Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people of all ages to engage in meaningful activities or occupations that are important or relevant to their everyday life. Occupational therapists help clients address physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental challenges that may hinder their ability to participate in these meaningful tasks, activities or roles.

Why study this degree?

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives, working within a multidisciplinary team. Focussing on practice across a range of contexts and life stages, you will develop evidence-based skills in assessment, management and evaluation of service delivery.

The program of study includes foundational skills in body systems (anatomy and physiology/pathophysiology) and functions within the context of a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the cognitive, psychological and emotional aspects of healthcare requirements and delivery.

Your on-campus study is geared toward allowing you to excel in the 1000 hours of professional work-integrated learning you will complete throughout the degree, a feature of the program that ensures you are work-ready immediately upon graduation.

Program summary

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a four year degree program incorporating theoretical knowledge into the practical assessment and management of clients in various healthcare settings. You will undertake foundational courses in the first year before moving progressively onto Occupational Therapy specific content and ultimately toward the 1000 hours of clinical practicum, primarily in years three and four.

You will study:

• Human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
• Therapy provision to different populations (e.g. across the lifespan, chronic conditions)
• Practical skills and techniques required for therapy service delivery
• Developmental psychology and mental health
• Leading to 1000 hours of professional work experience

Core Curriculum

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective
• Electives in philosophy andor theology
• Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy andor theology
• An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
• An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
• An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience