Study the Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) and develop the skills to become an occupational therapist, and promote the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities.

Occupational therapists help people participate in everyday activities including learning, communication, interpersonal interaction and relationships, mobility, self-care, domestic life, and social life. 

Occupational therapists can also modify people’s environment – or the activity itself – to help them participate in the activity. 

The occupational therapy degree is intensive and involves learning in an interprofessional environment, in the classroom and in clinical practice settings.

Practice education (workplace experience)

Throughout your study at AUT you complete block placements (at least 1,000 hours) in a number of practice settings to prepare you for professional registration.

In your final year, you spend a 15-week block placement (either within Auckland or in a region outside of Auckland) in the second half of the year. 

You apply your learning in a range of practice settings under the supervision of an occupational therapist ahead of completing your degree.

During your programme you’ll be required to travel both within and outside the Auckland region for clinical/practical experience. 

Please note that travel, accommodation and other expenses will be an additional cost to you.

Recent placements included:

• Spectrum Care
• QRS
• Mahi Tahi

• Certified copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Certified copy of marriage certificate (If required)
• Official academic transcripts
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)
• CV/Work experience (If required)
• A copy of the document(s) in the original language/and official English translation

1_ All applicants need to meet AUT’s minimum entry requirements qualification equivalent to New Zealand year 13 or University Entrance.

High school qualifications from different countries:

India: 

• 12 years of schooling with an overall average of 75% in four academic subjects, including a min 60% in English from the All-India Senior Certificate (AISSC).
• All other Higher Secondary State Board Examinations require an overall average of 80% in four academic subjects with a min 65% in English.

China:

• Senior High School graduation plus one year of successful study at bachelor's level; or
• Senior High School graduation plus completion of a two-year diploma, with good grades, at a recognized university.
• A Tier 1 score in the National University Entrance Examination (Gaokao) at a recognized institution

2_ Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) requirements and Children's Act 2014, including police clearance.

Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.

Foundation programmes

If you don’t have the academic qualifications needed for direct entry into an AUT programme, you can enroll in a foundation programme.

If you successfully complete the foundation programme and get the required grades, you are guaranteed entry into an appropriate AUT programme.