Inherent requirements of Psychology courses

What are Inherent Requirements?

The University of New England aims to achieve an inclusive study environment that reflects the diversity of Australian society. The University’s School of Psychology supports the right of all people who wish to undertake our courses to achieve their potential and pursue their career objectives.

To support prospective and current students' decision making, the School of Psychology has developed inherent requirements for progression to a completed degree in Psychology. Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes. Current and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. Reasonable adjustments may be implemented to assist you manage additional circumstances impacting on your studies provided these do not fundamentally change the academic integrity of a degree. Such adjustments must also uphold the principles of equity for all students enrolled in the degree.

The inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information and the academic requirements found in the Course Rules and Course Outcomes.

All students are also required to comply with the University’s rules, policies, and by-laws.

To successfully complete their course, students must meet all inherent requirements, with appropriate supports and reasonable adjustments as necessary.

If you are a student with a disability, or if there are other factors that may impact upon your studies and ability to carry out the inherent requirements, you should discuss any concerns with the UNE Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office prior to enrolling in your course of study or Psychology unit.

Inherent Requirement Statement -  BPSYC & GDPSY

These inherent requirement statements cover the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Professionalism and Interpersonal Relations

Requirement: Work with others effectively, co-operatively, and in a professional manner in diverse and changing academic settings including in-person and via video links and other electronic forums.

Examples of Tasks: Work effectively in a team in all learning environments, including the classroom, on-line, laboratory, and workplace settings.

Show behavioural stability and effective interactions in emotionally challenging situations.

Manage uncertainties and adapt to change.

Adhere to academic and non-academic ethical guidelines, codes and policies.

Reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues relevant to academic and non-academic settings.

Comply with all professional/accredited standards.

Receive and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Demonstrate insight and be able to reflect on how personal behaviour impacts others and modify behaviour.

Cope with own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with others.

Use emotional intelligence and empathy and maintain behavioural stability in a wide range of situations.

Respect individual’s/group’s diversity by demonstrating reasonable sensitivity to individual differences.

Communication

Verbal

Requirement: Communicate effectively in spoken English.

Examples of Tasks: Respectful, clear, attentive, honest, empathetic, and non-judgemental verbal communications.

Coherent verbal communication appropriate to the circumstances.

Understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.

Provide timely and audible responses to classes and groups in all learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory, technology-based forums (e.g., video links) and workplace settings.

Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in communication with individuals and groups from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Non-Verbal

Requirement: Respond and participate in effective non-verbal communication.

Examples of Tasks: Recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to non-verbal cues in all learning environments, including the classroom, on-line, laboratory, and workplace settings.

Use of non-verbal communication that is respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgemental.

Written

Requirement: Communicate effectively in written English.

Examples of Tasks: Coherent written communications appropriate to the circumstances including formal (assessment) and informal (discussion board) contexts.

Competently and appropriately producing both concise and extended pieces of written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar, punctuation and correct referencing to the required academic standards

Effective transmission of information in academic settings.

Undertake assessment tasks, including on-line exams, with reasonable adjustments only available for exceptional circumstances such as poor internet connection, or privacy/legislative requirements.

Cognition

Cognitive tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply cognitive skills.

Examples of Tasks: Effectively identify and locate appropriate and relevant information.

Effectively conceptualise, integrate, process, interpret, and implement knowledge and information for academic tasks.

Appropriately apply policy and procedures in academic and work experience settings.

Accurately recall information without reference.

Understand that other perspectives/interpretations than one’s own exist.

Analyse and evaluate scientific results.

Collate and synthesise information and use it to make informed decisions.

Communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of people in variety of formats.

Maintaining the appropriate level of commitment to coursework tasks, and actively participate in activities related to the course, including group work.

Remaining focused and performing consistently during tasks.

Being aware of and managing your own workloads and personal commitments outside of university to ensure sustainable performance of course requirements.

Being aware of and managing your own stress and/or anxieties so that sustainable performance can be ensured within course requirements.

Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks within reasonable set timeframes.

Literary tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply literacy skills.

