COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of Southern Queensland requires the successful completion of 32 units, combining core courses and honours components to provide a comprehensive education in occupational therapy. The core curriculum consists of 30 units, designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional reasoning necessary for effective practice across diverse healthcare settings. Early units focus on foundational concepts, including the principles of occupational therapy, human anatomy and physiology, cultural safety, psychology, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Students also engage with courses exploring occupational performance in relation to the person, the environment, and the impact of health as a barrier or enabler, integrating theory with practical application. As the program progresses, students develop advanced skills in professional reasoning, working with children, adolescents, adults, and older persons, mental health practice, and context-specific occupational therapy interventions. Digital health and information evaluation are embedded throughout, ensuring graduates are prepared for technology-enhanced service delivery. The curriculum also includes substantial professional practice units, Occupational Therapy Professional Practice 1 and 2, which involve extensive supervised clinical placements, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings and develop competence in complex and rural community contexts. Additionally, the honours component comprises two units, including the Honours Research Proposal, providing students with the opportunity to undertake independent research or practice-focused projects, deepening their expertise and critical thinking. Overall, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) integrates rigorous academic learning, hands-on clinical experience, and research opportunities, preparing graduates to become skilled, adaptable, and reflective practitioners capable of delivering high-quality occupational therapy services across the lifespan and in varied community and healthcare environments.