Key facts
4 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Deakin's accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy gives you a cutting-edge, practical education; preparing you to identify people's strengths and limitations, environmental and social supports and barriers, and the role these play in people's ability to participate in occupations meaningful to them.
You will gain the expertise needed to develop personalised, evidence-based intervention plans with people whose health and wellbeing is affected by issues including injury, illness, disability or environmental barriers. You will learn from our expert occupational therapy staff who are leaders in a diverse range of occupational therapy specialisations. You will also learn, from experts and colleagues from other disciplines, preparing you to become an active member of interdisciplinary teams. 1000 hours of practical experience ensures you graduate job-ready, with the skills to make a difference in people’s lives and make your mark in the rapidly growing health sector.^
Passionate about promoting good health and wellbeing and improving people's quality of life?
Occupation is more than jobs or paid employment. Occupation refers to all meaningful activities that people engage in throughout their life. As a qualified occupational therapist, you will be able to work collaboratively with people of all ages to enable them to successfully engage in the occupations that they need and want to do. The knowledge and skills you develop throughout your study will enable you to enhance people’s quality of life at home, work and in the community. You will be qualified to work with people of all ages who are having difficulties completing their daily activities; this might be due to physical or mental illness, disability, injury, or environmental barriers.
This course will prepare you to work as an occupational therapist across a range of areas such as:
- paediatrics and childhood development
- adult and aged care
- mental health
- neurology
- environmental design and home modification
- community health
- disability support
Starting in your first year, you will complete eight different placements totalling over 1000 hours in a range of occupational therapy practice areas. This invaluable real-world work experience, combined with practical learning in our on-campus state-of-the-art occupational therapy learning spaces, will ensure you graduate confident and career-ready. You will also have the option to complete an overseas study tour to countries such as Denmark, India, and Sweden, putting your acquired skills into practice and learning about the occupational therapy profession from different perspectives.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the Greater City of Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC code. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score. Make the most of your ATAR.
^2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400415353 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- H355
- CRICOS code?
- 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.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Pass stream students must attain 32 credit points, which must include 30 credit points of core units and 2 credit points of elective units.
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 at least a distinction average upon completion of level 3 studies
- 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)
- two trimester one level 4 units HSO403 and HSO405.
Failure of a fieldwork component in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy may lead to exclusion from the course. Students will be required to complete at least one fieldwork component in a regional area of Victoria or adjacent areas.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
30
Core units
2
Elective units
32
Total
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit
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
Elective units
Elective units may be chosen from any faculty in the University provided that prerequisites are met. A maximum of two elective units may be studied at level 1.
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
This course structure is for students commencing Trimester 1 2024 onwards. Students who commenced their course before 2024 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).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Inherent requirements
Applications are accepted from students who possess the skills and prerequisites required to complete the course, gain professional certification and practise safely. The inherent requirements of the course are listed here.
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. 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 students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check at the commencement of the course. 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.
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 trimester 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.
Elective units that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning, or collaborative research training may be selected, however, the hours may not be eligible to contribute to assessable OT specific placement hours.
Reasonable adjustments to participation can be made for students with a health condition or impairment impacting performance. The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) can provide advice and support.
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 within academic units in each trimester of the 4 year course. In each of these units, 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. All students are required to participate in at least one regional or rural practice education placement during their degree. Placements may incur additional travel and accommodation costs. Practice education can occur at any time, including in holidays and trimester breaks. A schedule detailing these placements is developed in advance of the commencing academic year. The current Practice Education Schedule can be here:
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.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
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
Higher education
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)
Vocational education
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
Work and life experience
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.
English language proficiency requirements
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.)
- 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)
Selection adjustments
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
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
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 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Careers
Career outcomes
With the health care and social assistance sector continuing to show robust growth^, there is a strong industry demand for graduates with specialist skills to work across a range of organisations as part of interdisciplinary teams. Occupational therapy is a career where you will have a direct impact; helping 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 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:
- Alfred Health
- Barwon Health
- Bellarine Community Health
- Department of Education
- genU
- NDIS
- private occupational therapy practices
- primary and secondary schools
- Western District Health
- TAC.
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (OTC) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), which means you will be able to practise professionally in Australia as well as overseas.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply specialised knowledge about occupation and health across the lifespan; and knowledge of research principles and methods, to provide person centred occupational therapy services for individuals, groups, organisations, communities or populations and to conduct an occupationally relevant research project. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively, professionally and respectfully with clients, families, carers, co-workers and colleagues using clear and appropriate language and communication modes. 2.2 Effectively communicate the implication of research findings for occupational therapy practice |
| Digital literacy | Seek out and critically evaluate information located and accessed from digital and other technologies to inform occupational therapy practice, support continuing professional development, research projects and promote participation for people with diverse abilities. |
| Critical thinking | Critically assess, interpret, and evaluate information to plan and implement appropriate, person-centred occupational therapy intervention and to inform research ethics and activity. |
| Problem solving | Effectively apply problem solving skills using critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making and reflection to the design, implementation and evaluation of person centred occupational therapy service, research and scholarship. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate high professional standards through identification and implementation of independent learning and professional development strategies for the benefit of clients, families and others, colleagues and the profession. |
| Teamwork | Establish and maintain occupational therapy practice within inter-professional teams that is ethical, evidence based, professional, respectful and collaborative, and assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical, culturally relevant, professional and appropriate decision making which is respectful of the diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts within Australian and global communities. Justify the position of a research project within a national and international context. |
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Occupational therapy at Deakin
Hear from Deakin occupational therapy students and the course director about how Deakin prepares you for a rewarding career in health. You'll be taught by industry experts and gain 1000+ hours of practical experience, ensuring you graduate ready to work as a confident and competent occupational therapist.