Allied Health

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    4 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

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.



Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code354271
    2022 CSP ATAR90
    2022 CSP IB34
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR95
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    Rural Background Entry Pathway Rural Background Entry (RBE) pathway applicants are required to sign and submit a statutory declaration as the only acceptable proof of rural background. You may upload the form as part of your SATAC application or submit a hard copy within five working days of submitting your SATAC application to Level 6, 431 King William Street, APSB. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who participate in its programs, and makes particular effort to encourage Indigenous students to participate in health education. This degree has allocated a number of places just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. Please contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Student Support Officer via email at info@apsb.edu.eu to discuss your interest in applying. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander application process 1. You should contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Student Support Officer to discuss your interest in applying - info@apsb.edu.eu 2. Submit a South Australian Tertiary Admission Centre (SATAC) application online. 3. Submit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Declaration Form. You may upload the form as part of your SATAC application or submit a hard copy within five working days of submitting your SATAC application to Level 6, 431 King William Street, APSB.


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer82.1
    Median ATAR to receive an offer91.1
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.65
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer90
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer91.45
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score70
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    3645.6%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    4050.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students79100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS0101681
    IntakeFebruary
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7





    TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27





    PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65





    C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185





    Additional English Tests accepted

    PRIMARY LANGUAGE PATHWAY:

    English is their primary language; and

    They have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.

    *Recognised countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA.

     OR


    ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST PATHWAY:

    Applicants must achieve the required minimum scores in one of the English Language Tests listed as per the Minimum English Language Requirements and tests must be dated within 1 year of commencement.

    Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP) cannot be used for entry as the respective English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests must be achieved on entry to the program.
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)90
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma34
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma85%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation85%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma90%
    China – Gaokao80%
    Germany – Abitur2.30
    GCE A Levels13
    Hong Kong – HKDSE22
    India – ISC & CBSE85%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations95%
    Indonesia – SMA3Not accepted
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationA-
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate83%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.33
    Malaysia – UEC9
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma355
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels13
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma85%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary EducationNot accepted
    USA – SAT1280
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)12
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School9.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program83%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program412
    ANU College Foundation Studies87%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY82%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)83%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.80
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program5.50
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)7.60
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)70%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score83%
    Tertiary QualificationsA GPA of 5.0 or equivalent
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    3645.6%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    4050.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students<5N/A
    All students79100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $9,750

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    Incidental fees
    There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all Honours Degree of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students, these include (but are not limited to) textbooks, equipment, required immunisations, clearance renewals, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $43,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

    Incidental fees
    There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all Honours Degree of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students, these include (but are not limited to) textbooks, equipment, required immunisations, clearance renewals, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc. 


Careers

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 APSB 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

Occupational Therapist


Degree Structure

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.

Example Study Plan

Level I
S1HLTH SC 1400 

Biosciences for Human Health A
HLTH SC 1401 

Communication in Professional Practice
HLTH SC 1404 

Evidence Based Practice in Allied Health 1
OCCTH 1000 

Introduction to Occupational Science
S2HLTH SC 1403 

Biosciences for Human Health B
HLTH SC 1402 

Foundations of Health and Wellbeing
HLTH SC 1406 

Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience
HLTH SC 1405 

Psychological Foundations for Allied Health
Level II
S1

HLTH SC 2400 

Evidence Based Practice in Allied Health 2

ANAT SC 2401 

Anatomy of Lower and Upper Limbs

OCCTH 2000 

Occupational Perspectives of Health A

OCCTH 2003   

Rural Health and Occupational Therapy Practice

S2

PATHOL 2400 

Pathophysiology for Allied Health

HLTH SC 2401 

Developmental Psychology for Allied Health

OCCTH 2002 

Occupational Perspectives of Health B

OCCTH 2001 

Participation in Diverse Communities

Level III – Industry Honours Stream
S1


OCCTH 3001   

Enabling Change: Musculoskeletal and Neurological (6 units)



OCCTH 3007 

Enabling Change: Children and Families (6 units)


S2

OCCTH 3006 

Advanced EBP in Occupational Therapy


OCCTH 3004 

Enabling Change: Mental Health across the Lifespan (6 units)


OCCTH 3002 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice A

Level IV – Industry Honours Stream
S1

OCCTH 4000 

Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice

OCCTH 4005 

Enabling Change: Population Approaches A

OCCTH 4003 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice B (6 units)
S2

OCCTH 4002 

Enabling Change: Population Approaches B (6 units)

OCCTH 4004 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice C (6 units)

Level III – Research Honours Stream
S1


OCCTH 3001   

Enabling Change: Musculoskeletal and Neurological (6 units)


OCCTH 3007 

Enabling Change: Children and Families (6 units)

S2

OCCTH 3002 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice A

OCCTH 3004 

Enabling Change: Mental Health Across the Lifespan (6 units)


HLTH SC 4400 

Allied Health Research Project Planning

Level IV – Research Honours Stream
S1



HLTH SC 4401 

Allied Health Honours Research Project (9 units)



OCCTH 4000 

Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice
OCCTH 4003 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice B (6 units)
S2

OCCTH 4004 

Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice C (6 units)



Further information
All courses are compulsory. The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) does not contain elective courses.

Assessment

Assessment in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) consists of formative and summative work including but not limited to; essays, case studies, tests, oral presentations, practical assignments, tutorial participation, structured clinical assessments and written examinations. Both face-to-face and online methodologies will be used.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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