Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Do you want to work with people and communities to enable them to 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.

With the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), you can access diverse career opportunities. Occupational therapists work across health, education, social care and other sectors, with people of all ages to help overcome a broad range of factors that impact on their abilities to do the things they want and need to do. You will learn how to enable children to reach developmental milestones, facilitate recovery, inclusion and participation in their communities for people experiencing mental health difficulties,  to assist people to return to their daily lives after a stroke or hip replacement , to return people back to work following an accident and much more.

This degree requires students to participate in clinical placements. During some placements students will be subject to NSW Health policies and procedures. Students must also meet all NSW Health verification requirements before attending clinical placement.

Clinical placement essentials.

Students should be aware that they may be required to undertake clinical placement outside normal semester dates. Students enrolling in this degree are required to obtain a WorkCover- approved Provide First Aid Certificate during semester one of their first year of study.

Scholarships are available for second, third and fourth-year students who complete their professional placements in rural health.

This degree and future professional practice is both mentally and physically demanding. Students may be required to practise hands-on examinations and simulated treatments/procedures with other students in laboratory classes. Applicants who may be unsure of their ability to complete the degree and work in the profession should contact the University prior to applying.

The award of this degree depends on the student satisfactorily completing and passing all academic and practical components within the maximum time allowed.

Entry to this program is competitive, with a limited number of available places. Typically, offers for this program are made at the end of the year, coinciding with the release of ATARs.

Areas of study

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, biomedical sciences (anatomy and physiology), communication and group processes, occupational science, occupational therapy theory and practical skills, psychology, research methods and statistics, sociology.

Career opportunities

Occupational Therapist, Disability Services Manager,  Hand Therapist, Injury Management Advisor, Lifestyle Coordinator, Case Manager/Care coordinator and Rehabilitation Consultant.

Professional recognition

The University of Newcastle’s Occupational Therapy (Honours) is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTB) under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Practical experience

More than 1,000 hours of professional practice with supervision by qualified occupational therapy practice educators.

Honours

All students will graduate with honours, which will be awarded as graded or ungraded. Entry into the graded honours stream may be offered to students based on merit at the completion of third year. The graded honours stream requires students to complete a supervised research project.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.