Occupational Science and Therapy department

Part of health sciences at AUT, the Occupational Science and Therapy department aims to increase health professionals’ understanding of humans as occupational beings and the complexities and meanings of occupations.

Our teaching and research provides advanced occupational practice techniques and knowledge. We aim to further the skills of occupational therapists and play a critical role in inter-professional healthcare practice.

Research in health sciences

We believe in high-quality research that has impact, and have world-class researchers and research strengths across health sciences.

More about our research

Centres and institutes

Get hands-on experience in our health clinics

Students work with close supervision at our North Campus clinic, Akoranga Integrated Health. Open to the public, it offers health and rehab services, including occupational therapy.

Akoranga integrated health

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Spotlight on Occupation highlights new developments in occupation research, evidence and opportunities at AUT.

Read Spotlight on Occupation

Saadiq Khan
Folole Fangupo
Alex Seung Chol Lee
Saadiq Khan
Great graduatesSaadiq KhanOccupational Therapist, LondonBachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)The calibre of the staff was a highlight of his studies, says AUT occupational therapy alumnus Saadiq Khan who is now an occupational therapist in London.The calibre of the staff was a highlight of his studies, says AUT occupational therapy alumnus Saadiq Khan who is now an occupational therapist in London. He loved the fact that at AUT you can have one-on-one teaching with lecturers that are referenced in the academic literature you study in class. He also appreciated the workplace experience as part of his degree.
Folole Fangupo
Great graduatesFolole FangupoMental Health Clinician / Occupational Therapist, Auckland District Health Board Lotofale – Pacific Mental Health ServiceBachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)She has always wanted to work in health, says occupational therapy alumna Folole Fangupo who loves contributing to the development of clients’ recovery plans.She has always wanted to work in health, says occupational therapy alumna Folole Fangupo. Attending an AUT open day and hearing an occupational therapist talk about her experience and passion helped her find exactly what she was looking for. In her role now, she loves contributing to the development and implementation of clients’ recovery plans, Folole says.
Alex Seung Chol Lee
Great graduatesAlex Seung Chol LeeRegistered Health Professional, Palmerston North HospitalBachelor of Health Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)AUT alumnus Alex Seung Chol Lee wants to use the knowledge of his culture to help older members of his community with the healthcare issues they face in NZ.Alex Lee, who is of Korean descent, wants to use the knowledge of his culture to help older members of his community with the healthcare issues they face in New Zealand. His Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) research focused on an assessment tool commonly used in Korea, which is familiar to his older patients. Alex says the knowledgeable staff at AUT supported him throughout his project.

Contact us

Deborah Webster
+64 9 921 9890

deb.webster@aut.ac.nz

View department staff

Key academic contact

Nicholson-Ellen

Dr Ellen Nicholson
Head of Department
+64 9 921 9999 ext7742

enichols@aut.ac.nz

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