Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

  • Learn in specialised teaching facilities: splint lab, independent living unit and allied health clinic
  • Fieldwork experiences are integrated into each year of the program
  • Case studies provide practical learning experiences

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Award abbreviation: BOccThpy
QTAC code: 013421
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-11 / Rank-78
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisites: English (4, SA); plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health Education or Physical Education (4, SA)
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG), Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to Program requirements)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC372
CRICOS code: 073920M. Only a full-time study option is available for international students on a Student Visa.

Occupational therapists are trained to assess an individual’s skills and abilities, and then work with them to improve their skills for increased independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

This program prepares you to work with people experiencing performance problems in daily living caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay, or the effects of ageing. You undertake courses in occupational therapy, biological and social sciences, and public health. The program also offers more than 1,000 hours of clinical experience to meet the requirements for professional accreditation.

Students may be able to undertake an embedded Honours Pathway within this program (dependent on GPA achieved), which will provide you with a research training experience.

Additional admission requirements

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.

Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placements you must provide evidence of Hepatitis B immunisation and first aid and CPR training, undertake a Criminal History check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG). Students are required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural centres. 

Career opportunities

Public and private hospitals, community health, disability / mental health services, private practice, vocational / occupational rehabilitation, child and adolescent services, aged care.

Professional recognition

Professional registration (post-graduation) is required to work as an Occupational Therapist. Graduates of this program can register with the Occupational Therapists Board of Queensland. Graduates are also eligible for membership of OT Australia (Occupational Therapy Australia Limited), the national professional association.

Accreditation

This program is fully accredited with Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

Enquiries
  • Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
  • Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete all courses as listed below.

In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:

  • Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by Week 8 of Semester 1, first Year and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG).
  • Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule).
  • Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained throughout the program).
  • Purchase the required OT uniform.
  • You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is to be borne by the student.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (1)

Select 1 course from:
COR109 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
COR110 Creative Advertising
COR111 Advanced News Reporting

Introductory courses (9)

LFS103 International Communication
LFS112 Research into Journalism
LFS122 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
OCC101 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics
OCC102 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns
PUB112 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
SCI110 Introduction to Creative Writing
PSY100 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
PSY101 Introduction to Journalism

Advanced courses (13)

OCC201 Introduction to Creative Advertising
OCC202 Editing for the Communications Professional
OCC212 Computer-Assisted Reporting
OCC222 Crisis and Issues Management
OCC232 Media and Community Relations
OCC301 Advertising Campaigns
OCC311 Advertising: Copy and Image
OCC312 News Rounds
OCC321 The Writer and the Law
OCC322 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
OCC331 Communication Campaign Planning
PSY203 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
SPX201 Online Journalism

Plus one (1) of the following pathways:

Pass-Level Pathway (6) courses 

OCC302 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
OCC401 Feature Writing
OCC402 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
OCC412 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
PUB112 Creative Advertising
SCS286 Advanced News Reporting

Honours Pathway (5) courses 

OCC332 International Communication
OCC401 Research into Journalism
OCC402 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
OCC412 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics
OCC422 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns

Pass-Level Pathway Study Plan

Honours Pathway Study Plan

Note:  The first 2 years of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are identical in both the Pass-Level and Honours Pathways. All students will follow the Pass-Level Pathway intially and students who apply and are approved to undertake Honours will follow the Honours Pathway from Year 3 onwards. 

 

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