Study plan

You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total of 192 credit points (cp) to qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) degree. The course consists of 156cp of core units and 36cp of elective units, including a minimum of 6cp from the Behavioural or Social Sciences and 6cp from the Biomedical Sciences.

You will undertake professional practice during the course of your study. The placements occur during semester time and during recess periods at all level of the course, and are located in both metropolitan, country facilities and, in some cases, overseas facilities.

What is an elective?

An elective is a unit of study within a degree, usually an option within a course. Electives allow more detailed study of a particular subject. Electives can be selected from the Faculty of Health Sciences or from other faculties within the university (subject to permission from the Faculty of Health Sciences).

Course opportunities

Professional practice is an integral part of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy). Fieldwork education consists of block placements and other guided learning experiences. These experiences provide candidates with an opportunity to practice skills and take responsibility commensurate with their background knowledge and level of development acquired during the course. Fieldwork block placements are period of two to ten weeks where candidates attend a setting five days a week full-time for approximately 37.5 hours per week. The placements occur during semester time and during recess periods, at all levels of the course, and are located in both metropolitan, country facilities and, in some cases, overseas facilities.

In addition, eligible candidates have the opportunity to take part in the FHS Abroad program which involves academic study and a four to six week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This 6 credit point elective unit of study is available to candidates in their senior years and offers a hands-on understanding of global health challenges in an overseas community through work with two well established Australian volunteer agencies.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Occupational Therapy) are qualified to work as occupational therapists. Occupational therapists work with individuals and groups of all ages and needs in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practice and community centres. They also work in non-traditional areas such as early intervention, health promotion, education, consultancy, industry and accessibility.

Graduates also have the option of changing careers a number of times while staying within the same profession. For example, a therapist could commence a career working one-on-one with teens with spinal cord injury, then work with babies in neonatal intensive care, adults in occupational rehabilitation at a large insurance company, or young adults in a community mental health program.

Course accreditation

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) course are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (OT Australia) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Further study

Outstanding candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the honours year after completion of the pass degree. Honours is your pathway to a higher degree by research in the health sciences. The groundbreaking research conducted by our faculty members has had, and continues to have, an enormous impact on the health and quality of life of local, national and global communities.

About honours

Eligible candidates can pursue their own research interests by undertaking honours study under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Admission to honours is by permission of the program coordinator after the completion of second year. Entry based on academic performance in first and second years of the course. You will complete core units of study in the first and second year of the pass degree followed by an alternative set of units of study in third and fourth year to qualify for the award of the honours degree.

Honours study allows you to specialise in an area of personal interest, develop your research skills and make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge within the profession. For more information visit: http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/future_students/undergraduate/honours

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

Assumed knowledge

None. Recommended studies: chemistry or biology

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.