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.
Practical experience
To complete the Master of Occupational Therapy students are required to attend on-campus simulated learning experiences in Darwin (NT), once per semester and complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised occupational therapy practice education.
Practice education:
In the first year of the course students will undertake a practice education project placement with an organisation in Semester 2 for 10 hours a week over 12 weeks. In the second year of the course, students will complete a practice education clinical placement for 30 hours a week over 12 weeks in semester 1, and a capstone placement for 38 hours a week over 12 weeks in semester 2.
On-campus simulated learning:
In the first year of the course students are required to attend ten consecutive days on-campus in Semester 1, and five consecutive days on-campus in Semester 2. In the second year of the course, students attend on-campus for 5 consecutive days each semester (25 days in total).
Students are required to self-fund attendance at the on-campus simulated learning in Darwin and practice education placements, including covering any costs associated with travel and accommodation. Reasonable travel for community-based practice education placements is an expectation within the occupational therapy course. This may include travel or relocation for 5-8 weeks for one placement block in a regional or remote location. Options to apply for funding to assist with covering these costs are available through CDU Scholarship and Faculty of Health Placements Central. First Nations students are able to access the away from base funding through CDU if their attendance at the residential school or placement meets the eligibility requirements.
Students with a part-time study plan should discuss with the Course Coordinator how these requirements fit into their program of study.
Professional recognition
This degree is 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.
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
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 2026 is AUD $35,584.00. This equates to $ $4,448.00 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 |
| Core Units (14 units) | 140cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as detailed below. HSC111 Ethics in Health Care |
| 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 |
| Master of Occupational Therapy Core Units (10 units) | 130cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 130 credit points as detailed below: OCC311 Foundations of Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice # ^ 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 |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
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 assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE262 Functional Anatomy | SE |
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | NUR256Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| OCC311 Foundations of Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice # | CO | OCC524 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Mental Health # | CO |
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings # | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ## | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation # | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| OCC525 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Children and Youth (available from 2027) # | CO | OCC526 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Adults and Older Adults (available from 2027) # | CO |
| OCC518 Occupational Therapy Practice 2 (available from 2027) ## | CO | OCC613 Occupational Therapy Practice 3 (30cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO |
| HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals | CO | ||
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE262 Functional Anatomy | SE |
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | SPE112 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| OCC311 Foundations of Occupational Therapy Profession and Practice # | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| OCC513 Humans as Occupational Beings # | CO | OCC517 Occupational Therapy Practice 1 ## | CO |
| OCC512 Enabling Occupational Abilities and Participation # | CO | OCC524 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Mental Health # | SE |
| Year 7 | |||
| OCC525 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Children and Youth (available from 2027) # | CO | OCC526 Occupational Therapy Approaches - Adults and Older Adults (available from 2027) # | CO |
| HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals | CO | ||
| Year 8 | |||
| OCC518 Occupational Therapy Practice 2 (available from 2027) ## | CO | OCC613 Occupational Therapy Practice 3 (30cp) (available from 2027) ## | CO |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend 30 hours on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit (24 hours for OCC311, OCC512 and OCC513).
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
This course has no semester 2 commencement.
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 requirement for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nations and NT Resident applicants.
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
Pre-clinical Requirements
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical placements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunisation requirements, Senior First Aid qualification, annual criminal record checks and/or working with children clearances and/or fitness-to-practice requirements.
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
Senior First Aid
A current senior first aid certificate is required before you can undertake practical placements.
Fitness to Practice
A fitness to practice check is required for placements in the course.
Immunisation Schedule
A current immunisation schedule is required before you can undertake practical placements.
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. 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
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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.
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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