Study Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (Whyalla) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partially complete a recognised higher education program at Bachelor or higher level at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete a Diploma level program at a recognised higher education institution
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Brochure Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

Degree overview

Develop the skills to succeed as an occupational therapist and help people of all ages maintain and improve their day-to-day activities.
Study South Australia’s first fully accredited degree in occupational therapy from a university with more than 50 years of experience in allied health education.
Graduate ready to register as an occupational therapist through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Engage in more than 1,000 hours of real-world practice placements and immerse yourself in the local workforce while studying.
Benefit from our strong partnerships and alliances with not-for-profit organisations, aged care facilities and community restorative programs, health and disability, and children’s service providers.
Learn on-campus from award-winning teaching staff, academics, practicing health professionals and researchers in the field.
Experience quality teaching with the benefits of a relaxed campus environment, small class sizes, and strong community connections.
Study a contemporary and culturally diverse curriculum informed by above world-class research in occupational therapy.¹
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,² we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Unleash your unstoppable career in occupational therapy, and be at the forefront of helping people of all ages to actively participate in society, irrespective of limitations. This four-year honours degree will teach you how to help people overcome constraints caused by injury or illness, and help them navigate and manage emotional, developmental, environmental, societal, age-related and psychological limitations.

As a registered occupational therapist, you’ll be an integral part of the allied health workforce working to improve the health and wellbeing of regional South Australians.1 You’ll be able to work across a variety of areas, ranging from hospitals and private practice to aged care and schools, with strong applicability into international workforces.

As an honours degree, you will graduate with a respected qualification, and can tailor your studies to either a professional or research stream, depending on your career goals.

You can also use your qualification as a pathway to postgraduate study. This can include upskilling into areas like mental health or management, or continuing into research with a Master of Research and doctoral studies.

¹SA Rural Allied and Scientific Health Workforce Plan 2021–26, Government of South Australia

What you'll need

Students who undertake clinical placements in University clinics and gyms, or with external clinical partners, must meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program. On successful completion of the program, full AHPRA registration is undertaken.

What you'll learn

Your first year will focus on core health subjects including anatomy, physiology, and an introduction to occupational therapy practice and evidence in acute settings.

From second and third year, you’ll focus on the application of your skills in mental health, occupational rehabilitation, chronic conditions, community health, primary health care and participatory community practice.

In addition to field placements, you’ll attend workshops in a range of industry settings, which will offer first-hand insight into the scope of practice.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be exposed to many different hands-on activities that may be part of your future role. This includes:

adult neurological rehabilitation techniques
communication and group work techniques
designing home modification and environmental adaptations
trialling and adapting assistive technology
splint making
dressing adaptations for people with self-care impairments
wheelchair measurement tutorials
completing skill demonstrations to become familiar with contemporary occupational therapy scenarios

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	HLTH 1063	4.5
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Physiology Essentials 100	BIOL 1051	4.5
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice	REHB 1030	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice	HLTH 1043	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings	REHB 1031	4.5
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice	REHB 2049	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 7
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation	REHB 2043	4.5
The Individual in Society 200	BEHL 2002	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Neuroscience	BIOL 2040	4.5
Therapeutic Communication and Group Work	REHB 2044	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice Education	REHB 3063	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation	REHB 2046	4.5
THIRD YEAR (Professional Stream)
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	REHB 2045	4.5
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	REHB 3064	4.5
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions	REHB 3061	4.5
Occupational Science	REHB 3062	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Participatory Community Practice: Planning	REHB 3043	9
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	REHB 3060	4.5
Advanced Evidence Based Practice	HLTH 3057	4.5
FOURTH YEAR (Professional Stream)			Note(s): 5
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation	REHB 4045	9
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 400	REHB 4046	4.5
Occupational Therapy Field Placement 400	REHB 4043	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Occupational Therapy Field Placement 401	REHB 4028	9
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 401	REHB 4047	4.5
THIRD YEAR (Research Stream)
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	REHB 2045	4.5
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	REHB 3064	4.5
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions	REHB 3061	4.5
Occupational Science	REHB 3062	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Participatory Community Practice: Planning	REHB 3043	9
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	REHB 3060	4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation	REHB 3010	4.5
FOURTH YEAR (Research Stream)			Note(s): 5
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Participatory Community Practice: Implementation	REHB 4045	9
Health Science Honours Thesis	REHB 4012	9
Occupational Therapy Field Placement 400	REHB 4043	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Occupational Therapy Field Placement 401	REHB 4028	9

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.

3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.

4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.

Notes

1. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.

2. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.

3. Students may be required to spend at least one field practice placement in an Adelaide metropolitan agency.

4. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.

5. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 36 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 18 units in the first half of the year with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.

6. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.

7. The Undergraduate Elective is a course that students freely choose from any area of the University, generally outside of their specialist field of study. Students must choose one Undergraduate Elective based on availability and fulfilment of any prerequisites.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

group assignments
practical tests
quizzes
group and individual presentations
skill demonstrations
essays and assignments
examinations
evidence based practice reviews
case studies and industry style reports
portfolios
research project and thesis

Honours

This is a four-year professional degree with honours. You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree.

The honours component includes a minimum of one year of either a research stream or a professional stream.

The professional stream option includes a range of advanced courses where you‘ll develop advanced skills in evidenced based practice and a broad range of professional development opportunities. This will give you the ability to innovate in your practice as an occupational therapist.

The research stream option is offered to high achieving students as part of their honours studies and involves an honours thesis course where you’ll undertake a research project. You’ll get to consult, discuss and problem-solve your research project with a group of experienced researchers, and make a true contribution to scientific knowledge.

Previous honours projects have included:

Developing an intake questionnaire to support consistent data collection in private practices
Exploring how quality rehabilitation is represented and promoted within stroke clinical guidelines
Considering how international placement experiences influence graduate practice
Reviewing sensory approaches used by Australian occupational therapists working in mental health settings
Developing and evaluating a research tool for assessing work and leisure in assistance dogs
Increasing community engagement with, and ownership of, a behaviour change intervention among rural South Australians
Establishing a profile of theoretical models and approaches used by Australian occupational therapists working in aged care
Evaluating the use of video modelling to support children at a specialist school
Exploring whether virtual reality guided motor imagery increases brain plasticity.

Graduates from both streams are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

Why Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (Whyalla)

Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

You'll learn from a university with more than 50 years of experience in occupational therapy education and research and spend 1,000 hours completing practice placements in rural or regional settings, providing you with the opportunity to consolidate and apply your knowledge and skills.

UniSA’s curriculum is based on innovative, current, and above-world-class research,¹ meaning your degree is industry-informed and relevant for your future career. You will learn from passionate academics and industry experts, allowing you to build your industry networks while you study.

Students who successfully complete this degree will be eligible to register as an occupational therapist through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia / the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

¹Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You’ll learn from registered occupational therapists and accomplished researchers throughout your degree. With industry placements built into your studies, you'll develop valuable relationships and networks to prepare you for the workforce. In your final year, you'll work alongside experienced researchers when you complete a research project and thesis.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Occupational therapists can make a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll help people overcome any barriers they have – whether it be physical, environmental or emotional – to doing any activity big or small, and empowering them to live their best lives.

A successful occupational therapist is professional, an excellent communicator, observant, logical, a critical thinker, and evidence based. You’ll be the type of person who enjoys working with people; and be mentally, emotionally and physically capable. This field of work is immensely rewarding and can offer exciting challenges, assisting people in the everyday occupations of life.

You can gain employment in a range of settings, including:

public and private hospitals
private practice
community mental health services
ambulatory and rehabilitation services
aged care facilities
home based services
local council services
government departments
schools
not-for-profit and non-government sector

Some key areas of activity where occupational therapists provide support include:

daily living activities such as showering, dressing, grooming and eating
activities which involve caring for others such as household management activities, shopping, childcare, budgeting, banking, financial
management, home maintenance and driving
education activities which allow a person to participate in a learning environment.
leisure and play activities
social participation
work (paid and voluntary)

This degree prepares you to work overseas, as the qualification is recognised in most countries.

Your research honours degree will also prepare you for a career in research or academia.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC).

This program is approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia for the purpose of professional registration as an occupational therapist in Australia.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Allied Health and Human Performance)

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an occupational therapy student, you'll have access to:

Allied health laboratories
anatomy and physiology laboratories

You’ll also get to use a range of on-campus spaces including the library, collaborative teaching rooms, and student lounge.

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

Study overseas

Enrich your studies and your life - make overseas experience part of your degree. Lots of opportunities are available.

Take me there

Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Get accommodation advice

Got questions?

If you've got a question about studying at UniSA, we've got an answer.

Go to FAQs

Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

This degree is only available to Australian students

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (Whyalla)

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge