Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Do you want a health career that could transform the lives of others by helping them achieve tangible results?
The work of occupational therapists is diverse. They adapt environments, activities or equipment to enhance participation in everyday tasks, assisting people of all ages and abilities to do what they need and want to do at home, work, school and in the community.
You will develop a range of health professional skills in the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and during your professional placement, preparing you for work in diverse health care environments.
As an occupational therapist you can make a difference to the lives of individuals, groups and communities. As examples, you can work with people with disabilities to engage in daily activities that have meaning to their lives, develop inclusive playground experiences and environments for children of all abilities, or you could design home modifications or public transport changes that would ensure access for a person using a power wheelchair. Occupational therapy has been identified as a high job growth area by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook.
Do you want a health career that could transform the lives of others by helping them achieve tangible results?
The work of occupational therapists is diverse. They adapt environments, activities or equipment to enhance participation in everyday tasks, assisting people of all ages and abilities to do what they need and want to do at home, work, school and in the community.
You will develop a range of health professional skills in the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and during your professional placement, preparing you for work in diverse health care environments.
As an occupational therapist you can make a difference to the lives of individuals, groups and communities. As examples, you can work with people with disabilities to engage in daily activities that have meaning to their lives, develop inclusive playground experiences and environments for children of all abilities, or you could design home modifications or public transport changes that would ensure access for a person using a power wheelchair. Occupational therapy has been identified as a high job growth area by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Applicants must have achieved:
Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA.
Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.
In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s standards for English language must be met. See https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx for further information.
An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.1 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 4 |
| Brazil SSLC | 8.8 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 70 |
| Chile PSU | 6.3, overall 700-749 |
| China Gao Kao | 500 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 82, overall 350-400 |
| Denmark USSLE | 6.6 |
| France FB | 11.5 |
| German Abitur | 2.9 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 15 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 10.0 external exam |
| India CISCE | 77 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 80 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 8.8 |
| International Baccalaureate | 26 |
| Japan USSLC | 4.3 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 303 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 74 |
| Malaysia STPM | 6 (best 3 A levels) |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 80 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 88 |
| Norway GPA | 3.6 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 83 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 60 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 3.0 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 17.8 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 92 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.5 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 88 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 16.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 8.8 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.8 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 5 |
| Sweden SSLC | 13.6 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 57 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 90 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 2.2 |
| Turkey HSD | 4.3 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 14 (4 subjects) |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1460, ACT 21 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 8.8 in academic |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
Optional major: Indigenous Health.
This major can be studied at Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses and offers students the opportunity to build theoretical and practical capabilities in cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Embedded placement opportunities equip graduates with the professional skills required to contribute to the improvement of health and social outcomes in Australian communities.
In order to meet the Australian occupational therapy competency standards this course is structured in accordance with professional body recommendations. All students complete studies in Professional areas and those not completing the Indigenous Health major complete Social Sciences:
Professional Areas: occupational therapy theory and practice; occupational therapy assessments and interventions related to biomechanical, sensorimotor, psychosocial and cognitive performance, activities, engagement and participation at home, at school, at work and in the community; occupational transitions across the lifespan; evaluation of occupational therapy programs; health promotion; and Work Integrated Learning.
Social Sciences: wellbeing and mental health, interprofessional health care, Indigenous studies, evidence-based practice, and small business and entrepreneurship.
Biological Sciences: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 5 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 5 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 082680C |
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 082680C |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated. Students will likely have to travel away from their local area and placements may be located anywhere in Australia. Students are required to support themselves financially (including accommodation, travel and living expenses) during placements.
Progression
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.
Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 24 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.
Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 24 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU1001 | Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1005 | Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1006 | Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO1009 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU1002 | Personal Care Occupations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HBIO1010 | Integrated Anatomy and Physiology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STAT2001 | Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2013 | Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2005 | Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2004 | Musculoskeletal and Reduced Energy Assessments and Interventions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2006 | Home and Community Occupations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2002 | Sensory Motor Assessments and Interventions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2003 | Learning and Applying Knowledge for Individuals and Groups | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2014 | Work Integrated Learning in Occupational Therapy I | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2008 | Cognition Assessments and Interventions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2009 | Education, Leisure and Play Occupations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2010 | Work and Employment Occupations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU2011 | Psychosocial Assessments and Interventions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU3003 | Work Integrated Learning in Occupational Therapy III | Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OCCU3002 | Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3004 | Transition to Practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PBHL2002 | Health Promotion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Majors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Note 1: | Double-weighted Unit |
| Note 2: | Triple-weighted Unit |
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Effectively implement critical thinking, problem solving, professional reasoning and self-reflection to occupational therapy service provision and evaluation. Analyse the systemic, interpersonal and personal factors influencing health and disability across diverse communities living in metropolitan, regional and rural areas and create innovative and effective occupational therapy practice. |
Demonstrate an occupation-centred, evidence-based and client-centred approach to occupational therapy practice for individuals, groups and communities. |
Understand and comply with various legislative requirements, guidelines and standards influencing professional practice to ensure ethical application of professional knowledge and skills. Contribute to collaborative, respectful and ethical interprofessional practice which collectively implements effective client-centred practice. |
Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the person-environment-occupation relationship and the link between occupation and health and wellbeing. |
Commit to, and engage in, critical reflection and lifelong learning initiatives to ensure effective contributions to contemporary and future occupational therapy practice. |
Communicate professionally and respectfully with professional partners including clients, carers and colleagues using appropriate levels of written and verbal language. |
Demonstrate cultural safety and inclusive collaborative professional practice that is respectful to all people, nationally and globally, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
A variety of assessment methods are used in this course including quizzes, reports, scenario based learning studies, presentations, debates, group work, vivas and professional skills testing. For each unit there are 2 to 3 assessment items.
Teaching methods include regular face-to-face contact with academic staff in workshops, tutorials, laboratories and professional practice settings. A mixture of digitally-based media supports the on-campus learning, 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 professional skills, integrating theory and practice. Students gain professional experience in a range of practice contexts throughout the course where they are supported by occupational therapists with a range of professional expertise.
Career opportunities as an occupational therapist exist in hospitals, community health, mental health services, schools, work rehabilitation and occupational health and safety in various industries, private practice, early intervention, aged care and a variety of health, education and disability services, including the provision of occupational therapy services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) provides opportunities to develop professional skills in a range of settings including aged care, hospitals, community health, disability and mental health services, primary schools, work environments and private practice. Students complete over 1,000 hours in WIL during the course.
Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on the Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated. Students should expect to travel away from their local area as placements can be located anywhere in Australia. Students are required to support themselves financially (including accommodation, travel and living expenses) during WIL.
This course is accredited by 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.
Graduates are also eligible for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia.
Please note: In order to register to practise, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency standards for English language must be met.
As an occupational therapy student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the Occupational Therapy Board (OTB). See the details on the OTB website.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy will be registered by Southern Cross University with the Occupational Therapy Board as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study. Please see the AHPRA website for more details.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.