Unit of Study OCCU6001 Collaborative Community Project (2027)

Unit description

This unit enables students to demonstrate leadership and innovation in occupational therapy through a collaborative, project-based experience with an external partner organisation. The hours invested by students will contribute to the required work integrated learning hours. Students will undertake a systematic-style literature review to critically appraise and synthesise evidence related to planetary health and sustainability and/or culturally responsive practice. Building on this review, students will co-design, implement, and evaluate a research-informed project that addresses a contemporary challenge relevant to their partner organisation. The unit consolidates advanced professional reasoning, project management, and advocacy skills, requiring students to communicate findings through high-quality written and verbal formats tailored to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

Unit content

Students will complete an on-campus seminar at the commencement of this unit. This initial learning will address work readiness and support students to prepare for the expectations of the unit, including project planning and ethical considerations. Students will complete 300 hours working with the industry partner, with the structure of these hours determined by the host organisation. During the external learning experience, students will attend weekly supervision sessions with an occupational therapist who will assist them to refine and progress their project work. Students will attend a final presentation day where they will present their work and participate in a structured debrief from the external learning experience.