Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

About the programme

Make a difference in people's lives. Become an occupational therapist and help people achieve independence, meaning and satisfaction in their daily activities.

As an occupational therapist, your focus will be on ensuring individuals, groups and populations within the community can do the things that are important to them. You will work with people who have had illness, injury, or a disability, and with a range of ages from the newborn to older people.

During this degree, you'll gain high-quality skills through a blend of online learning, face-to-face teaching, real-life scenarios and interactive group/community experiences. You'll do five fieldwork placements in a wide range of settings so you can develop your practice ability to a high standard by working with people.

This degree is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand, this means that on completion you are eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This degree is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. 

Exactly the same programme is delivered from both ourDunedin Campus and theWintec City campus in Hamiltonso you can enrol in the campus of your choice. 

Studying part-time 

Six year option

We know that full-time study isn’t always possible.  We offer a part-time option studied over six years. This is only available after you’ve had a chat with us to make sure it’s the right option for you.

Three and a half year option

We also offer the chance for you to complete one or two, year one courses part-time starting in July each year. This will mean that you will complete your degree in three and half years.

Please note: Studying part-time can impact on your loan/allowance from StudyLink. Please make sure you check this with them before beginning your study with us.