The program is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes to become innovative and competent occupational therapists able to meet the challenges of professional occupational therapy practice in diverse settings. Students execute research with some independence, and disseminate the findings to an audience within and outside of the research topic.

 

The program structure introduces students to foundation knowledge and skills in first and second year, with practice application for developing skill mastery in third and fourth year. The occupational therapy specific courses represent the many areas of practice; some relating to specific practice environments and others to clusters of conditions. Use of authentic case studies within these courses provides a structured learning opportunity to develop and extend occupational therapy competencies and graduate qualities. By third year, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding and application of knowledge and skills in a structured practice setting. Fourth year provides multiple practice opportunities under supervision of an occupational therapist in a range of settings. Emphasis is placed on students developing their competence and confidence as independent learners and ultimately as graduate occupational therapists. Knowledge and skills in problem solving, communication, lifelong learning, group work, ethical action and valuing difference are qualities that are emphasised and developed throughout the program.a