occupational therapist working on hand therapy

Facts & figures

Global leaders in allied health

  • #3 in the world for sport, physical therapy and rehabilitation, 2021 QS Subject Rankings

Discipline of Occupational Therapy

Increasing people's participation and meaning in life
We're at the forefront of enhancing occupational therapy practice, policy and education in Australia by extending the knowledge base of the profession and educating leading practitioners.

Courses in occupational therapy

Learn to help people with disabilities and those recovering from injury or with ongoing conditions to overcome barriers that may be preventing them to participate more fully in life.

Our courses in occupational therapy are accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate courses

Postgraduate research

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is an allied health profession that focuses on improving, maintaining, or restoring independence to people impacted by injury, illness, disability or psychological impairment.

Occupational therapists work with their clients to overcome barriers that may be preventing them from participating more fully in life. This might involve teaching alternative techniques to achieve a given task or facilitating the improvement of skills.

Career opportunities

Occupational therapists work in a diverse range of clinical, research, policymaking, advocacy and educator roles in hospitals and healthcare organisations, private practice, homes, schools, workplaces and research institutions.

There are also many areas of specialisation which can include, driver trained occupational therapy, hand therapy, refugees and asylum seekers, autistic spectrum disorder, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, mental health and paediatrics.

Research opportunities

Applied research in occupational therapy at the University of Sydney aims to contribute to a greater understanding of human occupations, including their roles, performance and adaptation. Our research staff support higher degree research candidates to develop research expertise.

Research Supervisor Connect matches your research interests to available PhD and master's research opportunities and supervisors.

 

Why study with us?

1

Brand new education and research facilities
in the Susan Wakil Health Building 

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2

Graduate career-ready and in demand
we’re 1st in Australia for graduate employability

View our rankings
3

Finish in 2 years as a postgraduate student
our master degree offers an accelerated study program

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4

Hands-on clinical training
gain comprehensive professional experience with clinical placements embedded throughout your studies

Learn about placements
5

Learn from highly respected practitioners and researchers
Our research ranks "well above world-class" (ERA level 5)

Our research

Graduate Jacky Peile talks about studying the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

Our people

Honorary

  • Associate Professor Christine Chapparo
  • Dr Judy Ranka
  • Dr Meryl Lovarini
  • Dr Hannah Barden
  • Dr Joan O’Donnell 

Head of Discipline

Headshot of Carole James
Professor Carole James
View academic profile

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