Help people live everyday life and overcome day-to-day barriers.
Occupational Therapists help people overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing. In this program, you’ll learn occupational therapy, biological and social sciences, public health, and functional anatomy.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Occupational Therapists help people overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing. In this program, you’ll learn occupational therapy, biological and social sciences, public health, and functional anatomy.
Right from first year through to your final year, you’ll complete 1000 hours of fieldwork designed to give you professional skills and clinical experience in a wide range of settings and age groups. USC offers specialised facilities including a simulated independent living unit and allied health clinics to allow you to convert your knowledge into real life scenarios.
Gain research training experience and opt to undertake a research pathway (dependent on GPA). Our degree is fully accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, and as you graduate you’ll be eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Post-admission requirements
In the first year of the program, all students must obtain, or show proof of: a ‘Working with Children Check’ (‘blue card’), First Aid and CPR training, and immunisations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTPA, varicella); plus purchase an occupational therapy student uniform — refer to Program requirements. A Criminal History check is to be completed at the start of second year. Currency of each is to be maintained throughout the program.
Career opportunities
Hospitals, community health and mental health, vocational rehabilitation, child and adolescent services, aged care, private practice.
Membership
Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.
Registration
Registration is a requirement to work as an occupational therapist in Australia. Occupational therapist apply for registration through the Occupational Therapists Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
Accreditation
This program is fully accredited with Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.
Program structure
Program Structure
Introductory courses (10)
COR109 Introduction to Journalism
LFS103 Introduction to Creative Advertising
LFS112 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
LFS122 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
OCC101 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
OCC102 Editing for the Communications Professional
SCI110 Risk, Crisis and Issues Management
PSY100 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
PSY101 Communication Campaign Planning
PUB112 Community Engagement Events
Advanced courses (13)
OCC201 International Communication
OCC202 Public Relations Writing
OCC212 Researching Media and Audiences
OCC222 Public Relations Internship/Industry Project
OCC232 Social Media
OCC301 Politics and the Media
OCC311 Communication and Thought
OCC312 Human Development and Learning
OCC321 Integrating ICTs into Learning
OCC322 Foundations of Literacy and Numeracy
OCC331 Professional Learning: The Role of the Teacher
PSY203 Professional Learning: Connecting with Learning and Teaching
SPX201 Science Teaching in the Early Years
PLUS one of the following pathways:
Project Pathway courses (4) (96 units)
OCC401 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
OCC402 Engaging Diverse Learners
OCC432 Technologies and ICTs: Curriculum and Pedagogy
OCC442 Professional Learning: Facilitating the Learning Environment
Research Pathway courses (4) (96 units)
OCC401 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
OCC402 Assessing Learning
OCC422 Professional Learning: Responding to all Learner Needs
OCC452 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all courses as listed
In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card from the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA), throughout the duration of your program. You should allow 12 weeks for PSBA to issue the card. This is required by Week 8 of Semester 1, first Year
- Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule)
- Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained throughout the program)
- Purchase the required OT uniform
- You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is to be borne by the student
For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Occupational Therapy - Placements.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- The Study Overseas Program is not currently available to occupational therapy students
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan