Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Course content
Key information
The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy is a four-year degree programme which includes a total of 1000 hours of practice education placement completed at various sites. In the first year of the program you will study anatomy and physiology related to human performance and human development across the lifespan. Later years include modules on occupational therapy services for children and young people, people living with mental health difficulties, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic and neurological conditions and older adults. Students will have opportunities at all stages of the programme to develop professional skills including communication and advocacy skills, clinical reasoning skills and skills in the use of evidence in practice. In the final year of the program students will learn about leadership and management in health and social care and will complete a research project.
Pre-placement Health Screen and Vaccination check
On practice education placement you will be considered a category A Health Care worker and must therefore fulfil vaccination requirements. Successful completion of the health screening, vaccinations certification and CPR certification are programme requirements for this degree. Health screening/vaccination certificates and the purchase of uniforms for placements will incur costs to the student.
Please note that practice education placements take place at a variety of sites nationally and will incur additional costs for students of travel and accommodation.
What can I do to ensure I have chosen the right career?
Occupational therapy is a wide-ranging and varied profession, and you are strongly encouraged to seek some work experience in a setting where occupational therapists work (e.g. primary care, hospital, mental health services, older adult services) to help inform your decision.
You can read more about occupational therapy here
How many places are there on the programme?
Initially there will be 20-25 places available, which includes 1-3 places for mature entry students.
Where do students undertake their practice education placements?
Students are required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours on practice education placement as part of the degree programme. There are 4 practice education placements embedded through the programme which take place in a variety of sites nationally as required, to ensure that all students have a breath of experiences.
Will I share lectures with other students?
The School of Allied Health is a leader in developing and delivering innovative, inter-professional learning on our programmes in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Nutrition and Dietetics. This progresses from learning with, from and about each other in modules, to working collaboratively in teams both within university and practice education settings.
