Outline

Overview

An 8 week fieldwork placement provides students with the opportunity to consolidate, apply, and further develop their knowledge of occupational therapy practice, with a focus on graduate capabilities. Enabling participation lies at the core of all occupational therapy practice and students will have the opportunity to implement, monitor, and evaluate a range of strategies appropriate to the placement setting. As members of different interdisciplinary teams, students will have opportunities to engage in formal and informal inter-professional learning. This unit enables students to continue to build on learning gained throughout the first year MOT program, through the participation in supervised full-time placement in a professional service setting.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	OCCP5208 and OCCP5218 and OCCP5256 and OCCP5258
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	OCCP5240
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennie Brentnall, jennie.brentnall@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 6 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Letter of Introduction and Peer Audit Self-introduction to placement educators	0%	Multiple weeks	One page letter; peer audit checklists	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Learning plan Learning plan to be implemented throughout the placement	0%	Multiple weeks	Completed template	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Placement Reflection Reflection on placement and ongoing professional learning	0%	Multiple weeks	750-1,000 words or equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance and Participation Submitted accurate evidence of completing all requirements	0%	Ongoing Due date: 10 Apr 2026 at 23:59	All learning activities including SDL	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised Second Edition (SPEF-R2) Midway formative and final summative placement performance assessment	0%	Progressive	Rating form with comments: 8 domains	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Student Practice Evaluation Form - Revised (Second Edition): Using the provided forms, you and your educators will independently rate your demonstration of professional behaviours and skills during your placement. You will arrange with your educators to each to complete and then together discuss the assessment in a formative review midway through the placement (around the middle of Week 4). You will then repeat the process near the end of the placement in the final summative placement performance assessment. Your educator will return the final assessment with their recommendation directly to the university for academic staff to review to determine result (Pass/Fail) in relation to the placement expectations and unit learning outcomes.

To pass this unit of study, this assessment item must be passed according to the assessment criteria set out on the form and in the placement expectations.

Letter of Introduction and Peer Audit: As part of your first contact introduction to your placement site you need to write a letter of introduction (template recommended) and covering email. Before sending, you need to complete a diligent self-audit and a thoughtful peer-audit (checklists provided), and respond to recommendations.

All steps are to be completed between 4 weeks and 2 weeks prior to placement commencement.

Learning Plan: Using a template and guidelines provided, you will develop a learning plan that outlines your goals for the placement and learning activities to achieve these goals. You will discuss and negotiate this plan with your placement educator/s in the first two weeks of placement. Throughout the placement, you and your educators will regularly review and sign off on your work toward achieving your goals by the end of placement.

Placement Reflection: Exhibiting professional communication, you will complete a reflective task equivalent to 750-1,000 words. You will draw on your learning plan and placement experiences to reflect on the occupational therapy role in a multidisciplinary/interprofessional team of evidence-based healthcare providers. You will attend to the professional reasoning and knowledge, skills and attitudes required to deliver culturally safe health practices.

To pass this unit of study, this assessment item must be passed according to the criteria set out in the Canvas site. You must demonstrate reflection on your learning and development as an emerging health practitioner.

Attendance and Participation: You must attend and actively participate in all required learning activities. You will evidence this with a complete and accurate record in Sonia. Entries must comply with the guidelines provided and be entered ASAP, no later than the earlier of one week following the activity or the final due date.

To pass this unit of study, you must evidence meeting the minimum requirements or appropriately manage the negotiation of adjustments that will not compromise your ability to meet overall course requirements. Attendance may be tracked and records audited. Falsely declaring information on attendance records or timesheets is at best unprofessional and may represent misconduct.

Additional Requirements: This placement unit has additional requirements pre-requisite to engagement in specified learning activities and assessments and contributing to the requirement for satisfactory professional and learner behaviours in the unit of study. These may include pre-placement verification requirements, completion of and reporting on placement site WHS inductions, mandatory learning modules as assigned by placement sites, independent and self-learning activities, and placement quality evaluation forms. You must complete all specified unit requirements to be awarded a Satisfied Requirements grade.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

This unit is graded as set out below according to the attainment of all unit requirements.

Result Name

Description

Satisfied requirements

The learning outcomes of the unit have been met to a satisfactory standard.

This grade is awarded where all required activities and tasks are completed with satisfactory participation, and all hurdle tasks are completed to a standard meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements.