Examples of Tasks: Read and understand a range of literature and information, including typed documents, spreadsheets and graphs.

Integrate and summarise information in a meaningful manner.

Produce accurate, concise and clear documents and reports.

Paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions associated with the referencing format used by the School of Psychology (i.e., American Psychological Association [APA]).

Numeracy tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply numeracy skills.

Example of Tasks: Perform accurate calculations including advanced statistics.

Accurately record and interpret numerical data including advanced statistics.

Correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

Observation/sensory

Auditory

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete tasks with auditory components.

Examples of Tasks: Accurately receive and record information delivered verbally.

Listen attentively to people.

Visual

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete practices and tasks with visual components.

Examples of Tasks: Make observations and accurately take measurements using a range of mental health screening tools/scales.

Create and interpret representations of data including graphs and tables.

Physical

Gross motor tasks

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete assessment tasks that involve gross motor skills.

Examples of Tasks: Physically manipulate material, systems, and processes.

Sustain physical, cognitive, and psychosocial performance sufficient to engage in learning opportunities

Undertake on-line examinations and quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration in the time allocated.

Fine motor tasks

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete practical and assessment tasks that involve fine motor skills.

Examples of Tasks: Manipulate instruments and equipment in tests and measurements.

Competently use a computer operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows or Mac OS).

Access a computer and have sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading, and responding as required to emails and completing relevant assessments for the course.

Inherent Requirement Statement - HBPSYC & HBPS01

These inherent requirement statements cover the following degree/s:

  • Bachelor of Psychology with Honours

Professionalism and Interpersonal Relations

Requirement: Work with others effectively, co-operatively, and in a professional manner in diverse and changing academic settings including in-person and via video links and other electronic forums.

Examples of Tasks: Work effectively in a team in all learning environments, including the classroom, on-line, laboratory, and workplace settings.

Show behavioural stability and effective interactions in emotionally challenging situations.

Manage uncertainties and adapt to change.

Adhere to academic and non-academic ethical guidelines, codes and policies.

Reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues relevant to academic and non-academic settings.

Comply with all professional/accredited standards.

Receive and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Demonstrate insight and be able to reflect on how personal behaviour impacts others and modify behaviour.

Cope with own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with others.

Use emotional intelligence and empathy and maintain behavioural stability in a wide range of situations.

Respect individual’s/group’s diversity by demonstrating reasonable sensitivity to individual differences.

Communication

Verbal

Requirement: Communicate effectively in spoken English.

Examples of Tasks: Respectful, clear, attentive, honest, empathetic, and non-judgemental verbal communications.

Coherent verbal communication appropriate to the circumstances.

Understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.

Provide timely and audible responses to classes and groups in all learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory, technology-based forums (e.g., video links) and workplace settings.

Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in communication with individuals and groups from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Non-Verbal

Requirement: Respond and participate in effective non-verbal communication.

Examples of Tasks: Recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to non-verbal cues in all learning environments, including the classroom, on-line, laboratory, and workplace settings.

Use of non-verbal communication that is respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgemental.

Written

Requirement: Communicate effectively in written English.

Examples of Tasks: Coherent written communications appropriate to the circumstances including formal (assessment) and informal (discussion board) contexts.

Competently and appropriately producing both concise and extended pieces of written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar, punctuation and correct referencing to the required academic standards

Effective transmission of information in academic settings.

Undertake assessment tasks, including on-line exams, with reasonable adjustments only available for exceptional circumstances such as poor internet connection, or privacy/legislative requirements.

Cognition

Cognitive tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply cognitive skills.

Examples of Tasks: Effectively identify and locate appropriate and relevant information.

Effectively conceptualise, integrate, process, interpret, and implement knowledge and information for academic tasks.

Appropriately apply policy and procedures in academic and work experience settings.

Accurately recall information without reference.

Understand that other perspectives/interpretations than one’s own exist.

Analyse and evaluate scientific results.

Collate and synthesise information and use it to make informed decisions.

Communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of people in variety of formats.

