A tasty career ahead
An unexpected degree choice, has opened up new doors with an exciting career for this Food Science and Human Nutrition Graduate.
Selection Rank
89.05
92.93 (Median SR)
International entry requirement
Duration
4 years full-time.
Location
Start dates
- Semester 1 - 24 Feb 2020
Fees
AUD34,540 (indicative annual fee, 2020)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
English language proficiency
- IELTS overall minimum - 7.0
- IELTS section minimum - 7.0
Duration
4 years full-time.
Mode of delivery
Face to Face
Study occupational therapy
Help people live a healthy and full life.
The University of Newcastle's Occupational Therapy degree program trains world-class occupational therapists. Our graduates work worldwide, helping people and communities overcome unique challenges to get the most out of everyday life activities. You'll learn to help children reach developmental milestones or manage their disability. You'll study how to assist older clients to return to their daily lives after a stroke or hip replacement. Or perhaps you will help people return to work following an accident.
As an occupational therapist, your skills will be invaluable as you work closely with individuals to assess their unique situation, determine goals and put together a plan for success.
Why study with us?
- Learn from research leaders - our University is a global leader in medical and health science research, keeping you on the forefront of breaking research discoveries.
- World-class facilities - our interactive, specially designed clinical skills laboratory includes a modified bathroom and kitchen and a virtual house and playground.
- Be work-ready - students complete 1,000+ hours of hands-on experience through clinical placements in public and private centres.
- International study options - you may have the opportunity to complete an overseas placement, or be eligible for international travel grants and scholarships.
- Tick the boxes for professional registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
1,000+ hours
?
of clinical placement
97% Employed
?
within four months of graduating
What you will study
Your occupational therapy studies at the University of Newcastle will teach you theoretical knowledge in biomedical, behavioural and occupational sciences. You will also have plenty of opportunities to hone your skills through hands-on professional placements. You will study a variety of courses to:
- Gain professional occupational therapy skills through case-based training and interactive team work activities designed to help you become a creative thinker and self-directed learner.
- Learn exceptional communication and interpersonal skills needed to work one-on-one with patients as an occupational therapist.
- Develop critical research skills that will set you in good stead for life-long learning in the field of occupational therapy.
Within your courses your areas of study will include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomedical, behavioural and occupational sciences and therapy
- Mental health
- Psychology
- Sociology and community development
All University of Newcastle occupational therapy students graduate with Honours, giving you a distinct advantage when seeking employment. As part of the Honours component you can choose from two study pathways.
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are well prepared and enjoy great employment prospects with 97% securing jobs within four months of completing their degree. Careers in occupational therapy are immensely rewarding as you work closely with individuals to assess their unique situation, determine goals and put together a plan for success.
Take a look below for some common roles for occupational therapy graduates.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy will typically find employment in both public and private sectors in a wide range of practice settings, from hospitals through to industry. The list below provides typical job titles for Occupational Therapy graduates.
Some of these jobs will depend upon the amount and level of study undertaken, level of experience, and the combination of other majors and electives studied, for example some may require further study.
- Art Therapist
- Child Protection Officer
- Disability Services Manager
- Exercise Rehabilitation/Injury Management Advisor
- Hand Therapist
- Health Promotion Officer
- Lifestyle Coordinator
- Mental Health Clinician
- Mental Health Intake Officer
- Occupational Hygienist
- Occupational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Consultant
- Senior Mental Health Clinician
- University Lecturer/Academic
Not everyone uses their degree in the same way and the transferable skills gained through university study may allow graduates to pursue a range of careers that might not be directly linked to their study. Below is a sample list of job titles that might be suitable for graduates with the skills gained upon completion of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
Some of these jobs will depend upon the amount and level of study undertaken, level of experience, and the combination of other majors and electives studied, for example some may require further study.
- Aid Worker
- Disability Services Officer
- Echocardiography Technologist
- Music Therapist
- Policy Officer/Analyst
Professional recognition
University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is accredited by Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTB) as part of the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).
Practical experience
Professional placement
All University of Newcastle occupational therapy students complete 1,000 hours of professional practice during their degree, starting in first year. During your placement, you are mentored and supervised by qualified occupational therapy practice educators. You can undertake your placement in a variety of settings, both locally and nationally, including rural placements.
Final year supervised practice
You will work independently in your final year of studies, carrying a caseload under supervision. As well as building your professional skills and understanding, your supervised practice gives you the chance to sample the wide range of career possibilities available to you as an occupational therapist.
On-campus facilities
During your degree, you will have access to interactive, technology-based learning facilities, including our specially designed clinical skills laboratory, complete with a modified home (bathroom and kitchen) and a virtual house and playground.
