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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (373JA.4)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Occupational Therapy |
View teaching periods | 365107 |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 7 | |
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Commonwealth Support Place (CSP)
Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Research Students
Most domestic Higher Degree by Research students are supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship and are not liable for fees up the standard course duration. Find out more about your eligibility here.
AQF Level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Occupational Therapy |
View teaching periods | 095232J |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 7 | |
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
AQF level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
Manage the occupational needs of an evolving nation
Discover the science, strategies, and theories behind a profession dedicated to helping people live full and meaningful lives regardless of age, disability, or limitations - with the UC Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree.
In this course, you will learn to assess a person’s unique issues to offer better, more tailored recovery solutions based on a wholistic and comprehensive look at an individual’s physical, psychosocial and environmental needs.
Successful completion of this course will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of health issues in Australia, and the skills to help individuals, groups, and communities engage in the occupations they need to, want to or are expected to do.
This course also prepares you for further study opportunities and the chance to gain the additional skills to move into senior, more researched based positions.
Study a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at UC and you will:
- obtain a broad and coherent understanding of critical values, theories, perspectives and concepts that underpin the occupational therapy profession
- be able to use your knowledge, skill and professional awareness to add value to the assessment, intervention and therapeutic process
- communicate clearly and coherently in a range of occupational therapy settings to a variety of stakeholders
- be able to read, critique and evaluate evidence from research into the practices of occupational therapy.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
WIL is an integral part of this course, giving you an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and form strong relationships with industry stakeholders and professionals before graduating.
Over four years, you’ll participate in 1000 hours of practical education in places such as hospitals, health clinics, community organisations, school and aged care facilities both locally or nationally.
Placements are full-time basis and will require interstate travel. Accommodation and transport costs are the student’s responsibility. For further information on WIL please visit https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/canberra-students/work-integrated-learning.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy will be able to seek employment within public, private and or voluntary sector settings, as well as provide services in diverse environments such as homes, schools, workplaces, health centres, supported accommodation, housing for seniors, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and forensic centres.
Course-specific information
High achieving students with a passion for research may be invited to transfer into the Honours stream of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (with Honours) are designed to meet the entry-level standards required by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Professional accreditation
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy has been granted accreditation by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Minimum Standards for Entry Level Education.
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Admission to this course is competitive. Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and the number of available places. Domestic applications will open on the 1st September. First offer round applications must be received by 30th November with offers being released mid-December. Applications remain open while vacancies exist for ongoing consideration of offers.
Applications from international students are accepted on an ongoing basis while vacancies exist. Please refer to the key dates (https://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/apply-to-uc/key-dates) for further information.
Additional admission requirements
Clinical practice is a key component of the program and is assessed. Students may be required to complete this component outside of teaching time. Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR, as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments. All students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, and Australian Federal Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience.
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 16 February 2026 | ||
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 15 February 2027 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (373JA) | 96 credit points
- From Sem 1, 2025, students must complete Option B (12135 + 12137 + 12139) instead of Option A (9813 + 9814)
- Students who commence their degree from 2026 onwards are to follow these requirements.
- Students who commenced their degree in 2025 and prior are to continue to follow these requirements.
- From Sem 1, 2025, students must complete Option B (12135 + 12137 + 12139) instead of Option A (9813 + 9814)
- - Must pass 9 credit points from anywhere in the University, as a breadth major, a breadth minor and/or as individual units.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Winter Term
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
Practice Period 6
Year 3
Year 4
Semester 1
Two Open Elective Units
Practice Period 7
Course duration
Standard 4 years full time or part-time equivalent. Maximum 10 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Apply evidence-based occupational therapy service planning, assessment, intervention, and review based on the needs of individuals and communities | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Evaluate and apply ethical and culturally responsive occupational therapy, supported by reflective practice. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Develop culturally responsive practice and understanding of lived experience and diverse perspectives to work equitably in cross cultural contexts including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Develop skills which support active engagement in lifelong learning through application of different systems of knowledge and creative use of technologies. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Communicate in a respectful, responsive, and effective manner to promote the occupational participation of individuals and communities. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
Placements requirements
1000 hours.
Majors
- Specialist Major in Occupational Therapy Practice (SM0088)
- Core Major in Allied Health (CM0023)
- Specialist Major in Occupational Therapy Theory (SM0089)
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | B OccupationalTherapy |
Honours
Students who successfully complete the requirement for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours will graduate with an AQF level 8 degree. The level of honours awarded will be specified as First Class Honours (H1); Second Class Honours, Division I (H2A); or Second Class Honours, division 2 (H2B) according to the Honours Courses Policy and Procedures.
A minimum requirement for entry to the Honours degree is a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 across all the required units in the first 5 semesters of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course (72 credit points). GPA is calculated according to the Measures of Academic Achievement Policy and Procedures.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours Convenor will select the students to be invited into the honours stream. An honours selection committee will review students' expression of interest for entry into the honours stream and make recommendations on which students are suitable for entry to the honours program. The honours selection committee will comprise i) the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours Convenor or their representative, ii) the Discipline Lead for Occupational Therapy or their representative, ii) at least one other member of occupational therapy staff.
The selection committee will consider the students' GPA, their motivation for enrolling in honours, their potential to maintain their GPA while completing a more demanding course of study, their writing ability, their performance in a selection interview, and any relevant factors as determined by the selection committee.
To remain in the honours stream, students i) must maintain a GPA greater than or equal to 5.0 across all units required for the final 3 semesters of the Honours degree of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course, and ii) must not fail any unit required for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours stream. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements will revert to the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy professional stream. These students may apply in writing to the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours Convenor to make a case for remaining in the honours stream due to extenuating circumstances. These applications will be considered on their merits and the student informed of the outcome.
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Domestic Students | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Current and Commencing Students | Email student.centre@canberra.edu.au |
| Prospective International Students | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
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