Bachelor (Honours)
Occupational therapists understand that health and wellbeing is affected by a person's environment, the things they do, and their state of health. They work with a wide range of people in a number of settings and manage complex and difficult problems.
Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
You will spend over 1,000 hours completing practice placements in metropolitan, rural or regional settings, providing you with the opportunity to consolidate and apply your knowledge and skills. You could also have the opportunity to complete a placement overseas.
The curriculum is based on innovative research, meaning your degree is industry-informed, relevant and up-to-date. You can also use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Masters by Research and doctoral studies.
During the first two years of this degree you will study the basics needed to gain a clear understanding of the links between human occupations, health, development, illness and disability. The topics covered in these early stages include:
Second and third years focus on application specific courses, including mental health, occupation rehabilitation, chronic conditions, community focus, primary health care and health promotion, as well as participatory community practice.
Practical learning is a strong focus, particularly during your second, third and fourth years when you will practice your skills in a variety of settings during extensive field placements. You will also attend workshops in a variety of industry settings such as Guide Dogs SA, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and Independent Living Centres.
Knowledge and skills in problem solving, communication, lifelong learning, ethical action and valuing difference are emphasised and developed throughout the degree.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
A successful occupational therapist is practical, logical, attentive and observant. You will enjoy working with people and be mentally and physically capable. This field of work is immensely rewarding and can offer exciting challenges, assisting people of all ages to overcome physical and mental barriers in their life.
As an occupational therapist you can gain employment in a range of settings across the various health, disability and community sectors, working with people across the lifespan including:
There are also opportunities to work with both children and their families, to assist with the child's development of functional skills and strategies to build their motor skills, social skills and self-care.
The degree prepares you for working overseas, as the qualification is recognised in most countries.
You may also choose to pursue a career in research - graduates with honours degrees are highly sought after by prospective employers, particularly within academia and research settings.