Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 4)

  All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
  • Undergraduate Certificate;
  • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
  • University Preparation Course;*
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*

  * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

  For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

• English Language requirements (Band 5)

  In addition to satisfying ECU minimum English standard requirements for this course, all applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency as specified in International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.  Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:

  • Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
  • Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12), or
  • Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years). Note: The 5 years does not include the proposed ECU study.

  Note:  English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.
  TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23.

  Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

  • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
  • Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
  • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher 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; or
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 4)

  All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
  • Undergraduate Certificate;
  • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
  • University Preparation Course;*
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*

  * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

  For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

• English Language requirements (Band 5)

  In addition to satisfying ECU minimum English standard requirements for this course, all applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency as specified in International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.  Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:

  • Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
  • Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12), or
  • Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years). Note: The 5 years does not include the proposed ECU study.

  Note:  English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.
  TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23.

  Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

  • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
  • Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
  • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher 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; or
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

H96|8

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Course notes

Important course notes

• Practicum requirement

  In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Practice placements.

  Year 1

  OCT1204 40 hours

  OCT1108 60 hours

  Year 2

  OCT2100 80 hours

  OCT2105 136 hours

  Year 3

  OCT3303 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block)

  Year 4

  OCT4201 minimum of 280 hours (Usually completed in a 7 week block and may include the Summer School period)

  OCT4202 minimum of 280 hours (Usually completed in a 7 week block and may include the Summer School period)

  Attendance requirements

  Students will be required to attend for hours and days as specified by the host organisation. These hours and days may occur outside of semester and outside of normal business hours. Additionally, due to circumstances beyond the control of the School, allocations may change with minimal notice to students.

  Students are provided with the opportunity to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  To be eligible to undertake professional practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete range of mandatory screens, checks and training. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  National Police Clearance

  Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card

  Current First Aid Certificate

  Current National Disability Worker Screening Check

  Current Working with Children Check

  Department of Education and Training National Criminal History Record Check

  Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, including flu/COVID vaccination

  MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment.

  Due to the practical nature of the Occupational Therapy professions and protection of the public, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issue likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Access and Inclusion Service to discuss their situation.

  More information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/inherent-requirements

  Professional practice rules

  The professional practice component of the course needs to comply with the Professional

  Accreditation Standards for Occupational Therapy Entry Level Education Programs as devised by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC).

  Additionally, to comply with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) requirements students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice education. Professional practice opportunities will require students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide a service to a range of people with differing circumstances and needs. Students are required to be supervised and assessed by a registered occupational therapist.

• Registration

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia . Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

1. Apply contemporary occupational therapy knowledge and skills to a broad range of theoretical and practical situations.
2. Think creatively and critically to anticipate challenges, and generate client-centred responses with individuals, groups, communities and populations.
3. Evaluate and synthesise information from digital technologies and other sources to support problem-solving and decision-making.
4. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge and ideas, clearly, coherently, and with independence.
5. Demonstrate cultural capability with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and other cultures within society.
6. Work collaboratively to support effective client-centred practice in diverse teams and environments.
7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning to ensure occupational therapy practice that is safe, ethical and lawful.
8. Demonstrate the competency standards required for occupational therapy registration in Australia.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

H96|8

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Course notes

Important course notes

• Practicum requirement

  In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Practice placements.

  Year 1

  OCT1204 40 hours

  OCT1108 60 hours

  Year 2

  OCT2100 80 hours

  OCT2105 136 hours

  Year 3

  OCT3303 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block)

  Year 4

  OCT4201 minimum of 280 hours (Usually completed in a 7 week block and may include the Summer School period)

  OCT4202 minimum of 280 hours (Usually completed in a 7 week block and may include the Summer School period)

  Attendance requirements

  Students will be required to attend for hours and days as specified by the host organisation. These hours and days may occur outside of semester and outside of normal business hours. Additionally, due to circumstances beyond the control of the School, allocations may change with minimal notice to students.

  Students are provided with the opportunity to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  To be eligible to undertake professional practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete range of mandatory screens, checks and training. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  National Police Clearance

  Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card

  Current First Aid Certificate

  Current National Disability Worker Screening Check

  Current Working with Children Check

  Department of Education and Training National Criminal History Record Check

  Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, including flu/COVID vaccination

  MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment.

  Due to the practical nature of the Occupational Therapy professions and protection of the public, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issue likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Access and Inclusion Service to discuss their situation.

  More information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/inherent-requirements

  Professional practice rules

  The professional practice component of the course needs to comply with the Professional

  Accreditation Standards for Occupational Therapy Entry Level Education Programs as devised by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC).

  Additionally, to comply with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) requirements students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice education. Professional practice opportunities will require students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide a service to a range of people with differing circumstances and needs. Students are required to be supervised and assessed by a registered occupational therapist.

• Registration

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia . Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

1. Apply contemporary occupational therapy knowledge and skills to a broad range of theoretical and practical situations.
2. Think creatively and critically to anticipate challenges, and generate client-centred responses with individuals, groups, communities and populations.
3. Evaluate and synthesise information from digital technologies and other sources to support problem-solving and decision-making.
4. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge and ideas, clearly, coherently, and with independence.
5. Demonstrate cultural capability with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and other cultures within society.
6. Work collaboratively to support effective client-centred practice in diverse teams and environments.
7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning to ensure occupational therapy practice that is safe, ethical and lawful.
8. Demonstrate the competency standards required for occupational therapy registration in Australia.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• AUD $9,350 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee ¹

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest growing health professions in Australia. Graduates are in high demand across a wide range of employment sectors.

Possible future job titles

Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mental Health Clinician, Occupational Rehabilitationist, Safety Officer, Disability Worker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Hand Therapist, Paediatric Therapist

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• AUD $43,700 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee ¹

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest growing health professions in Australia. Graduates are in high demand across a wide range of employment sectors.

Possible future job titles

Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mental Health Clinician, Occupational Rehabilitationist, Safety Officer, Disability Worker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Hand Therapist, Paediatric Therapist