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Professional Recognition

Course code H96

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Why ECU?

About this Course

Many of us take our independence for granted, comfortably performing all kinds of tasks and activities at home, school, work and in the community. For someone with an injury, illness, disability or psychosocial issues, it can be a different story.

A qualified Occupational Therapist, or OT, can make a difference to that person’s restricted lifestyle. An OT helps people of all ages to develop, sustain, or restore participation in their day to day activities and improve their quality of life.

If you’re a good communicator and a creative thinker with an interest in science, this might be the career for you.

One of the best things about studying Occupational Therapy at ECU is starting your practical experience in your first year. At ECU you’ll gain valuable learning experiences in a range of settings and with people with differing needs through fieldwork placements all throughout the 4 year course.

During your fieldwork placements, you’ll integrate your growing occupational therapy knowledge, skills and professional attitudes, while being supervised and assessed by registered occupational therapists.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code H96

Entry requirements

80 Indicative ATAR

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

About this Course

Many of us take our independence for granted, comfortably performing all kinds of tasks and activities at home, school, work and in the community. For someone with an injury, illness, disability or psychosocial issues, it can be a different story.

A qualified Occupational Therapist, or OT, can make a difference to that person’s restricted lifestyle. An OT helps people of all ages to develop, sustain, or restore participation in their day to day activities and improve their quality of life.

If you’re a good communicator and a creative thinker with an interest in science, this might be the career for you.

One of the best things about studying Occupational Therapy at ECU is starting your practical experience in your first year. At ECU you’ll gain valuable learning experiences in a range of settings and with people with differing needs through fieldwork placements all throughout the 4 year course.

During your fieldwork placements, you’ll integrate your growing occupational therapy knowledge, skills and professional attitudes, while being supervised and assessed by registered occupational therapists.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code H96

CRICOS code 055463C

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,600

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.  Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:

    • Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
    • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
    • TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
      • 24 for listening
      • 24 for reading,
      • 27 for writing, and
      • 23 for speaking, or
    • Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12), or
    • Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years). Note: The 5 years does not include the proposed ECU study.

    Note:  English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.

    Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.  Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:

    • Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
    • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
    • TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
      • 24 for listening
      • 24 for reading,
      • 27 for writing, and
      • 23 for speaking, or
    • Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12), or
    • Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years). Note: The 5 years does not include the proposed ECU study.

    Note:  English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.

    Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT1101Theory of Occupation15
OCT1102Occupation and Equity15
MHS1101Anatomy and Physiology 115
OCT1204Introduction to Professional Practice15
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT1205Occupational Analysis15
OCT1220Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy15
MHS1102Anatomy and Physiology 215
OCT1108Introduction to Evidence Informed Practice15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT2100Enabling Participation for Children and Youth15
OCT2101Foundations of Biomechanics and Hand Therapy 15
OCT2103Workplace Rehabilitation15
OCT2102Health Conditions and Occupational Performance15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT2104Mental Health Conditions and Occupational Performance15
OCT2105Enabling Participation for Older Adults15
OCT2250Counselling and Group Processes In Occupational Therapy15
OCT2251Assistive Technology15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT3102Enabling Occupation: Physical Conditions15
OCT3104Enabling Occupation: Mental Health15
ACS4133Aboriginal Communities15
OCT3105Enabling Occupation: Disability15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT3107Enabling Occupation: Neurological Conditions15
OCT3207Evidence Informed Practice 15
OCT3303Extended Professional Practice One30
Year 4
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT4121Enabling Occupation: Self-management of Chronic Conditions15
OCT4102Creativity and Health15
OCT4128Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy15
OCT4124Transition to the Occupational Therapy Profession15
OCT4201Extended Professional Practice Two30
OCT4202Extended Professional Practice Three30

Please refer to the Course Coordinator for the timetable for the above 4th year units.

Note: Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher after the first semester of third year of study may be invited to complete an Honours program. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours for the final year 3 semesters of study.

H96|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Practice.

    Year 1
    OCT1104 40 hours
    OCT1208 60 hours

    Year 2
    OCT2202 80 hours
    OCT2206 136 hours

    Year 3
    OCT3108 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block and may include the Summer School period)

    Year 4
    OCT4214 320 hours (Usually completed in an 8 week block and may include the Summer School period)
    OCT4213 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block and may include the Summer School period)

    Attendance requirements

    Students will be required to attend for hours and days as specified by the host organisation. These hours and days may occur outside of semester and outside of normal business hours. Additionally, due to circumstances beyond the control of the School, allocations may change with minimal notice to students.
    Students may be provided with the opportunity to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    To be eligible to undertake professional practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete range of mandatory screens, checks and training. This includes but is not limited to the following:

    COVID vaccination
    Certificate of National Police Clearance
    Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card
    Current First Aid Certificate
    National Disability Worker Screening Check
    Department of Education and Training National Criminal History Record Check
    Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, more information athttps://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Immunisation-schedule-and-catch-up-immunisations
    MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment.

    Professional practice rules

    The professional practice component of the course needs to comply with the Professional
    Accreditation Standards for Occupational Therapy Entry Level Education Programs as devised by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC).

