Accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council
Join one of the strongest growth areas within the health sector*
Graduate job ready with access to industry placements
Key facts
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Students who meet eligibility requirements will enrol in H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) for their fourth year of study.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Employment in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector is projected to grow by 301,000 (or 15.8%) by 2026^. 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 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 their fields of research and have extensive experience in a diverse range of occupational therapy specialisations. You will have the opportunity to learn from experts and colleagues from other disciplines, preparing you to become an active member of interdisciplinary teams.
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 children, adolescents, adults, and older people who are experiencing difficulty completing their daily activities. This might be due to physical or mental illness, disability, injury, or environmental barriers.
Occupational therapy has experienced strong growth over the past five years and is expected to grow steadily into the future. As a qualified occupational therapist, you can find employment in areas as diverse as:
- acute, psychiatric or rehabilitation hospitals
- community health organisations
- government departments or agencies
- mental health services
- private practices
- rehabilitation services
- primary and secondary schools
- universities and research institutes
- workplace wellbeing, occupational health and safety, and rehabilitation services.
These are just a few of the organisations our high-achieving graduates have gone on to work in:
- Alfred Health
- Barwon Health
- Bellarine Community Health
- Department of Education
- genU
- Western District Health.
- Western Health
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. As international borders reopen, you will also have the option to complete an overseas study tour to countries including Denmark, India, Sri Lanka and Sweden, putting your acquired skills into practice and learning about the occupational therapy profession from different perspectives.
^2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400411591 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400415351 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400711591 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400715351 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- H355
- CRICOS code?
- 055178G Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Pass stream comprises 32 credit points, including 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 HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
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)
- Warrnambool from 2024
This course structure is for students commencing Trimester 1 2023 onwards. Students who commenced their course before 2023 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 - additional information
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 classes, 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 wit 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.
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Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE 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
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your secondary education and subsequent academic records as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
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 are 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.
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
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their 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.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 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
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete 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 8 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 fees and available payment options.
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
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in 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.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Entry 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.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Occupational therapy has experienced very strong growth over the past five years and is expected to grow very strongly over the next five years – in 2020 there were 22,700 occupational therapists in Australia and this is likely to reach 26,600 by 2025*.
Through this course, you could find employment in areas as diverse 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
- private occupational therapy practices
- primary and secondary schools
- Western District Health.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, which means you will be able to practise professionally in Australia and 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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Footnotes
*Australian Government Job Outlook 2017
^ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019
# Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).