阿德莱德大学

Transform lives by promoting health and well-being

Occupational therapists help us build and protect the specific capabilities we need to effectively participate in the critical activities of our daily lives: parenting, work, education, socialising, leisure, and simply looking after ourselves.

By guiding and supporting physical and psychological progress, they help individuals, families and communities create or restore meaning, purpose and independence.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) equips you to identify, prevent and manage the full range of challenges to everyday activity.

With many courses taught by registered practising occupational therapists, the degree places an emphasis on real-world experience. In over 1,000 hours of work-based training, you’ll work with children and adults of all ages in multiple settings: public and private health organisations; schools; rehabilitation centres; aged care; mental health and more.

You’ll gain high-level knowledge and skills in: human anatomy, physiology and the pathophysiology; rehabilitation from short- and long-term injury, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, chronic illness, disability and mental health issues; specialised practice with children and families; broad public health issues and population approaches to health and wellbeing; cultural diversity, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and rural or international health perspectives; evidence-based, patient-centred care.

You’ll regularly access our purpose-built training facilities and state-of-the-art simulation suites—among Australasia’s most advanced. In addition, you’ll benefit from collaborative learning with key complementary disciplines, speech pathology and physiotherapy.

From late in third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research* or industry—and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate eligible to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. You could help children with sensory issues realise their full learning—and life—potential. You might help elderly people maintain the capacity to live in their treasured family homes. Perhaps you’ll help those recovering from workplace trauma return to their passion.

Career Readiness

Qualified occupational therapists have a wide range of career options in metropolitan and rural settings. They work in public and private hospitals, community health care, private practice, aged care, rehabilitation centres, paediatrics, education and research.