Maintaining the appropriate level of commitment to coursework tasks, and actively participate in activities related to the course, including group work.

Remaining focused and performing consistently during tasks.

Being aware of and managing your own workloads and personal commitments outside of university to ensure sustainable performance of course requirements.

Being aware of and managing your own stress and/or anxieties so that sustainable performance can be ensured within course requirements.

Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks within reasonable set timeframes.

Literary tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply literacy skills.

Examples of Tasks: Read and understand a range of literature and information, including typed documents, spreadsheets and graphs.

Integrate and summarise information in a meaningful manner.

Produce accurate, concise and clear documents and reports.

Paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions associated with the referencing format used by the School of Psychology (i.e., American Psychological Association [APA]).

Numeracy tasks

Requirement: Consistently and effectively use and apply numeracy skills.

Example of Tasks: Perform accurate calculations including advanced statistics.

Accurately record and interpret numerical data including advanced statistics.

Correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

Observation/sensory

Auditory

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete tasks with auditory components.

Examples of Tasks: Accurately receive and record information delivered verbally.

Listen attentively to people.

Visual

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete practices and tasks with visual components.

Examples of Tasks: Make observations and accurately take measurements using a range of mental health screening tools/scales.

Create and interpret representations of data including graphs and tables.

Physical

Gross motor tasks

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete assessment tasks that involve gross motor skills.

Examples of Tasks: Physically manipulate material, systems, and processes.

Sustain physical, cognitive, and psychosocial performance sufficient to engage in learning opportunities

Undertake on-line examinations and quizzes with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration in the time allocated.

Fine motor tasks

Requirement: Safely and effectively complete practical and assessment tasks that involve fine motor skills.

Examples of Tasks: Manipulate instruments and equipment in tests and measurements.

Competently use a computer operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows or Mac OS).

Access a computer and have sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading, and responding as required to emails and completing relevant assessments for the course.

Inherent Requirement Statements for - MPPSY & MPSYCH 

These inherent requirement statements cover the following degrees:

  • Master of Professional Psychology
  • Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Professionalism and Interpersonal Relations

Requirement

Work with others effectively, co-operatively, and in a professional manner in diverse and changing academic and practical experience settings.

Examples of Tasks

Work effectively in a team in all learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory, clinical, field (may include remote sites) and workplace settings.

Behavioural stability and effective interactions in emotionally challenging situations, including events involving human suffering, physical, emotional and psychological trauma, pain, medical emergencies and death.

Manage uncertainties and adapt to change.

Interact with individuals and groups in a professional manner in a range of settings.

Adhere to the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines and workplace policies in placement.

Observe work health and safety requirements including appropriate dress.

Receive and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Demonstrate insight and self-awareness and be able to reflect on how personal behaviour impacts others and modify behaviour to ensure and maintain professionalism.

Manage own emotions and regulate own behaviour effectively in interactions with colleagues and clients on placement, and with fellow students and academic staff throughout the course of studies.

Use emotional intelligence and empathy and maintain behavioural stability in a wide range of situations.

Communication

Verbal

Requirement

Communicate effectively in spoken English.

Examples of Tasks

Respectful, clear, attentive, honest, empathetic and non-judgmental verbal communications.

Clear, timely, accurate and effective communication of information.

The ability to listen to and summarise clients’ verbal responses.

The ability to form working alliances with clients.

Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in communication with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

The ability to communicate complex concepts (e.g. psychometric assessment outcomes, psychological formulation) in a clear and meaningful way to clients and other health professionals.

Understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner in all interactions.

Provide clear and effective verbal handover of professionally relevant information.

Provide timely and audible responses to classes and groups in all learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory, field (may include remote sites), technology based forums (e.g., video links) and workplace settings.

Non-Verbal

Requirement

Respond and participate in effective non-verbal communication.

Examples of Tasks

Recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to non-verbal cues in all learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory, clinical, field (may include remote sites) and workplace settings.

Timely, accurate and effective delivery and participation in non-verbal communication.

Non-verbal communication that is respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgmental.

