Back to Find Courses page

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BOccThy

  • Course code

    3007224

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

Occupational therapy assists people of all ages to participate in the everyday tasks and activities (occupations) that they need and want to do, whether at home, at work, at school or in the community. Occupational therapists transform and adapt environments, activities, equipment and enhance performance to support and promote meaningful engagement and participation. They may work with individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations, in private practice and communities.

Occupational therapists' work is diverse. As a graduate of the occupational therapy degree you could assist a person recovering from a stroke to shower and dress independently; you could develop inclusive playground experiences and environments for children of all abilities; you could recommend workplace changes that would assist an injured worker to return to work; or you could design home modifications or public transport changes that would ensure access for a person using a power wheelchair.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all scholarly, intellectual and professional activities, including critical analysis, sound judgement and the use of research/evidence to inform clinical/professional practice.

Systematically apply knowledge creation strategies and practices to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of practice based research.

Creativity

Analyse and respond innovatively to the systemic, interpersonal and personal factors influencing health and disability across diverse communities

Utilize a sustainable and entrepreneurial approach to professional practice

Demonstrate an occupation focused and client-centred orientation to professional practice

Ethical practice

Address legislative requirements, guidelines and standards affecting professional practice

Understand, articulate and defend the values base of occupational practice and occupational justice

Knowledge of a discipline

Be grounded in an occupational view of health and disability across the lifespan.

Utilise appropriate evidence based occupational therapy assessment and treatment modalities to identify and address the occupational needs of a diverse community.

Develop, evaluate and document occupational intervention strategies for individuals, groups &/or communities.

Lifelong learning

Using reflection to guide continuing professional development.

Contributing to the development of various communities of practice through collaborative lifelong learning initiatives.

Sophisticated use of information technology to ensure communities of practice are inclusive of rural/regional practice settings.

Communication and social skills

Work collaboratively to address occupational needs in a range of health, education and community teams and with an understanding of conventional and complementary therapies.

Provide leadership in identifying, assessing and addressing the occupational needs of individuals, groups and communities.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural safety in professional practice and proactive responses to Indigenous perspectives on health (worldwide).

Students can complete up to 1,000 hours of professional placement in various settings throughout the four years of study in settings that may include aged care, hospitals, community health, mental health services, primary schools, industrial environments, private practice and a variety of health, education, and disability centres and services.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are.

In order to meet the Australian occupational therapy competency standards, this course is structured in accordance with professional body recommendations. All students complete studies in the following areas:

Professional Areas: occupational therapy theory and practice; occupational therapy assessments and interventions related to biomechanical, sensorimotor, psychosocial and cognitive performance, activities, engagement and participation at home, at school, at work and in the community; occupational transitions across the lifespan; evaluation of occupational therapy programs; health promotion; and professional experience/fieldwork. 

Social Sciences: psychology and sociology for health sciences, Australian health care system, Indigenous studies, research methods, nutrition in health, and small business and entrepreneurship.

Biological Sciences: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy includes an embedded allied health Honours program for eligible students, which can be studied concurrently during the Bachelor degree course.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 , Session 3 335168 055961

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy has received full accreditation from Occupational Therapy Australia and the Occupational Therapy Council, and is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates of accredited occupational therapy programs are eligible for national registration. Graduates are also eligible for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty two (32) units:

  1. all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units;
  2. one (1) unit from Part B; and
  3. one (1) unit from Part C University wide offerings.

Honours

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty two (32) units comprising all the units listed in Part D of the Schedule of Units.

Candidates in Honours must successfully complete all units in years 3 and 4 on their first attempt and maintain a Credit grade average (GPA) of at least 5.0 for years 3 and 4.

Exit Awards

A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, has successfully completed sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising any 16 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, has successfully completed eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising any 8 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Progression

Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Subsequent to the above, candidates who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 24 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty two (32) units:

  1. all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units;
  2. one (1) unit from Part B; and
  3. one (1) unit from Part C University wide offerings.

Honours

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty two (32) units comprising all the units listed in Part D of the Schedule of Units.

Candidates in Honours must successfully complete all units in years 3 and 4 on their first attempt and maintain a Credit grade average (GPA) of at least 5.0 for years 3 and 4.

Exit Awards

A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, has successfully completed sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising any 16 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, has successfully completed eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising any 8 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Progression

Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Candidates are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Subsequent to the above, candidates who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 24 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 1, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 2
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
HLT10582 -  Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 1, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory Note 3
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
HLT10584 -  Mobility and Personal Care Occupations Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 3, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 4
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
HLT10586 -  Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups Intermediate
BIO10587 -  Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk Intermediate
HLT10585 -  Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 3, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 4
HLT10588 -  Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10589 -  Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions Intermediate
HLT10590 -  Home and Community Occupations Intermediate
HLT72001 -  Clinical Reasoning in Professional Experience Learning Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 5, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 6
HLT10591 -  Regional Rural Remote Fieldwork Intermediate
HLT10595 -  Education, Leisure and Play Occupations Advanced
HLT10593 -  Mental Function (Cognition) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10597 -  Mental Function (Psychosocial) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 5, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 6
HLT10594 -  Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Programs Advanced
HLT10596 -  Work and Employment Occupations Advanced
HLT10592 -  Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice Advanced
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
Year 4, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first double-weighted unit in Session 1, Year 7, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 8
HLT83007 -  Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced Note 1
Gnibi College Elective
University-wide Elective
Year 4, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first triple-weighted unit in Session 2, Year 7, and the remaining unit in Session 2, Year 8
HLT10600 -  Advanced Fieldwork Advanced Note 2
HLT10601 -  Transition to Professional Practice Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory Note 3
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
HLT10582 -  Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
HLT10584 -  Mobility and Personal Care Occupations Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
BIO10587 -  Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk Intermediate
HLT10585 -  Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10586 -  Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups Intermediate
Year 3, Session 2
HLT10588 -  Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10589 -  Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions Intermediate
HLT10590 -  Home and Community Occupations Intermediate
HLT72001 -  Clinical Reasoning in Professional Experience Learning Intermediate
Year 4, Session 1
HLT10591 -  Regional Rural Remote Fieldwork Intermediate
HLT10595 -  Education, Leisure and Play Occupations Advanced
HLT10593 -  Mental Function (Cognition) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10597 -  Mental Function (Psychosocial) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
HLT10596 -  Work and Employment Occupations Advanced
HLT10594 -  Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Programs Advanced
HLT10592 -  Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice Advanced
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
Year 5, Session 1
HLT83007 -  Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced Note 1
University-wide Elective
Gnibi College Elective
Year 5, Session 2
HLT10600 -  Advanced Fieldwork Advanced Note 2
HLT10601 -  Transition to Professional Practice Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Complete one or both of the units under Session 3 below and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s.
Session 3
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 1, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 2
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
HLT10582 -  Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 1, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory Note 3
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
HLT10584 -  Mobility and Personal Care Occupations Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 3, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 4
CUL00408 -  Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
HLT10586 -  Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups Intermediate
BIO10587 -  Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk Intermediate
HLT10585 -  Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 3, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 4
HLT10588 -  Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10589 -  Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions Intermediate
HLT10590 -  Home and Community Occupations Intermediate
HLT72001 -  Clinical Reasoning in Professional Experience Learning Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 1, Year 5, and the remaining 2 units in Session 1, Year 6
HLT10595 -  Education, Leisure and Play Occupations Advanced
HLT83001 -  Allied Health Honours Seminar I Advanced
HLT10593 -  Mental Function (Cognition) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10597 -  Mental Function (Psychosocial) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10591 -  Regional Rural Remote Fieldwork Intermediate Note 4
Year 3, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first 2 units in Session 2, Year 5, and the remaining 2 units in Session 2, Year 6
HLT10592 -  Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice Advanced
HLT10596 -  Work and Employment Occupations Advanced
HLT83002 -  Allied Health Honours Seminar II Advanced
Year 4, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first double-weighted unit in Session 1, Year 7, and the remaining double-weighted unit in Session 1, Year 8
HLT83003 -  Allied Health Honours Thesis I Advanced Note 1
HLT83007 -  Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the single-weighted unit in Session 2, Year 7, and the triple-weighted unit in Session 2, Year 8
HLT83004 -  Allied Health Honours Thesis II Advanced
HLT10600 -  Advanced Fieldwork Advanced Note 2

Note 1:

Double-weighted Unit

Note 2:

Triple-weighted Unit

Note 3:

2018 is the last time this unit will be offered. See information on the School of Health and Human Science website (https://www.scu.edu.au/school-of-health-and-human-sciences/pages/human-physiology-2019/#d.en.205492) for more information regarding changes from 2019

Note 4:

Please submit UAR for 5th unit load via My Enrolment

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
BHS10581 Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory Note 3
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory
BIO10587 Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk Intermediate
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
CUL00408 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
HLT10582 Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations Introductory
HLT10583 Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
HLT10584 Mobility and Personal Care Occupations Introductory
HLT10585 Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10586 Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups Intermediate
HLT10588 Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT72001 Clinical Reasoning in Professional Experience Learning Intermediate
HLT10589 Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions Intermediate
HLT10590 Home and Community Occupations Intermediate
HLT10591 Regional Rural Remote Fieldwork Intermediate
HLT10592 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice Advanced
HLT10593 Mental Function (Cognition) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10594 Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Programs Advanced
HLT10595 Education, Leisure and Play Occupations Advanced
HLT10596 Work and Employment Occupations Advanced
HLT10597 Mental Function (Psychosocial) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
HLT83007 Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced Note 1
HLT10600 Advanced Fieldwork Advanced Note 2
HLT10601 Transition to Professional Practice Advanced
MAT71004 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory

Part B
Elective unit from Gnibi College

Part C
Elective unit from all undergraduate units offered by the University

Part D - Honours

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BHS10581 Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory Note 3
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
CUL00408 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples Intermediate
HLT10583 Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
MAT71004 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
HLT72001 Clinical Reasoning in Professional Experience Learning Intermediate
BIO10587 Functional Kinesiology of the Upper Limbs and Trunk Intermediate
HLT10582 Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations Introductory
HLT10584 Mobility and Personal Care Occupations Introductory
HLT10585 Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10586 Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups Intermediate
HLT10588 Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions Intermediate
HLT10589 Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions Intermediate
HLT10590 Home and Community Occupations Intermediate
HLT10591 Regional Rural Remote Fieldwork Intermediate
HLT10592 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice Advanced
HLT10593 Mental Function (Cognition) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT10595 Education, Leisure and Play Occupations Advanced
HLT10596 Work and Employment Occupations Advanced
HLT10597 Mental Function (Psychosocial) Assessments and Interventions Advanced
HLT83007 Health Promotion and Primary Health Care Advanced
HLT10600 Advanced Fieldwork Advanced Note 2
HLT83001 Allied Health Honours Seminar I Advanced
HLT83002 Allied Health Honours Seminar II Advanced
HLT83003 Allied Health Honours Thesis I Advanced Note 1
HLT83004 Allied Health Honours Thesis II Advanced