Undergraduate
Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy
2021
A career as an occupational therapist (OT) will open doors to a multitude of opportunities in health and social care delivery. This unique area of health prepares graduates to work with people across all ages who may have motor-sensory or muscular-skeletal impairments, disability, injuries or mental health problems that impact their ability to cope with day-to-day activities.
This course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to improve the lives of the clients, families and communities in which you will work.
The Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy incorporates 1000 hours of health practicum supported by CDU academics and registered OT professionals. There are unique placement opportunities in the Northern Territory's local, rural and remote areas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students are encouraged to apply. CDU's Indigenous Student Support services are on hand to support you through your degree. This course offers international study opportunities and welcomes international students with a dedicated international student support academic.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as community health centres, public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, paediatric facilities, education facilities, mental health settings, alcohol and drug services, private clinics, non-government organisations, correctional institutions, universities and research facilities, corporate and industrial settings, supported employment and government departments.
Professional recognition
Students are required to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) and graduates can apply for registration as Occupational Therapists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Credit transfers & pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
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There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 70*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma with a GPA of at least 5.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 162 (or a score of 168 if prior to May 2010).
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program or the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses or a recognised enabling course of at least twelve months duration.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 58 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 22 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
If you are undertaking a course with clinical or fieldwork placements you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing clinical/fieldwork placements. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Course structure
Occupational therapists have diverse career opportunities leading to work with clients across all ages in multidisciplinary health settings. On completion of this course, you will graduate with both a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy and qualify to register as an Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of Australia's health disparities and global health perspectives, including opportunity to participate in international study programs. You will be prepared to enter the OT workforce with skills and knowledge to work with people across all ages who may have motor-sensory or muscular-skeletal impairments, disability, injuries or mental health problems that impact their ability to cope with life activities.
There are 1000 hours of health practicum supported by academics and registered OT health professionals. CDU encourages students to consider placements in the Northern Territory local, rural and remote areas.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Bachelor of Health Science Core Units (20 units) |
200cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 200 credit points as detailed below.
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
| Master of Occupational Therapy Core Units (8 units) |
120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below.
OCC501 Principles and Processes of Occupational Therapy |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Changes - 2021
Please note the following course structure changes:
- HSC210 Health Sociology has been replaced by HSC111 Ethics in Health Care. Students who have already completed HSC210 do not need to completed HSC111.
- HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health has been replaced by HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction. Students who have already completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
- PHM526 Research Design and PHM527 Health Research Skills have been removed and are no longer required.
- OCC601 and OCC602 have increased from a 20 credit point to a 30 credit point unit due to the significant placement requirements for this unit.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261 from 2021) | CO | ||
| PSY208 Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | CO | ||
| SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209 from 2021) | CO | ||||
| Year 3 | |||||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | OCC501 Principles and Processes of Occupational Therapy | CO | OCC601 Professional Practice 1 (WIL) (30 cp) | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | OCC502 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation | CO | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | OCC503 Humans as Occupational Beings | CO | ||
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO | ||||
| Year 4 | |||||
| OCC504 Occupational Therapy for Mental Health (WIL) (avail from 2022) | CO | OCC602 Professional Practice 2 (WIL) (30 cp) | CO | ||
| OCC505 Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescence (WIL) (avail from 2022) | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO | ||
| OCC506 Occupation Therapy for Adults and Older Adults (avail from 2022) | CO | ||||
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | CO |
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209 from 2021) | CO |
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | OCC503 Humans as Occupational Beings | CO |
| OCC501 Principles and Processes of Occupational Therapy | CO | OCC506 Occupation Therapy for Rehabilitation and Disabilities (avail from 2022) | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| PSY208 Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | OCC504 Occupational Therapy for Mental Health (WIL) (avail from 2022) | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | OCC602 Professional Practice 2 (WIL) (30 cp) | |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | CO | |
| OCC502 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| OCC505 Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescence (WIL) (avail from 2022) | CO | ||
| OCC601 Professional Practice 1 (WIL) (30 cp) | CO | ||
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $30,240.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Domestic students - undergraduate studies
SATAC
UAC
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.