Course overview
Develop the skills to support people to live more independently with Deakin's accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. You will learn to assess people’s strengths and limitations, identify environmental and social barriers, and design personalised, evidence-based interventions that enable participation in meaningful activities across all stages of life.
Learn from expert occupational therapy educators and work alongside other disciplines to build your capability as part of an interdisciplinary team. Practice education is embedded in every year of the course, with over 1000 hours completed across diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, and community health services. Combined with hands-on learning in state-of-the-art specialist facilities, a practical focus contributes to Deakin being ranked the #1 Victorian university for occupational therapy course satisfaction. You will graduate confident, career ready, and eligible for professional registration as an occupational therapist.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400411591 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400415351 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400711591 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- (Regional and Remote)
1400715351 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- H355
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 055178G Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
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Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 31 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of open electives
Some students also have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in their fourth year of the course. Entry into the Occupational Therapy Honours program is by invitation. To receive an invitation, a student must:
- achieve a minimum a distinction average upon completion of level 3 studies, and
- successfully complete HSO302 Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practice
To be awarded H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) a student must successfully complete:
- three honours units at level 4 (listed under course structure H455 below), and
- two trimester 1 level 4 units HSO403 and HSO405
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 4 - Pass stream
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Level 4 - H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
(CRICOS code: 088320A)
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
This course structure is for students commencing Trimester 1 2026 onwards. Students who commenced their course before 2026 should refer to previous handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Department of Health safety screening requirements include Police Record Check, Working with Children Check, Immunisation status and NDIS Worker Screening Check
Inherent requirements
All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe the skills, values and behaviours that students need to achieve. Students should consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.
Working with Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education impeding their progression in the course. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to practice education in each calendar year of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course. In addition, an organisation may refuse to accept a student with disclosable outcomes, impeding the student’s progression in the course. Learn more about the National Police Record Check.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and community organisations where they will be undertaking their practice education. An organisation may refuse to accept a student for practice education if the student’s immunisation status does not align with their requirements, impeding the student’s progression in the course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All domestic students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check at the commencement of the course. International students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check check by the commencement of second year. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. Students who fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check may not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course.
Note
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the following mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional practice education experience:
- Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
- An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
- A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
- Immunisation Status
Workload
Students are expected to participate in a range of learning activities. This may include lectures, seminars, simulations, peer collaboration and online interaction. Refer to unit details on the unit site or the University Handbook for more information.
Participation requirements
This course involves compulsory practice education in each year of the course. The requirement of completing a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education during the course is essential for the course to meet national and international accreditation standards.
Deakin seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. If you have questions about adjustments that may be possible or applicable in your situation, we encourage you to reach out to Future Students Domestic students/ International students or Disability Resource Centre for a confidential discussion. You will be connected to a staff member who will be able to discuss your circumstances and how the School and University can help to put reasonable accommodations in place. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career, and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Work experience
Practice Education
Practice education provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Practice education is embedded in each year of the course. In each practice education unit, practice education is a mandatory hurdle requirement. Successful completion of all practice education is required to maintain progression in the course.
A minimum of 1000 practice education hours will be gained as per The World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) minimum standards. These practice education hours will occur in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, community health organisations and private practice. Placements may be in metropolitan, regional, rural, and interstate locations and will require you to engage with diverse client groups.
Students are generally required to complete at least one placement in an out-of-region location (excluding their principal place of residence) during their degree. Placements may incur additional travel and accommodation costs. Practice education is scheduled at specific points across each year, including during university holidays and trimester breaks. A schedule detailing these placements is developed in advance of the commencing academic year.
Further details related to practice education can be found on the School Practice Education page.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Domestic Students and International Students who have completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
International students who have NOT completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.) will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- The equivalent to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, Health and Human Development or any Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Health and Human Development or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
Current year 12 students from regional and remote areas may be eligible for additional aggregate points to their selection rank through Deakin's Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$10,894 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Indigenous Access Scheme
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with our pathways finder.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Articulated courses:
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (H455)
Career outcomes
With the health care and social assistance sector continuing to grow, there is a strong industry demand for occupational therapy graduates with specialist skills to work across a range of organisations. Occupational therapists are in particular demand with the Australian government projecting a 17.2% increase in jobs over the next five years.*
As the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, Deakin prepares you to meet this demand with confidence. Occupational therapy is a career where you will have a direct impact; enabling people of all ages reach their goals and lead a meaningful life, whether it be in paediatrics and childhood development, adult and aged care, mental health, neurology, environmental design and home modification, or community health and disability support.
Deakin's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) prepares you to work across a diverse range of settings, such as:
- acute, psychiatric or rehabilitation hospitals
- community health organisations
- government departments or agencies
- mental health services
- private practices
- research institutes
- primary and secondary schools
- workplace wellbeing, occupational health and safety, and rehabilitation services.
Our graduates have found employment with the following organisations, as well as many more:
- Barwon Health
- Bayside Health (Alfred, Peninsula)
- Bellarine Community Health
- Department of Education
- genU
- NDIS
- private occupational therapy practices
- primary and secondary schools
- South West Healthcare
- Western Health
- Western District Health Services
- TAC.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Honours will design, conduct, and evaluate occupational therapy research by applying appropriate methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation, integrating evidence-based knowledge, critical thinking, and digital literacy to inform practice and generate new insights.
*2025 Employment Projections - for the five years to 2030, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) are accredited 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 and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
For Warrnambool only:
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) programs delivered at the Warrnambool campus are granted accreditation by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) with conditions until 2027, subject to submission of satisfactory monitoring reports.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
H355 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply evidence based/evidence informed knowledge about occupation and its dynamic relationship with people, the environment and health, to design and deliver strengths-based, person- and community-centred occupational therapy services. |
| Communicate sensitively, professionally, and respectfully to advocate for and with clients, families, preferred supports, colleagues, and communities using strengths-based, culturally safe language and a range of communication tools and strategies. |
| Seek, use, and critically evaluate information located and accessed from digital and other technologies to enhance occupational therapy practice, professional development, and research, and promote participation for diverse populations. |
| Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice |
| Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Practice collaboratively, professionally, and respectfully and contribute occupational therapy expertise within inter and intra professional teams. Demonstrate willingness and capability to assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Demonstrate ethical and co-constructed occupational therapy practice and research through the integration of diverse worldviews, perspectives and insights of local and global cultures and heritages, with a particular emphasis on working alongside and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. |
H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply evidence based/informed knowledge about occupation and its dynamic relationship with people, the environment and health, to design and deliver strengths-based, person- and community-centred occupational therapy services. Apply and plan the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. |
| Communicate sensitively, professionally, and respectfully to advocate for and with clients, families, preferred supports, colleagues, and communities using strengths-based, culturally safe language and a range of communication tools and strategies. Disseminate research findings to a range of stakeholders. |
| Seek, use, and critically evaluate information located and accessed from digital and other technologies to enhance occupational therapy practice, support continuing professional development, and research, and promote participation for diverse populations. |
| Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice and research. |
| Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Practice collaboratively, professionally, respectfully and contribute occupational therapy expertise within inter and intra professional teams. Assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Demonstrate ethical and co-constructed occupational therapy practice and research through the integration of diverse worldviews, perspectives and insights of local and global cultures and heritages, with a particular emphasis on working alongside and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