Failed requirements

The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

As this unit includes placement, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions and FMH Professionalism Provisions 2019 apply throughout this unit. There are requirements to be met in order to be allocated and commence a placement, or to continue in a placement. Irrespective of other performance in the unit, a 'Failed Requirements' grade may be awarded for serious breaches of professional standards including but not limited to breaches of client/patient privacy or professional standards.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The University policy applies to graded assessments. Late submission or inadequate completion of formative tasks, unweighted tasks, self-evaluations on placement performance assessments, or required records (e.g., attendance records) may fail to demonstrate satisfactory attainment of learning outcomes and/or result in lowered ratings on the relevant competencies and may thereby influence results.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
-	Post-placement debriefing block	Seminar (6 hr)
Multiple weeks	Advance preparation	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
Multiple weeks	Full-time placement block (8 weeks)	Placement (320 hr)
Pre-semester	Pre-placement briefing block	Seminar (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit has minimum attendance and participation requirements that include on-campus mandatory classes, placement at an allocated site, participation in learning and evaluation activities, and self-directed learning. Classes are conducted in intensive blocks and due to the interactive and at times sensitive nature of discussions there may not always be recordings of reasonable quality. Activities may also be scheduled outside of usual semester or intensive session teaching weeks.

Special arrangements or special considerations may be required for less than full attendance, and these may include the requirement to complete the unit of study at another time. See the Canvas site for details.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no required text, however please refer to the WIL Canvas site Occupational Therapy page for useful references and resources including: core texts for revision; professional documents with which you are expected to be familiar and comply; competency standards relating to your assessments; and continuing professional development guidelines. Additional resources will be highlighted throughout the unit of study.

Revision of key topics from all core and pre-requisite units of study, as well as self-directed learning of content relevant to your allocated placement, is expected for this unit of study.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate professional behaviours, and professional communication skills expected for the level of an emerging practitioner appropriate to the University and placement setting;
LO2. develop professional strategies including self-management, self-reflective practice and collaboration with other health professions to support the development of therapeutic relationships and life-long learning, including personal cultural capabilities;
LO3. implement all aspects of the occupational therapy process, with appropriate supervision;
LO4. explain the role of the occupational therapist in the placement practice setting and demonstrate developing knowledge skills and attitudes for working in a multidisciplinary/ interprofessional team; and
LO5. integrate professional reasoning with evidence-based practice to guide the delivery of culturally safe health practices.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.8. Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.10. Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise 1.11. Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts 1.12. Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision 1.14. Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice 1.17. Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients. 1.3. Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships 1.4. Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.9. Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice 2.7. Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 3.14. Contributes to quality improvement and service development. 4.1. Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively 4.10. Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.8. Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others 4.9. Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 3.1. Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement 3.10. Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.6. Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.7. Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice 3.12. Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 3.6. Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Class content has been retained, clarified, re-arranged or extended, as relevant taking into consideration the (largely positive) feedback on the first implementation in 2025. Along with upgrading to university policy changes, the assessment submissions to demonstrate requirements have been consolidated and clarified.

Additional information

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook, including but not only course resolutions that apply to units of study that include placement education.
The Current Students Website on Placements has important information about placements, including in the School of Health Sciences. This website and placement-related Canvas sites for units of study, the School and the Faculty have important information including but not only on preparation requirements, resources, and Sonia.
You are responsible for being familiar with your academic responsibilities and the academic policies governing your enrolment and progression, including but not only the University of Sydney’s Coursework Policy and Faculty provisions. When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, this knowledge will be assumed.

Additional costs

ou may incur costs for accommodation, transport and leave from usual employment to participate in this unit of study. You should prepare to cover these costs and can refer to the University website (https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/financial-support.html) and placement-related Canvas sites for financial assistance opportunities.

Work, health and safety

Placement Verification: It is your responsibility to demonstrate you meet *and maintain* compliance with minimum requirements for all verification checks. Failure to do so may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrolment status or performance in other respects (absent fail result).

WHS Induction: Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting. This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately. Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you are aware of and know how to manage risk appropriately. You must complete the WHS Checklist from Sonia.

Placement Site Assigned Training Materials: You must complete all reasonable training as required by your placement site, irrespective of the completion of similar materials at another time with a different organisation including the University. Failure to do so may prevent you from completing a placement irrespective of your enrolment status.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5252: Professional Practice Education II

Intensive February - March, 2026 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links