These inherent requirements apply to the following course:

  • Bachelor of Theology

Australian Catholic University and the School of Theology strongly supports the right of all people to pursue a Bachelor of Theology.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their course. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Students are required to undertake activities which reflect the theological studies context which may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. For further information contact your Course Co-ordinator.

To support prospective and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirements statements have been developed. These statements specify the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required for the Bachelor of Theology. Students should use this information to make informed decisions about their chosen course of study. The statements are clustered under six domains consisting of ethical behavior, behavioural stability, communication, cognition, reflection and sustainable performance.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

If you are intending to enrol in the and related double degrees, you should look at these inherent requirements statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with relevant staff, such as the Course Coordinator or Campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you in meeting the course inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information.

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

  • Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
  • Level 2 - description of how you demonstrate that you meet the inherent requirement
  • Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the course
  • Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
  • Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you have met the requirement (in-class and clinical/professional placement). The exemplars provided are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Inherent Requirement Domains

There are six domains of inherent requirements in the Bachelor of Theology. Domains provide a means by which to cluster the course specific inherent requirements statements. You are required to consider which domains apply to your course. Domains may include a set of sub-domains and these are also listed.

 
Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Students need to understand and act in ways consistent with the recognised values of Australian society.
2 Student demonstrates knowledge of and engages in ethical behaviour in practice.
3 Justification of inherent requirement: Compliance with the recognised values of society facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all.
4 Adjustments must support the recognised values of Australian society and not result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Demonstrating ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
  • Treating others respectfully and fairly in classroom discussions, regardless of differences in background or opinion.
 
Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Competent literacy skills are essential to theological studies.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Ability to acquire information and to convey it accurately, appropriately and effectively.
  • Ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information.
3 Justification of inherent requirement:
  • The ability to acquire information and to convey it accurately, appropriately and effectively is fundamental in understanding the relevant background and context for analysis of theological texts.
  • The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental to theological knowledge.
4 Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate and appropriate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Demonstrating the ability to to use relevant digital technology appropriately to undertake activities in the academic or community engament environment .
  • Demonstrating the ability to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
 
Level Inherent requirements statements

1
Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively in a program of theological study.

2
Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic and community engagement environment, which may at times be challenging and unpredictable.

3


Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in groups in the academic and community engagement environment.
  • Students will be required to have behavioural stability to manage their academic responsibilities.

4
Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in the academic and community engagement environment. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.

5


Exemplars:

  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback.
  • Managing own emotions and behaviour effectively when engaging with individuals in the academic and community engagement environment.
 
Level Inherent requirements statements

1
Effective written communication, in English, is fundamental to theological studies.

2
Student demonstrates capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate

3


Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards is necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter.
  • Comprehensive and accurate written communication for a range of purposes and audiences is essential to provide a consistent professional standard of work.

4
Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in academic settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.

5


Exemplars:

  • Constructing a written report for an academic or relevant community engagement environment context. · Conducting critical analysis to academic standards.
 
Level Inherent requirements statements
1  Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to undertake theological studies.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information
  • Ability to process information relevant to practice
  • Ability to integrate and implement knowledge
3 Justification of inherent requirement: Theological study requires the sourcing, understanding and application of knowledge and skills relevant to a wide variety of assessment tasks and research projects The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for understanding and applying knowledge
4 Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. 
5

Exemplars:

  • Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge and information in response to academic assessment tasks ·
 
Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Students require self-awareness and the capacity to reflect on their learning experiences.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • The ability to accurately reflect on feedback on assessments and performance
  • The ability to accept feedback on their performance and respond constructively
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Participation in outcomes based assessments is a key learning strategy which requires adequately understanding ones competencies and abilities in order to appropriately engage in learning
  • Self-awareness requires the ability to effectively manage one's reactions to situations that may arise
4 Adjustments for reflective skills must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of capacity in this area.
5

Exemplars:

  • Identifying when one's performance may be affected by an inability to reflect and adjust to feedback
  • Reflect on and use previous feedback to enhance preparation for future assessment tasks.
 
Level Inherent requirements statements
1 Theology practice in the community engagement context requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level.
2 Student demonstrates:
  • The ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration that ensures a capacity to focus on the activity until it is completed appropriately
  • The capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout the designated period of time.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned time period.
4 Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given time period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5

 Exemplars: 

  • Participating in tutorials, lectures, exams and research.
  • Capacity to complete community engagement placement.

*Developed from: Johnson, A., Allan, T., Phillips, K., Azzopardi, T., Dickson, C., Goldsmith, M & Hengstberger- Sims, C. (2011). Inherent Requirements of Nursing Education (IRONE), Western Sydney University School of Nursing & Midwifery and Student Equity & Disability Services.

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Inherent Requirements https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ir
© University of Western Sydney is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International licence.

 

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