Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.
This will assist you when participating in tutorial discussions and practicing your professional communication during on-campus learning activities.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
In internship settings, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, clients, victims, offenders, supervisors and other professionals and will assist you when participating in meetings and discussions.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities. 

Internship tasks may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your internship coordinator prior to commencement. 

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in both on-campus and internship settings to build relationships, establish trust and assess client needs

In on-campus and internship settings, tasks which require your use of social communication abilities include:

• recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues from peers and staff such as verbal turn taking in tutorials
• responding to clients by using your own social communication skills, such as open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to display understanding and engagement

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, screen-based and image-based texts.

In internship settings, essential information is communicated in written form.  Tasks which require your use of reading include: 

• reading and comprehending essential client information which may include client notes and reports from other professionals
• reading and comprehending written documents such as induction processes, supervisors’ instructions, policies and occupational health and safety guidelines

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during an internship may vary between settings should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both on-campus learning activities and internship tasks.

In on-campus learning and internship settings, tasks which require writing include: 

• demonstrating  your understanding of course content and prescribed written material by completing written assessment tasks, such as essays and reports
• contributing to case notes, administrative note-taking, preparation of reports or briefs, database entry and email communications during your internship

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during internships may vary between settings and should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient manner in the patient care and on-campus simulation environments.

In on-campus learning and internship settings, tasks which require the use of number skills include:

• understanding of numerical data and concepts related to psychological outcomes
• analysing results from psychological data collection, accurately scoring test data, performing  accurate statistical analysis

The ability to manipulate, interpret and apply numerical data is fundamental for interpreting psychological outcome data and the preparation of psychological reports.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during internships may vary between settings and should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from the on-campus learning setting during your internship.

In internship settings, tasks which require your use of cognitive skills include:

• correctly applying host organisation policies and procedures
• problem solving and managing competing demands i.e., clarifying task instructions from your supervisor so you can plan and prioritise your work

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during internships should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.