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The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy aims to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of occupational therapy, with a focus on both general and specialist knowledge and skills. It provides a combination of both coursework and clinical experiences to prepare graduates to commence employment in the health and human services sectors.
The course is taught by dedicated professionals, both academic and clinical, who have a wide range of work experience in the field.
Graduates pursue employment as occupational therapists in diverse fields in settings that may include aged care, hospitals, community health, mental health services, schools, industrial environments, private practice and a variety of health, education and disability centres and services.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy has received full accreditation from Occupational Therapy Australia and the Occupational Therapy Council, and is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates of accredited occupational therapy programs are eligible for national registration, which was introduced in July, 2012. Graduates are also eligible for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.
Students gain clinical experience in all four years of the course in settings that may include aged care, hospitals, community health, mental health services, schools, industrial environments, private practice and a variety of health centres.
In order to meet the Australian Competency Standards for Entry-Level Occupational Therapists this course is structured in accordance with professional body recommendations. All students complete studies in the following areas:
Professional areas — occupational therapy theory and practice; occupational therapy related to body structure and function; occupational therapy related to activities and participation; lifespan development and occupational transitions; evaluation of occupational therapy programs; health promotion; and professional experience/fieldwork.
Social Sciences — psychology and sociology for health sciences, Australian health care system, indigenous studies, research methods, and complementary medicine.
Biological Sciences — anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a total of 384 credit points (usually 32 units) must be completed.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | ||
| Distance Education | Unavailable | |
| Lismore | Unavailable | |
| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Session 1 Session 2+ + Session 2 is not available to international students. |
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| Tweed Heads - SCU Lakeside Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads |
Unavailable | |
| Tweed Heads - SCU Riverside Brett Street, Tweed Heads |
Unavailable | |
| Course Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time 4.5 years minimum for students commencing Session 2 |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Health & Human Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481 International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 32 | BOccThy | 86/7 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Gold Coast: 335168 | Gold Coast: 055961 | Gold Coast QLD: 077344F |
Teaching methods include regular face-to-face contact with academic staff in lectures, tutorials and clinical settings. A mixture of digitally-based media supports the lectures, seminars and tutorials, with an emphasis on small group work, problem-based learning, reflection and experiential learning integrated with theory and research. The course has a strong practical focus that allows students to develop a range of clinical skills, integrating theory and practice. Students gain clinical experience in a range of health care settings throughout the course where they are supported by clinical teachers and facilitators.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
A variety of assessment methods are used in this course including multiple choice examinations, essay style examinations, scenario based learning studies, tutorial workshop presentations, debates, written assignments, and clinical skills testing. For each unit there are 2 to 5 assessment items.
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Occupational therapy students access up-to-date facilities and teaching areas including the daily living laboratory, simulation equipment, clinical laboratories, dry and wet anatomy laboratories, splinting facilities, and interview areas.
Pre-requisite Year 12 subjects
There are no pre-requisite subjects required for this course.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
For further information please contact the School of Health and Human Sciences on (02) 6626 9585.
Associate Degree of Allied Health
Bachelor of Health Science
Bachelor of Clinical Sciences
Bachelor of Exercise Science and Nutrition
Bachelor of Indigenous Studies
Bachelor of Midwifery
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Trauma and Healing
Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.1 Admission to CandidatureApplicants for admission to candidature shall normally have satisfied the requirements prescribed in Rule 2 Section 2 of the Rules Relating to Awards and have attained a level of achievement acceptable to the School Board; and
An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification.
4.2 Requirements for an AwardTo be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty two (32) units:
* Double weighted units
** Triple weighted units