For more information about studying the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

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Program handbook

Description

Our graduates work with people and communities to help them overcome challenges and participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists work with people to promote their health and wellbeing through enabling them to participate in activities that are important to them, such as taking care of themselves and others, working, studying, and participating in hobbies and social activities. They work with children to help them reach developmental milestones, support recovery and inclusion in their communities for people with mental health difficulties, assist people to return to their daily lives after a stroke or hip replacement and support return to work following an accident.

As an occupational therapist, your skills will be invaluable as you work with individuals and communities to assess their unique situation, determine goals and put together a plan for success.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Current and in-depth knowledge of concepts and theories of relevant biomedical and health sciences.
  • Communicated effectively with individuals, groups and larger populations using written, spoken and technological modes.
  • Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning in personal and/or professional development with a focus on innovation.
  • Demonstrated a commitment to ethical action and social responsibility as OT professionals.
  • Competently applied a professional, evidence-based, body of knowledge and high level skills to provide safe and ethical practice.

Details

Information correct as atMar 28, 2024 8:23 pm
Program code12338
AQF level

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan Campus87.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesBiology and 2U Mathematics.
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD39,430 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code001132B

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

 

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

Please note that time restrictions apply to the granting of credit in this program.


Compulsory program requirements

We recognise that the best type of learning is practical experience. Students undertake supervised practice with occupational therapy educators, who help students learn while they are 'on the job'.

You will complete over 1,000 hours of practical experience throughout the program in a variety of settings, both locally and nationally, including mandatory rural placements.

Throughout the program, supervised practice increases in complexity and you will have the opportunity to work with greater autonomy over each year. In fourth year you will be ready to work independently and carry a case load under supervision.

As well as providing a strong professional understanding, practice experiences allow you to sample a range of career possibilities available to you as a qualified occupational therapist.

Students may be required to undertake clinical placement outside of semester terms. Travel, accommodation and related expenses for work-integrated learning/placements will be the responsibility of the student.

Post-admission requirements

  • First Aid Certificate

    First Aid Certificate

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements

    Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

OCCT2254 - Beginning Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy

OCCT1201 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice

OCCT3161 - Intermediate Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy

OCCT4273 - Advanced Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy


Professional recognition

Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (under AHPRA)

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia in partnership with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).Board registration standards must be met in order to practice in Australia.

Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand)

This program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

320 units

Program duration

4 years full-time.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

Qualification for the award of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) requires the completion of 320 units of approved courses.

The program is available in full-time mode only. Except with the permission of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, a candidate shall complete the program within six years of study from the date of commencement.

All registered health practitioners and education providers have a professional and ethical obligation to protect public health and provide safe healthcare. Students enrolled in this course should be aware that under the National Law (http://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/What-we-do/Legislation.aspx) there is a mandatory obligation for education providers and practitioners to report a student with an impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm while undertaking a professional practice placement. For more information visit UON Student Placement website or http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/Make-a-complaint/Mandatory-notifications.aspx.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Transition arrangements

PUBH1080 Studies in Population Health and Health Promotion was replaced by INDH2490 Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health from 1 January 2021. Students who have not completed or received credit for PUBH1080 prior to 2021 will need to complete INDH2490.

OCCT3160 will be offered in Semester 2 and OCCT3264 will be offered in Semester 1 from 2021 onward.

To ensure you enrol correctly, please refer to the program plan for the year you commenced your degree.


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
HLSC1000Transition to Health Sciences Education and Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS1105Musculoskeletal Anatomy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HUBS1401Human Bioscience
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
OCCT1110Introduction to Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT1201Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT1242Group Processes in Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
STAT1070Statistics for the Sciences
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS2103Neural and Visceral Anatomy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
INDH2490Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
OCCT2150Enabling Occupation: Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT2151Occupational Therapy and Everyday Living
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT2252Motor and Process Abilities in Occupations
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT2253Communication for Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT2254Beginning Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
PSYC2505Foundations of Psychology and Sociology for Health Professionals
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
SOCA2505Sociology and Psychology of Mental Health for Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT3160Environmental Contexts of Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT3161Intermediate Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
OCCT3262Enabling Occupation in Productivity
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT3264Children, Youth and Families: An Occupational Approach
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HLSC4120Research Methodology and Design
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
OCCT4163Occupational Justice in Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT4170Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT4273Advanced Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
20 units
OCCT4274Transitioning into Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Electives

Electives 20 unit requirement

Complete 20 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

20 units

Graded Honours Stream

Complete the following courses to fulfil the requirements of the Graded Honours stream.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
HLSC4310AResearch Project A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
HLSC4310BResearch Project B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Ungraded Honours Stream

Complete the following courses to fulfil the requirements of the Ungraded Honours stream.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
OCCT4171Occupational Science in National and International Contexts
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
OCCT4172Researching and Developing an Occupational Therapy Intervention
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Honours

All students who complete the requirements of the program will be eligible for Ungraded Honours. High performing students (minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 at the end of Year 3) may be selected for admission into a Graded Honours stream. Positions within the Graded Honours stream are limited and entry is not guaranteed. Students selected into the Graded Honours stream are required to successfully complete 20 units of research courses as detailed in the Program Plan. Enquiries concerning eligibility for Graded Honours should be directed to the Program Convenor.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

During clinical placement students may be required to wear properly fitted respirators. Fit testing is the process to ensure the respirator fits the wearers face snugly, creating a seal to minimise airbourne particles travelling through gaps between the wearer's skin and the respirator. Students will need to arrange and pay for their own fit testing before attending their first placement and every subsequent 12 months.  


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

UAC Code , Program Code 12338

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 12338

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 12338

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 12338

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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