Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Occupational Therapy

About the Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy double degree

Occupational therapy is a highly regarded field in which you can apply your knowledge and skills to provide therapy for people who, because of illness, injury or circumstances, are limited in their ability to perform everyday tasks. You may help someone with a spinal cord injury return to work, you may recommend modifications to their car so that they can drive again, or you may help children with disabilities attend school. Occupational therapy is about getting people to participate fully in every part of their life.

The UWS occupational therapy course is among the top programs in Australia, and now is offered as a combined Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy degree, further raising the standing of UWS graduates in the eyes of clients and potential employers. Graduates from UWS occupational therapy programs are renowned for their ability to use their knowledge and skills in a practical, evidence-based approach in practice.

The first three years of the program result in a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) qualification. You will study core common subjects with other BHSc students and allied health students, located on the same campus. Building a solid, broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields in this way will give you a deeper understanding of occupational therapy, help you work in interdisciplinary teams and centres, and assist you in advising clients on treatment options. You will share your new knowledge and experiences with other students, and together gain professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high quality care. Meanwhile, from the beginning of Year 1 you will start to take occupational therapy units. You will find the progression to the Masters component of the combined degree is seamless. The Masters year of the program focuses predominantly on occupational therapy practice skills, practical experience and specialised areas.

In the core subjects and your studies of occupational therapy you will develop a client focus, centred on each individual within his or her social, cultural and physical environment. The UWS occupational therapy program promotes the value of human diversity, fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of every client.

UWS is a leader in taking an evidence based approach to health sciences teaching, learning and research, to produce professionals who can truly help clients and communities to lead healthier, more productive lives. Independent learning, self-direction and experience in analysing and resolving problems will help you to develop the skills and ability to pick up activities and run with them that employers particularly appreciate in UWS graduates.

UWS has developed a highly flexible suite of health sciences programs. For example, if you find that you want to change to a different program, you can do this at the end of Year 1, provided you meet the criteria. If you enrol for the combined Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy but decide to leave at the end of the third year, assuming you’ve successfully completed all of the first three years, you can be awarded a BHSc (but be aware that you would have to re-apply to then re-enter the Masters program if you wish to so at a later date).

Practical Experience

Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy students have a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice in a range of settings in order to meet the fieldwork guidelines of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Occupational therapy practice units are in each year of the course.

A Career in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with people who have special needs and life challenges that hinder their ability to meaningfully and effectively engage in their occupational roles and everyday tasks. Occupational therapists help their clients to develop new skills or alter their environment and daily activities to meet their goals.

They use occupations as therapeutic means to improve an individual’s health, well being and quality of life. Occupational therapists are employed in a range of settings including:

»» public and private hospitals
»» rehabilitation centres
»» insurance companies
»» schools
»» private practice
»» private rehabilitation providers

They are also employed as mental health workers and rehabilitation consultants.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.