Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy at Deakin University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in helping individuals improve their functional abilities and enhance their quality of life. This innovative degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to assess, plan, and implement personalized intervention strategies for diverse populations with physical, developmental, and mental health challenges. Throughout the program, students engage in a blend of classroom learning, simulated practice, and supervised clinical placements, ensuring they gain real-world experience and develop the confidence needed to enter the occupational therapy profession. The curriculum covers key areas such as human development, biomechanics, psychology, and evidence-based practice, fostering a deep understanding of the complex factors influencing health and wellbeing. Students also learn to work collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to promote independence and community participation. Deakin’s state-of-the-art facilities and strong ties with healthcare providers offer students valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and professional networking. Upon graduation, students are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue registration with relevant professional bodies and to make a positive impact in hospitals, community health settings, schools, aged care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The program emphasizes innovation, empathy, and lifelong learning, ensuring graduates are prepared to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. With a focus on student-centered education and real-world application, Deakin’s Occupational Therapy program aims to cultivate competent, compassionate, and culturally sensitive practitioners dedicated to improving lives through occupational engagement.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand Ltd) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, which means you Will Have the Ability to Work professionally in Australia and overseas.

Entry will be determined by performance in Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English apart from EAL or equivalent.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University offers a comprehensive overview of financing options for prospective students. Domestic students may be eligible for government-funded schemes such as the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces tuition fees compared to full fee-paying places. The CSP is available to eligible Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders, and certain New Zealand citizens, allowing them to access subsidized education. Students enrolled under a CSP are required to pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the unit load and level of study, but generally offers substantial savings over full fee courses. For those who do not meet eligibility criteria for a CSP, the program fees are higher, and students must finance their studies through full fee-paying arrangements. International students are required to pay the full international tuition fees, which are set annually and vary depending on the specific program and study load. These fees are payable per unit and are billed at the start of each semester, with options for installment payments subject to the university’s policies.

Deakin University provides a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, equity scholarships, and scholarships specific to health sciences students, which can significantly offset tuition costs and other expenses related to study. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as government loans and loans for postgraduate study, where applicable. Additionally, students often access student loans through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), which covers the student contribution amount for domestic students enrolled in Commonwealth Supported Places, or the FEE-HELP scheme for full fee-paying domestic students. International students generally do not qualify for HELP loans and are expected to manage their finances independently or through external funding sources.

Deakin University also offers flexible payment options to ease financial burdens, including payment plans that allow students to pay their tuition fees in installments rather than upfront. Further, students may consider part-time work opportunities on or off-campus to support their financial needs during their studies. Budgeting advice and financial planning support are available through student services to help students manage their expenses efficiently. Overall, the university aims to provide transparent, accessible, and flexible financing options to ensure that students can focus on their academic progress without undue financial stress.

Occupational Therapy at Deakin University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in helping individuals regain and develop the skills necessary for daily living and working. The program emphasizes a person-centered approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience to equip graduates with the competencies required to assess, plan, and implement interventions for diverse populations. Students will explore modules covering anatomy, physiology, psychology, and the social aspects influencing health and wellbeing, ensuring a holistic understanding of client care. The curriculum also integrates contemporary topics such as mental health, sensory integration, pediatrics, the elderly, and community health, reflecting the evolving scope of occupational therapy practice. Students undertake clinical placements throughout their studies, gaining real-world experience in various healthcare settings including hospitals, community health centers, and rehabilitation facilities. These placements are supervised by experienced practitioners and focus on developing professional skills, ethical practice, and effective communication. Deakin University’s facilities include dedicated simulated environments that mimic clinical settings, allowing students to refine their assessment and intervention techniques in a controlled environment. The program is accredited by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and recognised internationally, opening pathways for graduates to work across different healthcare systems. Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are equipped to work as clinicians, community service providers, or researchers and are prepared for postgraduate studies if they choose to specialise further. The program’s online and on-campus delivery options provide flexibility to accommodate diverse student needs, including practical workshops, tutorials, and independent learning modules. Deakin’s strong links with industry partners facilitate employment opportunities and collaborations, ensuring that students graduate with a professional network and skills aligned with current industry standards. The university also offers ongoing support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and professional development programs, to assist students throughout their studies and beyond. Overall, Deakin University’s Occupational Therapy program aims to cultivate compassionate, innovative, and competent healthcare professionals dedicated to improving individual and community health outcomes.