Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City Campus, Whyalla

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Program code

HOCCT

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$52,200

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7 IELTS Reading 7 IELTS Listening 7 IELTS Speaking 7 IELTS Writing 7 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115739A

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7
IELTS Reading 7
IELTS Listening 7
IELTS Speaking 7
IELTS Writing 7

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	90
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.97
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	85%
China	Gaokao	80%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	7 (Good)
France	French Baccalaureate	13.5
Global	International Baccalaureate	33
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	21
India	CBSE and CISCE	90
India	State Board Examinations	98
Indonesia	SMA III	90%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	A-
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	3.33
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	3.33
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	11
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.61
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	4.8
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	94%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	12
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	355
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	12
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	16.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	80%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.90
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	12
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	12
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	29
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1280
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	8.7

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:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Anatomy 100	Course code BIOL1006	Units 6
Course name Physiology Essentials 100	Course code BIOL1020	Units 6
Course name Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code HLTH1014	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	Course code HLTH1016	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	Course code HLTH1017	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code OCCU1002	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings	Course code OCCU1003	Units 6
Course name Human Neuroscience	Course code BIOL2035	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 Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	Course code OCCU2005	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation	Course code OCCU2006	Units 6
Course name Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code OCCU2008	Units 6
Course name The Individual in Society 200	Course code PSYC2011	Units 6
Course name Therapeutic Communication and Group Work	Course code REHB2003	Units 6
Course name Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	Course code OCCU3006	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
Course name Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	Course code OCCU3010	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 Elective	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 Discipline courses	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 Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	Course code OCCU4001	Units 12
	Course name Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6

Complete exactly 18 units from the following:

	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 Elective	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 Discipline courses	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 Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	Course code OCCU4001	Units 12
	Course name Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:

	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 Elective	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 Discipline courses	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 Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	Course code OCCU4001	Units 12
	Course name Discipline courses	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 Elective	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 Discipline courses	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 Discipline courses	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	Course code OCCU4001	Units 12
	Course name Discipline courses	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?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

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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.

This program is offered at our Adelaide City and Whyalla campuses.

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.

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Find out more

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Find out more

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Find out more

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)