Transform lives by promoting health and well-being

Occupational therapists help us build and protect the specific capabilities we need to effectively participate in the critical activities of our daily lives: learning, socialising, playing, doing our jobs and simply looking after ourselves.

By guiding and supporting physical and psychological progress, they help individuals, families and communities create or restore meaning, purpose and independence.

What will you study during a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)?

Our Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) equips you to identify, prevent and manage the full range of challenges to everyday activity.

With many courses taught by registered practising occupational therapists, the degree places an emphasis on real-world experience. In over 1,000 hours of work-based training, you’ll work with children and adults of all ages in multiple settings: public and private health organisations; schools; rehabilitation centres; aged care; mental health and more.

You’ll gain high-level knowledge and skills in:

• human anatomy, physiology and the pathophysiology
• rehabilitation from short- and long-term injury, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, chronic illness, disability and mental health issues
• specialised practice with children and families
• broad public health issues and population approaches to health and wellbeing
• cultural diversity, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and rural or international health perspectives
• evidence-based, patient-centred care.

You’ll regularly access our purpose-built training facilities and state-of-the-art simulation suites—among Australasia’s most advanced. In addition, you’ll benefit from collaborative learning with key complementary disciplines, speech pathology and physiotherapy.

From late in third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research* or industry—and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

Where could a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) take you?

You’ll graduate eligible to pursue a wide range of career opportunities working with communities and populations to achieve and maintain health and well-being. You could help children with sensory issues realise their full learning—and life— potential. You might help elderly people maintain the capacity to live in their treasured family homes. Perhaps you’ll help those recovering from workplace trauma return to their passion.

Accredited with conditions by the Occupational Therapy Council and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board.
 

 *Entry into the research stream will be based on academic merit.

Note: 
This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  If you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) requires four years of full-time study or students can choose to study part time over a longer period.

In the first year of study, you will be introduced to anatomy, physiology, public health and health research courses with a focus on occupational therapy principles.

The second year includes detailed applied anatomy of the lower and upper limbs and explores the pathophysiologic basis of disease. Occupational Therapy specific courses prepare you for professional practice, while you will elect to pursue courses that focus on rural or international health perspectives.

The third year of the degree focuses on specialised practice principles including children and families, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and mental health across the lifespan.

The fourth year of the degree provides an opportunity to apply learning in professional practice settings, under the supervision of registered clinical professionals.

From late third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research* or industry— and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

* Eligibility for entry to the Research Stream will be determined by a student’s cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) for the courses which comprise the first and second years of the program, and the availability of a suitable research project and supervisor within the School. Students with a cumulative GPA of 5 or greater will be notified of their eligibility for entry to the “Research Stream” at the commencement of the third year of the program. Eligible students who wish to undertake the Research Stream will be required to contact the School of Allied Health Science and Practice Honours Coordinator to discuss their area of interest and project the availability of a suitable research project and supervisor.

Career Readiness

Qualified occupational therapists have a wide range of career options in metropolitan and rural settings. They work in public and private hospitals, community health care, private practice, aged care, rehabilitation centres, paediatrics, education and research.

Please see the inherent requirements for occupational therapy programs for further information.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Students will be introduced to clinical placement in the second year of study, before completing 1000+ hours of clinical placement in a range of metropolitan and rural settings throughout the final 18 months of the program.

Professional Accreditation

Consistent with processes for new programs, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is accredited with conditions by the Occupational Therapy Council and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Occupational Therapist

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject

IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 and Band score of 7.0 in all bands; TOEFL total score of 94 with a minimum of 27 in Writing, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Reading and Listening; Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 65 and Skills profile of 65 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening; and Cambridge English-Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 185 and Individual score of 185 in Writing and Speaking, Reading and Listening.