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Why are inherent requirements essential for studying this course?
The Undergraduate Psychology courses at Curtin University are professionally accredited and graduating students will need to meet the requirements of the professional body to register to work in this profession. Students should be familiar with the requirements set out by the following accrediting bodies and Standards which may impact their progression throughout their studies and in entering the profession:
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
APAC is an independent quality and standards organisation. APAC develops and reviews the standards for accreditation of psychology programs of study.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
AACSB International (AACSB), a global nonprofit association, connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.
Psychology is a profession governed by the codes, guidelines, and policies of the Psychology Board of Australia where psychologists are deemed accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts. Psychologists must adhere to these codes and should demonstrate knowledge of and engage in ethical behaviour in practice. Students and graduates of accredited Level One and Two programs in psychology, although not registered psychologists are expected to adhere to these same codes and policies. Students and graduates demonstrate knowledge of and engage in ethical behaviour in practice.
Compliance with the codes, guidelines, and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people they engage with. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of all. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) state that graduates of an undergraduate degree must achieve the following competency: “Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology” (APAC, 1.4, page 11).
Examples:
Understanding and practising appropriate professional boundaries with staff members and other students.
Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in roles relating to the practise of psychology, whether as a psychologist or in a related role using an undergraduate Psychology qualification. Students and graduates must demonstrate behavioural stability to work constructively in diverse and changing academic and work environments, which may at times be challenging and unpredictable.
Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Students will be exposed to situations which are challenging and unpredictable and will be required to have the behavioural stability to manage these objectively and professionally. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) state that graduates of an undergraduate degree must achieve the following competency: “Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.” (APAC, 1.2, page 11).
Examples:
Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback.
Work and interact respectfully with a diverse range of people.
Managing own emotional state in order to develop and maintain appropriate relationships with a diverse range of academic staff, peers, and colleagues.
Verbal
Effective and efficient verbal communication (in English) is an essential requirement to provide safe and effective delivery of psychology information and support. Students need to demonstrate sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences and the ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately, and in a timely manner.
The practice of psychology requires a wide range of communication skills including effective verbal communication with clients and members of the professional team in a manner displaying empathy and respect. If these skills are not developed during undergraduate Psychology study, then the student will lack the skills needed to succeed in their profession following graduation. Timely, accurate, and effective communication is necessary to provide safe and professional support.
Examples:
Ability to communicate verbally in person and/or online in small and larger groups.
Professional psychology practice requires the ability to use highly developed interpersonal skills plus establish and maintain strong relationships with people. Students need to demonstrate:
The ability to establish and maintain rapport and appropriate professional boundaries with academic staff, supervisors, and peers.
The ability to engage in effective and empathic group work.
Highly developed relational skills are a cornerstone of effective workplace and therapeutic relationships that permit effective engagement, assessment, intervention, and closure. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) state that graduates of an undergraduate degree must achieve the following competency: “Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathetic responding.” (APAC, 2.2, page 12).
Examples:
Effectively developing collaborative working relationships with peers.
Relating effectively, openly, and sensitively to academic staff, supervisors, and peers.
A series of inherent requirement statements have been developed which are specific to this course. To be successful in your studies all course requirements need to be met which includes the academic/theoretical content and practical application (industry placement). The requirements ensure students understand what is expected to complete their studies and therefore make an informed decision about their chosen course of study.
Each inherent requirement is made up of the following sections:
Introduction to the inherent requirement
Justification for inherent requirement
Examples you must be able to demonstrate to meet the inherent requirement
Curtin will endeavour to meet all students needs to ensure success with studies. Students with a disability or health conditions may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements. For further support please contact Curtin’s AccessAbility Services
Inherent Requirements http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ir