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 practice areas. 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.
Discover our health and community services courses.
*2023 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 31 January 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Year
2025 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
- 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. Elective units may be chosen from any faculty in the University provided that prerequisites are met.
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, 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 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 and Respect at Deakin (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
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 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).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or 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.
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
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.) 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)
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 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 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – 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
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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 on our Current students fees website.
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, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
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)
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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- 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
With the health care and social assistance sector continuing to grow, there is a strong industry demand for graduates with specialist skills to work across a range of organisations as part of interdisciplinary teams. Occupational therapists are in particular demand with the Australian government projecting a 16.9% increase in jobs over the next five years.*
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.
*2023 Employment Projections - for the five years to 2028, 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.
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.
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.
H355 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice |
| Problem solving | Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Self-management | Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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)
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice and research. |
| Problem solving | Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Self-management | Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Teamwork | Practice collaboratively, professionally, respectfully and contribute occupational therapy expertise within inter and intra professional teams. Assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Global citizenship | 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. |
Footnotes
^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 2016–2022 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).