Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
Occupational therapy (OT) is a degree-based health profession. Our accredited Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy degree is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Be equipped with the skills and knowledge to improve the lives of people, families, and communities with which you work. As a graduate of our Health Science/Occupational Therapy degree you will understand the importance of occupation to peoples and communities health and well being. You will develop the skills and knowledge to help achieve optimal health and well-being.
Secure practical experience by completing 1,000 hours of practice education with the support of our academics and registered occupational therapy professionals. Unique placement opportunities exist in the Northern Territory's regional, rural and remote areas.
Our Health Science/Occupational Therapy degree offers international study opportunities and welcomes both First Nations and international students with dedicated support services on hand to support you through your degree.
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
CDU's Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Occupational Therapy has been approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council, Occupational Therapy Australia.
The Master of Occupational Therapy course is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)
All students within the occupational therapy program will be registered by the Faculty of Health with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Under the National Law, all students are required to comply with a range of legislative requirements.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
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, subject to meeting criteria. 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
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $32,352.00. This equates to $ $4,044.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, 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.
Why study allied health services at CDU?
As one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, future-proof your career in allied health with CDU. Make your mark on the community through occupational therapy, speech therapy, paramedicine, sport science, creative therapies, or more.
- Complete a specialist Bachelor/Master double degree in 4 years instead of 5
- Join an innovative, research-intensive university
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study allied health services at CDU?
As one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, future-proof your career in allied health with CDU. Make your mark on the community through occupational therapy, speech therapy, paramedicine, sport science, creative therapies, or more.
- Complete a specialist Bachelor/Master double degree in 4 years instead of 5
- Join an innovative, research-intensive university
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Our Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy program comprises 320 credit points, is delivered internally and externally, and includes 1,000 hours of practice education, supported by our academics. External student are required to attend on campus intensives and both internal and external students will need attend regular synchronous learning through workshops (offered face to face and online) Unique opportunities exist in the Northern Territory's local, rural and remote areas.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Bachelor of Health Science Core Units (14 units) | 140cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as detailed below. HSC111 Ethics in Health Care *Students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should read the course changes and transitional arrangements provided below. |
| Bachelor of Health Science Specialist Elective Units (5 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points selected from the list of units below. SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE111 from 2025) |
| Master of Occupational Therapy Core Units (9 units) | 130cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 130 credit points as detailed below. OCC511^ Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (320cp)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 and SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 have been replaced by SBI161 and SBI162 from Semester 1 2025.
- Students who have completed BOTH SBI171 and SBI172 prior to 2025 do not need to complete SBI161 or SBI162.
- Students who have NOT completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should complete the two new units SBI161 and SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI171 only (and not SBI172) should complete SBI172 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI172 only (and not SBI171) should complete SBI171 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI161.
SBI171 and SBI172 will be offered for a final time in 2025 but will only be available to students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025.
SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery has been replaced by SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery. Students that have completed SP111 prior to 2025 should not complete SPE112.
SPE261 Functional Anatomy has been replaced by SPE262 Functional Anatomy. Students that have completed SPE261 prior to 2025 should not complete SPE262.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024
From 2024, the course structure has changed and split out the core unit requirements for the Bachelor and Master courses and detailed the specialist elective units for the Bachelor of Health Science.
> Bachelor of Health Science Core units - 140 credit points
> Bachelor of Health Science Specialist Elective units - 50 credit points
> Master of Occupational Therapy Core units - 130 credit points
- HSC133 replaces HSC203. Students who have completed HSC203 do not complete HSC133.
- NUR256 replaces HSC312. Students who have completed HSC312 do not complete NUR256.
- PHM526 has been added as a core unit in the Master of Occupational Therapy. Students who have completed SWK312 do not complete PHM526.
- HSC312 and SWK312 have been removed from the course structure.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO | ||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO | ||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE262 Functional Anatomy (replaces SPE261 from 2025) | SE | ||
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO | ||
| HSC111 Ethics in Health Care | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice (replaces HSC312 from 2024) | CO | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE111 from 2025) | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| OCC511 Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice | CO | OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation | CO | ||
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice Education 1 | CO | ||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO | ||
| PHM526 Research Design (replaces SWK312 from 2024) | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| Intensive 1 (commences Monday 6th January) | Intensive 2 (commences Monday 3rd of March) | Semester 2 | |||
| OCC514 Mental Health Approaches in Occupational Therapy Practice (20cp) | CO | OCC515 Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth (20cp) | CO | ||
| OCC516 Occupational Therapy Practice for Adults and Older Adults (20cp) | CO | OCC612 Occupational Therapy Practice Education 2 (20cp) | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE262 Functional Anatomy (replaces SPE261 from 2025) | SE |
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| HSC111 Ethics in Health Care | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice (replaces HSC312 from 2024) | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE111 from 2025) | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PHM526 Research Design (replaces SWK312 from 2024) | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| Year 6 | |||
| OCC511 Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice | CO | OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation | CO |
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice Education 1 | CO |
| Year 7 | |||
| Intensive 2 (commences Monday 3rd of March) | Semester 2 | ||
| OCC514 Mental Health Approaches in Occupational Therapy Practice (20cp) | CO | OCC515 Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth (20cp) | CO |
| Year 8 | |||
| Intensive 1 (commences Monday 6th January) | Semester 2 | ||
| OCC516 Occupational Therapy Practice for Adults and Older Adults (20cp) | CO | OCC612 Occupational Therapy Practice Education 2 (20cp) | CO |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer.
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 Certificate IV 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 147.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program or the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses or other recognised tertiary preparation course
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
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.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 22 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 8 | .0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 30 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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