Facts & figures
Global leaders in allied health
- #4 in the world for sports-related subjects (2024 QS Subject Rankings)
- Top 20 university globally QS World University Rankings 2024
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.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and the Master of Occupational Therapy are approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (Ltd) with approval of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Completion of this course enables graduates to register with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to work as an occupational therapist in Australia. Australian Registration is recognised by many countries around the world. Students are advised to confirm the registration conditions of their home country prior to enrolling.
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.
Our people
- Professor Carole James, Head of Discipline
- Professor Anne Cusick
- Professor Lynette Mackenzie
- Emeritus Professor Lindy Clemson
- Emeritus Professor Gwynnyth Llewellyn
- Emeritus Professor Roger Stancliffe
- Associate Professor Nicola Hancock
- Associate Professor Margaret McGrath
- Associate Professor Justin Scanlan
- Associate Professor Michelle Villeneuve
- Dr Rebecca Barton
- Dr Kim Bulkeley
- Dr Julianne Challita
- Dr Yu Wei Chen
- Dr Sanet duToit
- Dr Josephine Gwynn
- Dr Joanne Hinitt
- Dr Anne Honey
- Dr Sarah Wilkes-Gillan
- Dr Jacqueline Wesson
- Dr Weihong Zhang
- Celine Diaz
- Joanne Lewis
- Bronwyn Simpson
Honorary
- Associate Professor Christine Chapparo
- Dr Judy Ranka
- Dr Meryl Lovarini
- Dr Hannah Barden
- Dr Joan O’Donnell