Occupational Therapy at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers as healthcare professionals specializing in helping people overcome challenges that impact their daily lives. This innovative degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to deliver evidence-based interventions across diverse settings such as hospitals, community health, schools, aged care, and disability services. Throughout the course, students explore core areas including human development, physiotherapy, psychology, and health sciences, fostering a holistic understanding of client needs and environmental factors that affect functioning and participation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to advocate for and empower clients from various backgrounds. Practical placements form a fundamental component of the program, providing students with real-world experience under the supervision of experienced practitioners. These placements are integral to developing clinical reasoning, communication, and teamwork skills, which are essential in delivering quality occupational therapy services. The program is delivered by a team of expert academics and clinicians committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment that encourages innovation and lifelong learning. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) are qualified to pursue registration with Australian health authorities, opening pathways to employment across Australia and internationally. The program also provides pathways for further postgraduate study, research opportunities, and professional development, supporting graduates' continuous career growth. With a focus on person-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice, ECU’s Occupational Therapy program aims to produce competent, compassionate, and reflective practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) at Edith Cowan University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career helping individuals of all ages to overcome their challenges and improve their quality of life. This comprehensive program provides students with a strong foundation in health sciences, human development, and occupational therapy theories and practices. Throughout the course, students will develop essential skills in assessment, planning, and intervention, enabling them to support clients in achieving their personal and functional goals.
The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of diverse occupational therapy settings. Core topics include anatomy and physiology, psychology, research methods, and ethical practice, alongside specialized modules focusing on paediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health and well-being, considering the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing an individual's ability to participate in daily activities.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in supervised placements within hospitals, community health organizations, schools, and rehabilitation centers. These clinical rotations provide invaluable hands-on experience, fostering confidence and competence in a variety of real-world scenarios. The program also encourages the development of effective communication and teamwork skills essential for collaborative practice within multidisciplinary teams.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) will be eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and pursue professional careers across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, aged care facilities, and community outreach programs. The program aims to produce compassionate, innovative, and evidence-based practitioners dedicated to enhancing the independence and participation of individuals in their everyday lives. With a strong focus on lifelong learning, students are prepared for ongoing professional development and advancement in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.
- University admission requirements apply. International students need to supply an IELTS Academic with a standard minimum score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally qualified applicants could also be required to fulfill this requirement.Minimum English standard conditions for this particular class may also be satisfied with a number of the following:Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or equivalent or better
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test
- *Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or more in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
- *Aboriginal Student Intake Test
- *AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
- OrSuccessfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or more in an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Edith Cowan University offers a range of funding options to assist students in financing their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government-supported financial aid programs such as the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces tuition fees, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, students can access HECS-HELP loans, allowing them to defer their tuition fees and pay back costs through the tax system once they are employed and earning above a certain threshold. International students, on the other hand, are required to pay full fees upfront; however, they can explore scholarships that the university offers based on academic merit or financial need, which can help offset the costs of study. ECU also provides various scholarships targeted specifically at health sciences students, which may include the Occupational Therapy program. These scholarships often consider academic achievement, community involvement, and financial hardship.
Apart from scholarships and government loans, students can seek private funding and education loans from banks or financial institutions. Some students opt for part-time work while studying to support their living expenses and reduce reliance on loans. ECU’s location in Perth offers numerous employment opportunities within the healthcare and community sectors, which can complement students’ studies and provide practical experience. It’s also important to consider additional costs such as textbooks, materials, placement expenses, and accommodation, which students should budget for when planning their finances. The university’s financial aid office provides detailed guidance and support to help students navigate available funding options and apply for relevant financial assistance packages. Overall, students pursuing the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at ECU have access to a variety of financing options, including government support, scholarships, and personal funding, enabling them to focus on their academic and clinical training to become qualified occupational therapists.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and rewarding career in healthcare. The program aims to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to assess, plan, and implement therapeutic interventions that enable individuals to participate in everyday activities and improve their quality of life. The curriculum integrates core concepts of health sciences, human development, and rehabilitation, emphasizing client-centered care and evidence-based practice. Students will undertake a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical placements, which are embedded throughout the program to ensure readiness for professional practice upon graduation. The program also promotes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and lifelong learning, aligning with the latest standards and trends in occupational therapy. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, simulated learning environments, and partnerships with healthcare providers, providing students with valuable real-world experience. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as occupational therapists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The program typically takes three years of full-time study to complete, with opportunities for research projects, electives, and international exchanges. The Edith Cowan University’s emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan and in various settings, including hospitals, community health centers, schools, and private practice.
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