The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) program requires students to:
- use and understand verbal communication in English
- use and understand non-verbal (social) communication.
Verbal Expression and Comprehension (understanding)
What do I need to be able to do?
You will need to:
- understand and respond to verbal communication appropriately and in a timely manner in both academic and professional placement settings
- verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in academic and professional placement settings.
What are some examples of this?
Examples of when you will need to use verbal communication include:
- participating in tutorial discussions and practicing professional communication skills during class
- establishing rapport and responding appropriately to clients, supervisors and other health professionals in the professional placement setting
Why do I need to be able to do this?
You will need to use and understand verbal communication because:
- academic material is presented verbally in English in the academic setting
- understanding verbal information and communicating with peers and academic staff is an important part of academic study
- accurate, timely and clear verbal communication in small and large groups is required in order to complete the program requirements and learning objectives
What reasonable adjustments could be considered?
Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be provided for you within the academic setting. However, professional placement tasks often require timely communication and this should be considered prior to commencement.
Consideration may be given to the professional placement type and location – some professional placement placements may better be able to accommodate students with specific identified needs.
Social Communication
The capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as:
- eye contact
- gestures
- facial expression
- speaking volume and tone of voice
- proximity
- verbal turn taking.
What do I need to be able to do?
You will need to:
- recognise, interpret and respond to non - verbal communication appropriately in both academic and professional placement settings
- be aware of, and use non-verbal communication appropriately in academic and professional placement settings.
What are some examples of this?
Examples of when you will need to use non-verbal communication include:
- recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues from peers and staff in the academic setting
- recognising the social communication used by clients and identifying client’s emotional states through their non-verbal cues whilst undertaking professional placement
- responding to clients by using your own social communication skills, such as open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to display understanding and empathy in the professional placement setting.
Why do I need to be able to do these things?
You will need to use and understand non-verbal communication skills because:
- these skills help to establish trust and respect in academic and professional relationships
- the ability to notice, understand and use appropriate non-verbal cues is critical to establishing and maintaining rapport; assessing clients support needs and proceeding with intervention in the workplace setting during your professional placement
What reasonable adjustments could be considered?
The School will give consideration to non-verbal communication behaviours appropriate to your disability or condition. If you have sensory deficits, such as vision or hearing impairments, you may rely more on either auditory or visual communication behaviours.
Consideration may be given to the professional placement type and location – some professional placements may better be able to accommodate students with specific, identified needs.