Why Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)?
Occupational therapists empower people and communities to develop and maintain the capabilities needed to participate in the daily activities that make up a meaningful life. They use therapeutic techniques to help people regain, improve and sustain their everyday functional abilities.
If you love working with people and are a strong, empathetic individual, this is the career for you.
Help people reach their goals. Integrate knowledge from different fields, including psychology, anatomy and sociology. Embark on a personally fulfilling career, making a real difference for your clients’ quality of life.
Our Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) will give you a competitive edge to stand out in the workforce.
Overview
Learn how to help people overcome constraints caused by injury or illness. As a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) graduate, you’ll support your clients to do everyday tasks often taken for granted.
Build essential knowledge across key areas of health and complete occupational therapy courses focusing on diverse areas of practice. Gain hands-on experience through placements, workshops and regional experiences.
Practice solving real problems faced by working occupational therapists. Learn all about assistive technology, adaptation techniques and rehabilitation practices. Understand how to help people navigate and manage emotional, developmental, societal, psychological and age-related limitations.
As an occupational therapist, you’ll join the crucial allied health workforce. You could work in hospitals, private practice, aged care facilities, community settings and schools. Or, use this qualification as a pathway into further study – upskilling in areas like mental health or continuing into research.
You can also choose to study this program at our regional campus in Whyalla.
Key features
Complete over 1,000 hours of placement.- Benefit from our partnerships with leading organisations and service providers.
- Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics, practicing health professionals and researchers.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in occupational therapy.
- Choose between a research stream or professional stream depending on your career aspirations.
- Help people develop the skills to perform everyday activities.
What you'll learn
Prepare to become an integral part of healthcare with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree. As a student, you’ll be exposed to the various roles and requirements of an occupational therapist.
In your first year, study core health subjects including Aboriginal health, human development, physiology and anatomy. You’ll also be introduced to occupational therapy theories, evidence and practice.
In second and third year, apply your skills across mental health, chronic conditions, primary healthcare, neuroscience and neurological conditions, occupational rehabilitation, clinical reasoning, environmental design and community health focused courses.
As part of your studies, you’ll complete over 1,000 hours of placements. You’ll experience different industry settings, including health and community services in rural and remote settings. You will also practice your skills through workshops on the following:
- Assistive technology and home modification plans
- Dressing adaptation
- Making splints
- Practicing neurological rehabilitation techniques
- Skill demonstrations in simulated scenarios
- Wheelchair measuring tutorials.
You can tailor your studies to suit your career aspirations by choosing either our professional or research stream. The professional stream focuses on your practice as an occupation therapist, while the research stream creates additional opportunities for an exciting career in research, including completion of a thesis.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 114 units from Core courses, and
- 18 units from Discipline courses, and
- 54 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete exactly 114 units from the following:
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements, they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
7. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies, and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
8. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.
9. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
10. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
11. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 48 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 24 units in the first half of the year, with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiology Essentials 100
|
Course code
BIOL1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU1002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
HLTH1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings
|
Course code
OCCU1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation
|
Course code
OCCU2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Individual in Society 200
|
Course code
PSYC2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Neuroscience
|
Course code
BIOL2035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation
|
Course code
OCCU2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice Education
|
Course code
OCCU3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Therapeutic Communication and Group Work
|
Course code
REHB2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health
|
Course code
OCCU2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy
|
Course code
OCCU3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions
|
Course code
OCCU3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Science
|
Course code
OCCU3008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Planning
|
Course code
OCCU3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management
|
Course code
OCCU3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation
|
Course code
OCCU4003
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400
|
Course code
OCCU4002
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401
|
Course code
OCCU4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 18 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Evidence Based Practice
|
Course code
HLTH3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 400
|
Course code
OCCU4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 401
|
Course code
OCCU4005
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements, they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
7. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies, and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
8. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.
9. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
10. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
11. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 48 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 24 units in the first half of the year, with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiology Essentials 100
|
Course code
BIOL1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU1002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
HLTH1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings
|
Course code
OCCU1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation
|
Course code
OCCU2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Individual in Society 200
|
Course code
PSYC2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Neuroscience
|
Course code
BIOL2035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation
|
Course code
OCCU2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice Education
|
Course code
OCCU3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Therapeutic Communication and Group Work
|
Course code
REHB2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health
|
Course code
OCCU2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy
|
Course code
OCCU3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions
|
Course code
OCCU3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Science
|
Course code
OCCU3008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Planning
|
Course code
OCCU3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management
|
Course code
OCCU3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation
|
Course code
OCCU4003
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400
|
Course code
OCCU4002
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401
|
Course code
OCCU4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Planning
|
Course code
OCCU3005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice Education
|
Course code
OCCU3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401
|
Course code
OCCU4001
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400
|
Course code
OCCU4002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation
|
Course code
OCCU4003
|
Units
12
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements, they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
7. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies, and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
8. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.
9. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
10. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
11. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 48 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 24 units in the first half of the year, with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiology Essentials 100
|
Course code
BIOL1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU1002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
HLTH1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings
|
Course code
OCCU1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation
|
Course code
OCCU2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Individual in Society 200
|
Course code
PSYC2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Neuroscience
|
Course code
BIOL2035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation
|
Course code
OCCU2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice Education
|
Course code
OCCU3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Therapeutic Communication and Group Work
|
Course code
REHB2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health
|
Course code
OCCU2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy
|
Course code
OCCU3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions
|
Course code
OCCU3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Science
|
Course code
OCCU3008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Planning
|
Course code
OCCU3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management
|
Course code
OCCU3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation
|
Course code
OCCU4003
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400
|
Course code
OCCU4002
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401
|
Course code
OCCU4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from University-wide electives
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements, they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
7. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies, and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
8. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.
9. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
10. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
11. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 48 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 24 units in the first half of the year, with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.
12. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physiology Essentials 100
|
Course code
BIOL1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU1002
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
HLTH1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings
|
Course code
OCCU1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
|
Course code
OCCU2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Applied Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation
|
Course code
OCCU2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Individual in Society 200
|
Course code
PSYC2011
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Neuroscience
|
Course code
BIOL2035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation
|
Course code
OCCU2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice Education
|
Course code
OCCU3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Therapeutic Communication and Group Work
|
Course code
REHB2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health
|
Course code
OCCU2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy
|
Course code
OCCU3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions
|
Course code
OCCU3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Occupational Science
|
Course code
OCCU3008
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Planning
|
Course code
OCCU3005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management
|
Course code
OCCU3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation
|
Course code
OCCU4003
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400
|
Course code
OCCU4002
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401
|
Course code
OCCU4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Be ready to make a difference in people’s lives as an occupational therapist. You could work with people recovering from injury, surgery or illness, such as a stroke or a traumatic event. You might work with children to overcome developmental delays, allowing them to participate in their most important activities . You could work with communities addressing injustice and advocating for better policies that promote health and human rights. Maybe you’ll work in research or academia, identifying the latest developments in occupational therapy.
You could find employment in a range of settings, including:
- Aged care facilities
- Ambulatory and rehabilitation services
- Community mental health services
- Council services
- Government departments
- Home based services
- Public and private hospitals
- Not-for-profits
- Private practice
- Schools.
As an occupational therapist, some of your daily tasks may include:
- Assessing the daily living needs of people (e.g. household management, shopping, childcare, financial management, home maintenance, driving)
- Designing and implementing interventions to assist with daily living activities (e.g. showering, dressing, grooming, eating)
- Supporting educational participation
- Encouraging leisure and play
- Enabling social participation
- Facilitating work (paid and voluntary).
Industry trends
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to increase from 22,700 in 2020 to 26,600 by 2025 – a 17% growth (Ahpra & National Boards, 2020). There are also significantly more jobs for occupational therapists in Australia than graduates, reflecting the industry’s struggle to meet service demand (JCU, 2024).
As Australia’s population ages, growing awareness of mental health and the rise of telehealth and digital health have all contributed to creating more opportunity for occupational therapists (Medijobs Australia, 2024). As a graduate, be ready to lend your expertise to an expanding industry.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