    Additionally, to comply with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) requirements students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice education. Professional practice opportunities will require students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide a service to a range of people with differing circumstances and needs. Students are required to be supervised and assessed by a registered occupational therapist.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia . Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply contemporary occupational therapy knowledge and skills to a broad range of theoretical and practical situations.
  2. Think creatively and critically to anticipate challenges, and generate client-centred responses with individuals, groups, communities and populations.
  3. Evaluate and synthesise information from digital technologies and other sources to support problem-solving and decision-making.
  4. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge and ideas, clearly, coherently, and with independence.
  5. Demonstrate cultural capability with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and other cultures within society.
  6. Work collaboratively to support effective client-centred practice in diverse teams and environments.
  7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning to ensure occupational therapy practice that is safe, ethical and lawful.
  8. Demonstrate the competency standards required for occupational therapy registration in Australia.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Limited

The Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Pass and Honours) is 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 course is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Approved by: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT1101Theory of Occupation15
OCT1102Occupation and Equity15
MHS1101Anatomy and Physiology 115
OCT1204Introduction to Professional Practice15
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT1205Occupational Analysis15
OCT1220Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy15
MHS1102Anatomy and Physiology 215
OCT1108Introduction to Evidence Informed Practice15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT2100Enabling Participation for Children and Youth15
OCT2101Foundations of Biomechanics and Hand Therapy 15
OCT2103Workplace Rehabilitation15
OCT2102Health Conditions and Occupational Performance15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT2104Mental Health Conditions and Occupational Performance15
OCT2105Enabling Participation for Older Adults15
OCT2250Counselling and Group Processes In Occupational Therapy15
OCT2251Assistive Technology15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT3102Enabling Occupation: Physical Conditions15
OCT3104Enabling Occupation: Mental Health15
ACS4133Aboriginal Communities15
OCT3105Enabling Occupation: Disability15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT3107Enabling Occupation: Neurological Conditions15
OCT3207Evidence Informed Practice 15
OCT3303Extended Professional Practice One30
Year 4
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
OCT4121Enabling Occupation: Self-management of Chronic Conditions15
OCT4102Creativity and Health15
OCT4128Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy15
OCT4124Transition to the Occupational Therapy Profession15
OCT4201Extended Professional Practice Two30
OCT4202Extended Professional Practice Three30

Please refer to the Course Coordinator for the timetable for the above 4th year units.

Note: Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher after the first semester of third year of study may be invited to complete an Honours program. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours for the final year 3 semesters of study.

H96|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • In each year of the program, students undertake compulsory Professional Practice.

    Year 1
    OCT1104 40 hours
    OCT1208 60 hours

    Year 2
    OCT2202 80 hours
    OCT2206 136 hours

    Year 3
    OCT3108 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block and may include the Summer School period)

    Year 4
    OCT4214 320 hours (Usually completed in an 8 week block and may include the Summer School period)
    OCT4213 240 hours (Usually completed in a 6 week block and may include the Summer School period)

    Attendance requirements

    Students will be required to attend for hours and days as specified by the host organisation. These hours and days may occur outside of semester and outside of normal business hours. Additionally, due to circumstances beyond the control of the School, allocations may change with minimal notice to students.
    Students may be provided with the opportunity to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    To be eligible to undertake professional practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete range of mandatory screens, checks and training. This includes but is not limited to the following:

    COVID vaccination
    Certificate of National Police Clearance
    Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card
    Current First Aid Certificate
    National Disability Worker Screening Check
    Department of Education and Training National Criminal History Record Check
    Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, more information athttps://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Immunisation-schedule-and-catch-up-immunisations
    MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment.

    Professional practice rules

    The professional practice component of the course needs to comply with the Professional
    Accreditation Standards for Occupational Therapy Entry Level Education Programs as devised by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC).

    Additionally, to comply with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) requirements students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice education. Professional practice opportunities will require students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide a service to a range of people with differing circumstances and needs. Students are required to be supervised and assessed by a registered occupational therapist.

  • Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia . Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply contemporary occupational therapy knowledge and skills to a broad range of theoretical and practical situations.
  2. Think creatively and critically to anticipate challenges, and generate client-centred responses with individuals, groups, communities and populations.
  3. Evaluate and synthesise information from digital technologies and other sources to support problem-solving and decision-making.
  4. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge and ideas, clearly, coherently, and with independence.
  5. Demonstrate cultural capability with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and other cultures within society.
  6. Work collaboratively to support effective client-centred practice in diverse teams and environments.
  7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning to ensure occupational therapy practice that is safe, ethical and lawful.
  8. Demonstrate the competency standards required for occupational therapy registration in Australia.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Limited

The Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Pass and Honours) is 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 course is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Approved by: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $8,950 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest growing health professions in Australia. Graduates are in high demand across a wide range of employment sectors.

Possible future job titles

Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mental Health Clinician, Occupational Rehabilitationist, Safety Officer, Disability Worker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Hand Therapist, Paediatric Therapist

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $41,600 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest growing health professions in Australia. Graduates are in high demand across a wide range of employment sectors.

Possible future job titles

Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mental Health Clinician, Occupational Rehabilitationist, Safety Officer, Disability Worker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Hand Therapist, Paediatric Therapist

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

Science student Tamara Pullella, who is majoring in Occupational Therapy, talks about her course and why she chose to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

Science student Tamara Pullella, who is majoring in Occupational Therapy, talks about her course and why she chose to study at ECU.

Student stories

  • Tamara Pullella

    ECU Occupational Therapy graduate

    ECU offers the opportunity to experience prac from the very beginning

    ECU's practicum placements really provided us with the opportunity to experience what occupational therapy was all about and prepared us for the real world.

  • Suci Wardana

    Suci Wardana

    ECU Occupational Therapy student

    I chose to study OT at ECU because of the practical components offered from the beginning of the course

    The OT staff at ECU are also working in the field and they're able to provide students with real-life learning, which is fantastic.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.