Use consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, body movements and gestures to promote trust and build rapport with clients.

Written

Requirement

Communicate effectively in written English.

Examples of Tasks

Coherent written communications appropriate to the circumstances.

Construct both concise and extended pieces of work with grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.

Record information accurately and consistently in various formats, including handwritten and typed documents and spreadsheets.

Effective transmission of information in both academic and placement settings.

Effectively use electronic record keeping and data management systems.

Adhere to professional standards and Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines in relation to clinical record keeping and documentation.

Cognition

Cognitive tasks

Requirement

Consistently and effectively use and apply cognitive skills.

Examples of Tasks

Effectively identify and locate appropriate and relevant information.

Effectively conceptualise, integrate, process, interpret, and implement knowledge and information for academic and clinical tasks.

Appropriately apply policy and procedures in academic and work placement settings.

Accurately recall information without reference.

Perform repetitive activities with a high level of concentration until completion of the task.

Understand another person’s perspective.

Critically appraise and evaluate scientific evidence to inform psychological practice.

Ability to accurately apply knowledge of statistical concepts in the interpretation of psychometric assessment data.

Ability to adhere to professional standards and to apply Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines within clinical practice during clinical placement.

Collate and synthesise information and use it to make informed decisions.

Communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of people in variety of formats.

Literary tasks

Requirement

Consistently and effectively use and apply literacy skills.

Examples of Tasks

Read and understand a range of literature and information, including handwritten and typed documents, spreadsheets and graphs.

Integrate and summarise information in a meaningful manner.

Produce accurate, concise and clear documents and reports in accordance with professional standards and the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.

Numeracy tasks

Requirement

Consistently and effectively use and apply numeracy skills.

Example of Tasks

Perform accurate calculations.

Accurately record and interpret numerical data, including psychometric assessment data.

Correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

Observation/sensory

Auditory

Requirement

Safely and effectively complete tasks with auditory components.

Examples of Tasks

Accurately receive and record information delivered verbally.

Accurately receive and record verbal responses of clients during administration of psychometric assessments (e.g. assessments of cognition, personality and adaptive functioning) and treatment sessions.

Listen attentively to people when conducting psychological assessment or consultation.

Participate in and understand work, health and safety briefings.

Observe alarms, warnings and directions (for example, related to industrial or construction activities) to ensure the safety of yourself and others during laboratory work, clinical/work placements and field trips.

Visual

Requirement

Safely and effectively complete practices and tasks with visual components.

Examples of Tasks

Ability to administer, score and interpret psychometric assessments including assessments of cognition, personality and adaptive functioning.

Observe behaviour of others to contribute to behavioural and social assessments.

Observe and detect subtle changes in non-verbal behaviour to inform assessment and formulation of psychological functioning.

Create and interpret representations of data including graphs and tables.

Observe alarms, warnings and to ensure the safety of yourself and others during clinical practice, laboratory work and simulated practice.

Physical

Gross motor tasks

Requirement

Safely and effectively complete psychological practice and assessment tasks that involve gross motor skills.

Examples of Tasks

Physically manipulate material, systems and processes.

Consistent and sustained levels of energy and concentration to complete a range of specific tasks in a timely manner and over time.

Travel to and participate in practical exercises and excursions off campus or placement locations within reasonable timeframes (with regard to health and safety considerations), including those over uneven ground.

Fine motor tasks

Requirement

Safely and effectively complete practical and assessment tasks that involve fine motor skills. Tasks that involve fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently.

Examples of Tasks

Manipulate instruments and equipment in the administration of psychometric assessments.

Grasping, pressing, pushing, turning, squeezing and manipulating various objects and instruments in the administration of psychometric assessments.

Use knobs and dials in equipment used for laboratory and field data collection and analysis.

Use computer equipment.

Manipulate objects to determine physical properties.

*The University of New England Inherent Requirement Statements for the Courses within the School of Psychology have been developed from: University of Sydney Inherent Requirements for Pharmacy Courses and UWS Inherent Requirements – Engineering / Nursing Course Inherent Requirements

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