Otago Polytechnic is a well-established public tertiary education institution in New Zealand, known for its hands-on, practice-based learning and supportive environment for students from around the world. It offers a wide range of qualifications in health, science, design, business and trades — with strong ties to industry and professional accreditation pathways. International students benefit from tailored support services, a friendly campus community, and a focus on employable skills.

 

Why Study Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Otago Polytechnic?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession that focuses on helping people of all ages achieve meaningful engagement in daily life activities — whether due to injury, illness, disability or ageing. The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Otago Polytechnic is internationally recognised, leads to professional registration in New Zealand, and prepares graduates to work confidently across a variety of clinical and community settings.

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a 360-credit, three-year programme with a strong emphasis on real-world practice and fieldwork placements. You will complete five mandatory fieldwork experiences in varied clinical and community settings, often outside the campus region, giving you hands-on patient engagement under supervision.

Core Year-by-Year Breakdown (Indicative)

Year 1 (120 credits)

• Human Body and Movement (30 credits)

• Professional Practice (15 credits)

• Foundations of Occupational Therapy (15 credits)

• Building Cultural Competency in Practice (15 credits)

• Human Mind and Behaviour (15 credits)

• Fieldwork One & Two (15 credits each)

Year 2 (120 credits)

• Applied Professional Practice (30 credits)

• Occupation Theory in Practice (15 credits)

• Informing Practice: Person (15 credits)

• Informing Practice: Occupation (15 credits)

• Informing Practice: Environment (15 credits)

• Fieldwork Three (30 credits)

Year 3 (120 credits)

• Professional Reasoning (15 credits)

• Complexity in Practice: Person (15 credits)

• Complexity in Practice: Occupation (15 credits)

• Complexity in Practice: Environment (15 credits)

• Fieldwork Four (30 credits)

• Fieldwork Five (15 credits)

• Elective (15 credits)

 

Specialisations & Further Opportunities

• Graduates with a B grade average can advance to a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), which focuses on research and advanced professional inquiry.

• Elective options allow you to tailor part of your learning in areas of interest.

 

Highlights of the Programme

• Strong clinical focus with five fieldwork placements integrated into the degree.
• Accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
• Delivered with blended learning — face-to-face, online content, community engagement and practical experiences.
• Multiple campus choices (Dunedin, Hamilton, and flexible work-augmented pathways).
• Opportunity to pursue Honours and postgraduate study.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as Occupational Therapists in New Zealand, enabling them to work across:

• Healthcare settings: hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care.

• Community and disability services.

• Mental health and special education support.

• Private practice and consultancy.

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa to study this full-time, on-campus programme. Basic requirements include:

• A confirmed Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic.
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs.
• Valid passport and certified academic documents.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Health and travel insurance.