AUT - Occupational Therapy: Bachelor of Health Science
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Occupational Therapy: Bachelor of Health Science
Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to do everyday activities. Occupational therapists identify these barriers and provide solutions. This degree is intensive and involves learning in an inter-professional environment – in the classroom and in the field. Graduates are eligible to apply to register as an occupational therapist in New Zealand (Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand) and other countries.
Want to enrol in a programme: Apply online
Quick facts
Programme code: AK3410
Level: 7
Points: 360
Duration: 3 years full time
Venue: North Shore Campus (some papers may be available at the Manukau Campus)
Start date: 27 February 2012
AUT University encourages early application before November 2011. There are limited places available for this qualification.
Admission and entry requirements
Additional entry requirements
- Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act requirements
- Police clearance
- There are limited places. Generally students with the highest level of academic achievement are selected. Minimum of 56 Level 3 credits in 3 approved subjects. 180 points on the UCAS tariff, Full A Levels preferred.
Structure
Below is a summary only. For a comprehensive overview of this qualification, please refer to the Academic calendar.
Year 1
You will focus on understanding occupation, what motivates people and how the body works to enable participation in occupation. You may also have the opportunity to work with an occupational therapist to begin to apply knowledge.
536253 Experiencing Occupation
536254 Professional Practice for Occupational Therapy I
536256 Personal and Environmental Factors in Occupation
555101 Lifespan Development and Communication
555301 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
555201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
555401 Health and Environment OR 555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment
Year 2
You will develop an understanding of how illness or injury impacts on people performing their occupations and typical types of occupational therapy intervention. You will consider how environments impact on occupational performance, learn about research, complete group work using evidence in practice, and choose from a range of electives.
536201 Enabling Physical Performance for Occupation
536202 Enabling Cognitive Performance for Occupation
536203 Enabling Affective Performance for Occupation
536204 Creating Enabling Environments
536205 Enabling Occupation for Groups
537333 Evidence and Practice
537334 Rehabilitation and Participation or 527872 Māori Health Promotion
556301 Methods of Research and Enquiry
Or any other bachelor's degree papers with the approval of the programme leader.
Year 3
You will learn about working with communities, organisations or groups of people, and how to change systems to enable participation. Decision making skills around assessment and intervention are developed. There is a large block placement in the third year that will support your transition to practice.
537302 Enabling Systems Change
537304 Professional Practice for Occupational Therapy IV
537306 Preparation for Occupational Therapy Practice
537311 Transition to Occupational Therapy Practice
537361 Promoting Occupational Justice and Participation
Te Ara Hauora Māori papers
Students who wish to seek careers with a Māori development perspective should select the following 4 papers as electives or as an alternative course of study.
555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment (instead of 555401 Health and Environment)
527872 Māori Health Promotion
567431 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health
567417 Utilising Supervision in Practice
We will support Te Ara Hauora Māori students to form relationships with Māori health providers, industry stakeholders and communities, and AUT Māori staff and students.
Career opportunities
- ACC
- Case Manager
- Community development officer
- Health centres; schools; residential care facilities; community; primary health services; and hospitals
- Manager
- Occupational therapy educator
- Private practice
- Rehabilitation adviser
- Researcher
Graduates and students of health science
Your other Bachelor of Health Science study options
You can choose to study the degree without a health major:
Or you can choose to major in one of the following specialised areas:
Or you can choose one of our clinical degree areas:
Other courses you may be interested in
Bachelor of Business & Bachelor of Health Science (psychology) conjoint degree
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Addictions
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Health Science
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies