Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Work Augmented Learning
This tailored delivery begins in July 2026, is for those who are already in work and has been developed to enable a flexible learning approach.
You will learn through attending one day on campus per learning week, an evening online hui once a week which will create strong links between your learning and your everyday experiences in work, engaging with online learning content and completing fieldwork experiences.
- Study locally at NorthTec's Kaitaia, Ngāwhā and Whangārei campuses.
- Earn while you learn – Continue working (minimum 15 hours/week) in your job in a health, wellbeing or social service role.
- Culturally grounded – A strong bicultural lens including marae-based learning experiences
- Flexible delivery – Combines online learning, campus days, noho marae weekends, and fieldwork.
Your workload
- one day a week on campus (for 32 weeks in year 1, and 28 weeks in years 2 and 3)
- one 3-hour online hui per teaching week. This will be in an evening.
- fieldwork placements (4 full weeks in year 1, and 8 full weeks in year 2 and year 3)
- two additional days for fieldwork in year 1 and in year 3.
- noho marae (Friday – Sunday) four times in year 1, and two times in year 2 and year 3.
- spend around 4 hours per week engaged in online learning, along with some self-directed learning.
About the Programme
This programme is delivered at NorthTec Campuses, by Otago Polytechnic tutors. To apply, you will need to complete an Otago Polytechnic Application form.
- 3-year full-time degree (part-time options available).
- 1000 hours of fieldwork across diverse settings.
- Blend of academic courses and hands-on experiences.
- Eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of NZ upon graduation.
- Entry requirements NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, and engagment in relevant mahi (paid or volunteer) for at least 15 hours/week.
Support for Employers
Otago Polytechnic will help you and your employer understand study commitments and fieldwork requirements. View the FAQ.
What is whakaora ngangahau | occupational therapy?
Whakaora ngangahau | occupational therapy is a registered health profession under the Health Professions Competence Assurance act. Kaiwhakaora ngangahau | occupational therapists work alongside people to enable them to do the things they need and want to do to lead a satisfying life, however that may look for them. Occupational therapists work in health services (in hospitals and community, physical health settings and mental health settings), correction services, hauora services, NGOs, GP practices, schools and many other places.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
There are three options for achieving the entry criteria:
- NCEA Level 3 including:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 - all three required)
- A Level 4 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) equalling at least 60 credits completed in one year.
- Successful completion of university courses/units equalling at least 50% of a first-year student workload completed in one year.
International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level entry requirements. All students (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language:
- must demonstrate English Language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.5 OR
- must provide acceptable alternative evidence of English language proficiency depending on the visa decline rate of the country you are from. Please note: All scores must be achieved in a single test completed in the preceding two years. You cannot combine scores from multiple tests.
- If you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance you are not required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
Additional criteria
- You need to provide a medical examination report which shows you have a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health as certified by a general practitioner.
- You must submit recommendations of suitability from two referees who are not family members or friends (e.g. family friends or personal friends).
- All applicants who are accepted must obtain a Comprehensive Level 2 First Aid Certificate (Units 6400, 6401 and 6402), make a health declaration, provide their immunisation status and complete the requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting).
About the provider
Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.
At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.
Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us. Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.