Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Allied Health
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Become a qualified occupational therapist through this hands-on, practice-based degree, recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand. Complete five fieldwork placements preparing you to register and work as an occupational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 5 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Develop foundational knowledge in occupational therapy
Understand the significance of occupation to health and wellbeing and apply the fundamental principles of occupational therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Demonstrate professional practice skills
Apply effective communication, reflective practice, and client-centred skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
Integrate knowledge of human body, movement, and behaviour
What You're Signing Up For
This highly regarded three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree involves a blend of on-campus, online, and work-augmented learning. Students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to support diverse populations in achieving independence, participation, and wellbeing in daily life. The curriculum includes healthcare theory, professional practice, five fieldwork placements, Māori kaupapa and cultural competencies, and preparation for registration with national and international bodies. Delivered from campuses in Dunedin, Hamilton, and work-augmented options in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). Graduates are eligible to apply as registered occupational therapists in New Zealand.
Course Content
- Foundations of Occupational Therapy
- Professional Practice
- Human Body and Movement 1 & 2
- Human Mind and Behaviour
- Te Puāwaitanga – cultural safety
- Fieldwork placements (5 total)
- Applied Professional Practice
- Occupational Therapy: Theory in Practice
- Informing Practice: Mental Health
- Informing Practice: School-based Practice
- Informing Practice: Progressive Neurological Conditions
- Professional Reasoning
- Occupational Participation: Long-term Wellbeing
- Occupational Participation: Neurological Rehabilitation
- Occupational Participation: Ageing Well
- Future Practice
- Negotiated Learning/Electives
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Allied Health
Community Health
Future employment opportunities might be
Occupational Therapist (Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally)
Community health practitioner
Rehabilitation services
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.