Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This honours-level Bachelor of Occupational Therapy provides a mix of foundational health science, clinical practice and research methods. Early study typically covers anatomy and physiology, human development across the lifespan, fundamentals of occupation and occupational theory, and professional ethics and communication. Core modules address assessment and intervention for physical, cognitive and psychosocial conditions, including musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurological conditions, mental health, paediatrics, ageing and community-based practice.

Practice-based learning is a major feature: the course includes multiple supervised fieldwork placements across a variety of settings so students develop clinical reasoning, assessment skills and professional practice. The honours component introduces research design, evidence-based practice and a substantial research project or thesis, enabling students to critically appraise the literature and undertake an independent investigation relevant to occupational therapy practice.

• Foundations of occupational therapy and professional practice
• Anatomy and functional human movement
• Assessment and intervention across physical and psychosocial domains
• Paediatric and gerontological occupational therapy
• Mental health and community-focused practice
• Research methods, statistics and honours research project
• Multiple supervised clinical placements and simulated practice

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and typically requires completion of secondary school with satisfactory results. Applicants are usually expected to have met university English language requirements in their senior secondary studies; background study in biology or human science is recommended but not always mandatory. Alternative entry pathways may be available for applicants with recognised diplomas, prior tertiary study or relevant work experience.

International applicants must meet CQU’s English language standards; evidence of academic equivalence to Australian senior secondary qualifications is required. Selection processes commonly consider academic record and may include additional requirements such as a personal statement, referee reports or an interview to assess suitability for the profession.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration with the national occupational therapy regulator and work across diverse settings. Typical employment destinations include acute and subacute hospitals, community health services, rehabilitation centres, aged-care services, mental health services, paediatric and school-based services, private practice and workplace injury/return-to-work providers.

Many graduates also pursue roles in program development, service coordination, health promotion, case management and policy or advocacy roles. The honours research project also provides a pathway to further study at postgraduate level (master’s or doctoral research) and to roles that combine clinical practice with research or education.

Why study at Central Queensland University

CQU offers a practice-focused occupational therapy degree with a mix of face-to-face, simulated and online learning designed to suit students in metropolitan and regional locations. The university has established clinical placement relationships with hospitals, community providers and allied health services, giving students a broad range of supervised real-world experience.

Students benefit from dedicated allied health facilities and simulation resources, small-group tutorial formats for clinical skills, and academic staff who are active in occupational therapy research and community engagement. The program is aligned with national accreditation standards, preparing graduates for eligibility for professional registration and entry into a range of clinical and non-clinical occupational therapy careers.