Program Overview
Occupational Therapy Program
The Occupational Therapy program is designed to help patients who are temporarily or permanently impaired by illness, accident, disability, environmental limitations, or developmental delay, to increase their independent function.
Overview
Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of self-care, work, education, play, leisure, and social activities to increase independent function, enhance development, promote health and well-being, and prevent disability. It is indicated when people lose their ability to carry out their everyday activities due to temporary or permanent illness, disability, environmental limitations, and developmental delay.
Occupational therapists assess a person's ability to engage in daily activities and then engage the person in meaningful and culturally appropriate activities to maximize their functioning and well-being. This engagement empowers the person to be as independent as possible and enhances dignity and quality of life at work, school, at home, and during leisure. Intervention may include adapting the person's environment to help them cope.
Career Opportunities
Occupational therapists can work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Aged Care Facilities
- Community Health Centres
- Home Care Services
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation Units
- Independent Living and Respite Centres
- Private Practice
- Psychiatric Clinics
- Schools and Education Facilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation Centres
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Occupational Therapy program is as follows:
First-year
- Introduction to Medical Sciences
- Chemistry I
- Fundamentals of Occupational Science AND Occupational Therapy I
- Physics I
- Introduction to Psychology I
- Basic Principles of Group and Individual I
- Human Behavioural Sciences I
Second-year
- Anatomy for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Students II
- Fundamentals of Occupational Science AND Occupational Therapy II
- Physiology and Medical Biochemistry I
Third-year
- Occupational Therapy III applied to Physical Conditions
- Occupational Therapy III applied to Psychiatric Conditions
- Medicine and Surgery for Occupational Therapy
- Science of Occupation II
- Psychiatry in relation to Occupational Therapy
- Health Psychology
- Research Design and Analysis
Fourth-year
- Science of Occupation III
- Occupational Therapy as applied to Psychiatric Conditions
- Occupational Therapy as applied to Physical Conditions
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the Occupational Therapy program are:
- English Home Language OR First Additional Language: Level 4
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Life Sciences AND/OR Physical Sciences: Level 4
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a Composite Index (CI) score to guide applicant selection. This includes:
- Matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, best of Physical Sciences/Life Sciences, and the best two other subjects
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores
All applicants must write the NBT. The NBT should be written by 18 August.
Additional requirements include:
- Spending time observing a professional occupational therapist and completing a job shadowing certificate of attendance (minimum: 16 hours)
- Only observation hours completed after 1 July 2024 will be accepted
University Application Process
The Student Enrolment Centre at the university handles all student applications. Applicants must submit their application, required documentation, and application fee before the closing date.
University Fees and Funding
The current average tuition fees for the first year of study can be found on the university's website. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships.
Program Details
- Programme Code: MFA03
- Faculty: Health Sciences
- School: Therapeutic Sciences
- Qualification: BSc (OT)
- Duration: 4 years
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Closing Date: 30 June