Key details
Duration
Intake
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.
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.
All students within the occupational therapy program will be registered by the Faculty 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
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
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

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 |
Core Units (28 units) | 320cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 320 credit points as detailed below. HSC111 Ethics in Health Care ^ students completing a double degree (Bachelor/Master) and who need to undertake level 5 (500 level) or level 6 (600 level) units must do so via manual enrolment. See Special Enrolment, accessed via the eForms tile through the CDU Portal. |
320cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student 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:
- 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 |
PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO |
HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care | CO |
Year 2 | |||
HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE261 Functional Anatomy | CO |
PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | CO |
MAN204 Project Management | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO |
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 |
SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO |
Year 4 | |||
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 |
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.
Essential requirements
English language 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.
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.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
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 or UAC.
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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