of qualifications awarded in the 1990s by professional colleges that later became universities of applied sciences may contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) to obtain a UAS title on the basis of their previously awarded qualifications).
- Knowledge of English: International English Language Testing Service IELTS: score of at least 6.5.
Applicants from abroad apply at Hogeschool van Amsterdam. Please refer to: www.ot-euromaster.nl
«Working at home and in the classroom was a good combination requiring both time and discipline. Being connected to a cohort strongly supported the process.»
Angelique Kester, Niederlande
«I am able to manage the pace of learning and balance my use of time with my other commitments. The part-time arrangement gives the right amount of push, yet affords flexibility for the mature student.»
Nizar Bin Zainal, Singapur
«The international composition of the students and the opportunity to learn from experienced experts at various European universities makes this master course a great experience.»
Vera Kaelin, Switzerland
Structure of the course
The European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is designed as a part-time course. A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Zurich University of Applied Science or a European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy takes two years to complete.
The first four modules consist of two weeks’ preparatory self-study at home, two weeks of study at the relevant university and a post-processing phase at home with written proof of achievement.
In module 5, you prepare the project plan for your master thesis during the preparatory phase and present it to students and lecturers during your one-week attendance at the university.
The sixth module is dedicated to writing your master thesis. It is a quantitative or qualitative piece of research, which is conducted and evaluated under supervision.
Team
| Person | Function |
|---|---|
| Claudia Galli Hudec | Head of MSc in Occupational Therapy |
| Anders Kottorp | Principal lecturer |
| Brigitte Gantschnig | Head Research Unit for Occupational Therapy, lecturer |
| Christina Schulze | Lecturer |
«I have rarely seen such a well-integrated programme that manages to maintain structure, guidelines, and criteria across all modules at the same time.»
Anders Kottorp, main lecturer in the Swiss module of the European Master of Science, dean for the Faculty of Health and Society at Malmö University
Professional profile and training objectives
We are seeing a rise in the level of chronic illness and therefore in the demand for scientifically-validated therapeutic measures. The increasing complexity of health and social systems demands a broader perspective for occupational therapy in practice, teaching and research.
The European Master of Sciences in Occupational Therapy provides you with the ability to evaluate and develop occupational therapy concepts, methods, assessments, guidelines and models of care and to carry out scientific projects.
You will therefore be ready to assume new responsibilities, such as:
- the role of therapy expert
- tasks in research
- tasks in teaching
- professional leadership
Successful completion of the Master in Sciences paves the way to a PhD.
How to enhance your competencies
As students...
- ...you enhance your knowledge of research methods, assess research results, transfer knowledge into practice, conduct your own research projects and communicate results;
- ...evaluate, establish and develop methods and concepts in occupational therapy;
- ...expand your expertise on human activity within a cultural context and its social relevance;
- ...learn to judge the legal context in European countries and its impact on professional practice.
The acquired competencies are applicable in all fields of occupational therapy.
At a glance
Degree: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy UAS Zurich and European Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Workload: 90 ECTS credits
Duration of study: 4 semesters (24 months)
Course structure: Part-time
Start of the course: August
Registration deadline: 1 May
Teaching location: Eastbourne (Great Britain), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Winterthur (Switzerland), Naestved (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden)
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fees: CHF 720 semester fees + additional study and living expenses
Additional information
Studying in Switzerland
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
International Studies
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
Brochure International Relations
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.
Studying in Switzerland
International Studies
Brochure International Relations
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.