Occupational Therapy
The BSc OT degree aims to skill students in helping clients who are temporarily or permanently impaired by illness, accident, disability, environmental limitations or developmental delay.
Programme overview
The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSc OT) degree is a full-time, 4 year professional course.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is the therapeutic use of self-care, work, education, play, leisure and social activities to increase independent function, enhance development, promote health and wellbeing and prevent disability.
OT is indicated for people of any age when a person’s ability to carry out their everyday activities is temporarily or permanently impaired by illness, disability, environmental limitations and developmental delay.
What do occupational therapists do?
Occupational therapists assess a person’s functional capacity and then engage the person in a programme of scientifically chosen, meaningful and culturally appropriate activities to assist in maximising their functioning and wellbeing. This engagement in activity empowers the person to be as independent as possible, enhances dignity and quality of life at work/school, at home and during recreation. Intervention may also include the adaptation of the environment to facilitate coping.
OT is practiced in a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector settings, such as, the person’s home environment; schools; workplaces; health centres; supported accommodation; housing for seniors; rehabilitation centres; hospitals and forensic services.
The profession is listed as a scarce ‘growth industry’ in many parts of the world, and is diversifying into new avenues in South Africa partly in response to new legislation like the Labour Relations Act and the Bill of Rights.
All students applying for the BSc in Occupational Therapy must spend time with an Occupational Therapist to gain insight into the profession.
Career Opportunities
Occupational therapists work in:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation units
- Community health centres
- Home care services
- Aged care facilities
- Psychiatric clinics
- Vocational rehabilitation centres
- Schools and education facilities
- Independent living and respite centres
- Private practice
Entry Requirements
Health Sciences - View the Wits University Revised Health Sciences Admissions Policy |
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| Programme | Minimum Admission Requirements | Selection procedures | |
| APS | Subjects & achieved scale | ||
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Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc
(3 years)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MBBCh (6 years) Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy BSc (Physiotherapy) (4 years) Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) (4 years) |
The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Academic performance and National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores are used for consideration.
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English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science - 5 |
If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration
(1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English Language, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. (Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject).
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Bachelor of Dental Science
BDS (5 years)
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English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 Life Sciences and Physical Science - 5 |
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| Bachelor of Nursing BNurs (4 years) Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy- BSc (OT) (4 years) |
English HL or 1st Add Lang - 4 Mathematics - 4 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science - 4 |
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| Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (3 years) Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences (BOHS) (3 years) |
English HL or 1st Add Lang - 4 Mathematics - 4 or Mathematical Literacy - 7 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science - 4 |
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Application Process
Your application
- You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
- Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).
Documentation / Checklist
- Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
- If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.
Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
Apply now
Closing Dates
30 June 2018
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
30 September 2018
All other University programmes
Residence applications
Online applications
- Complete an online application to study at Wits
Course Costs
The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.