- Inherent requirements key terms
- Inherent requirements for Accounting
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Applied Leadership and Critical Thinking
- Inherent requirements for Master of Art Therapy
- Inherent requirements for Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Sonography
- Inherent requirements for Building Design and Construction Management
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Construction Technology
- Inherent requirements for Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane)
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Community Welfare
- Inherent requirements for Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
- Inherent requirements for Master of Digital Humanities
- Inherent requirements for Education and Teaching
- Inherent requirements for Engineering courses
- Inherent requirements for Epidemiology
- Inherent requirements for Paramedicine
- Inherent requirements for Interpreting and Translation
- Inherent requirements for Languages
- Inherent requirements for Law
- Inherent requirements for Mathematics
- Inherent requirements for Medicine
- Inherent requirements for Midwifery
- Inherent requirements for Nursing (preregistration) courses
- Inherent requirements for Nursing and Midwifery (postgraduate)
- Inherent requirements for Occupational Therapy
- Inherent requirements for Physiotherapy
- Inherent requirements for Podiatric Medicine
- Inherent requirements for Master of Professional Psychology
- Inherent requirements for Master of Clinical Psychology
- Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Social Work
- Inherent requirements for TESOL
- Inherent requirements for Chinese Medicine Health Care Disciplines
- Inherent requirements for Master of Public Health and Master of Health Science
- Inherent requirements for Speech Pathology
Inherent requirements for Master of Art Therapy
These inherent requirements apply to the following course: Master of Art Therapy (course code 4595).
Western Sydney University and the School of Social Sciences and Psychology (SSAP) strongly supports the right of all people to pursue a Master of Art Therapy course.
Introduction
Inherent requirements
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, clinical 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 Australian health care context which may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. For further information contact your Director of Academic Program.
Successfully completing the course enables you to apply for full professional membership registration with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)(opens in a new window). ANZACATA uses the term 'registration' to describe the full professional membership extended to graduates of Masters programs that meet the association's training and accreditation standards. However (as with social workers and counsellors) there is currently no national or state legal registration of arts therapists in Australia, although ANZACATA continues to lobby for such regulation.
The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide for students and staff when deciding whether you are able to meet these requirements and the type of reasonable adjustments that could be put in place to allow you to complete the course without compromising the academic and professional integrity of the course.
To support potential and current students' decision making, a series of inherent requirement statements have been developed. These statements specify the course requirements of the Master of Art Therapy for student admission and progression. The statements are clustered under nine domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal, communication, cognition, visual art skills, relational skills, reflective skills and sustainable performance.
How to read the inherent requirement statements
If you are intending to enrol in the Master of Art Therapy course in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology (SSAP), you should look at these inherent requirement 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 the SSAP staff, such as the Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor or School Disability Coordinator or a Campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that Inherent Requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.
These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information and the codes, guidelines and policies of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)(opens in a new window), the accrediting body for this course.
The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components and domains:
- Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
- Level 2 - description of 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 that show you've met the requirement. These are examples only and not a comprehensive list
There are nine domains of inherent requirements in the Master of Art Therapy. Some domains have a number of sub-domains.
- Ethical behaviour
- Behavioural stability
- Legal
- Communication
- Cognition
- Visual art skills and practice
- Relational skills
- Reflective skills
- Sustainable performance
Inherent requirement statements
Ethical behaviour
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Art Therapy is a profession guided by the codes, guidelines and policies of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)(opens in a new window) whereby arts therapists are deemed accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts. Art therapists practising in NSW and South Australia are subject to a statutory Code of Conduct for health practitioners and there are plans to introduce a National Code of Conduct. Art therapists must adhere to these codes and should demonstrate knowledge of and engage in ethical behaviour in practice. |
2 | Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in ethical behaviour in practice. |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Compliance with the codes, guidelines and policies 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 ensure the codes, guidelines and policies of ANZACATA are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: »Demonstrate ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour |
Behavioural stability
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in this role. |
2 | Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic and clinical environment. |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: »Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in diverse and changing environments. Students will be exposed to situations which are challenging and unpredictable, and will be required to have the behavioural stability to manage these events |
4 | Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in both academic and clinical settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback |
Legal
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Art Therapy practice is covered by legislation pertaining to health professions that are not subject to state registration, to enable the safe delivery of care. Art Therapists are subject to laws governing child protection, mandatory notification of children and young people at risk, and criminal activity. Art Therapy practice is further covered by peer regulation through professional Art Therapy organisations. |
2 | Student demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Australian Law, professional regulations and scope of practice. |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Knowledge, understanding and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary pre-requisites to placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others |
4 | Adjustments must be consistent with legal and regulatory requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Complying with legal requirements regarding all aspects of Art Therapy practice |
Communication
This course requires effective, verbal, visual, non-verbal and written communication skills.
VerbalInherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe and effective delivery of support. |
2 | Student demonstrates: |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships |
4 | Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety and appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Responding verbally in an interview with clients in the field placement setting |
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Effective recognition and understanding of, and response to, visual communication is a fundamental requirement of the Art Therapy profession. Visual communication needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathic and non-judgemental. |
2 | Student demonstrates: |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Art Therapy uses art media as a primary form of communication between client and art therapist. It employs visual art equipment such as clay, paper, paints, and other artistic materials to create visual forms of personal expression that the art therapist assists the client to understand and explore |
4 | Adjustments for impaired visual communication must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » The ability to recognise both literal and symbolic content and communication in the clients' art-making processes and in finished client artwork |
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to Art Therapy and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathic, and non-judgemental. |
2 |
Student demonstrates: » The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues » Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours » Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships |
4 | Adjustments must enable the recognition, interpretation and appropriate response to non-verbal cues as well as initiation of effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Recognising a postural change that could indicate the emotional state of a client |
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental Art Therapy student responsibility with professional and legal ramifications. |
2 | Student demonstrates capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances. |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Construction of written text based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice standards |
4 | Adjustments must not compromise the necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Constructing an essay to required academic standards |
Cognition
This course requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition and literacy.
Knowledge and cognitive skillsInherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to undertake safe and competent Art Therapy practice. |
2 |
Student demonstrates: » The capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information » The ability to process information relevant to practice » The ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Safe and effective Art Therapy practice is based on knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately |
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: » Appropriately applying knowledge to practice during field placements, for example through making assessments, developing treatment plans and then conducting individual and group sessions for clients |
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective Art Therapy practice. |
2 |
Student demonstrates: » The ability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages » The ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information » The capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in an appropriate manner for the intended audience. » The capacity to include personal and professional reflection within academic writing |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and delivery of Art Therapy services |
4 | Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Conveying a spoken message accurately and effectively in a field placement setting |
Visual art skills and practice
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Competent visual art skills are essential to provide safe and effective Art Therapy. |
2 | Student demonstrates: |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Art Therapy uses a range of visual arts processes and media within a therapeutic framework to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being |
4 | Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to support client art-making. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Ability to assist clients in identifying the appropriate, choice of art media and techniques to use |
Relational skills
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Art Therapy practice requires the ability to make and maintain strong therapeutic relationships with a wide range of clients, often under stressful circumstances. |
2 | Student demonstrates: |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Highly developed relational skills are a cornerstone of effective therapeutic relationships that facilitate effective engagement, assessment, intervention and closure. |
4 | Adjustments demonstrate acceptable level of effective relational skills across the range of tasks, populations and learning experiences. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Effectively using relational and interpersonal skills to initiate and develop a therapeutic relationship with clients. |
Reflective skills
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Art Therapy practice requires self-awareness and a capacity for reflection in order to consider the effect of one's own actions, values, emotions and behaviours. |
2 | Student demonstrates: |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Art Therapy training which requires well developed understanding of oneself in order to appropriately engage with clinical supervision of and feedback on work with clients |
4 | Adjustments must demonstrate the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of capacity in this area. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Identifying when a clinical issue is outside one's scope or expertise |
Sustainable performance
Inherent requirement statements | |
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1 | Art Therapy practice requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level to meet individual and group needs over time. |
2 |
Student demonstrates: » Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time » Concentrating attention on client art-making and therapeutic interactions throughout an individual or group Art Therapy session |
3 | Justification of inherent requirement: » Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective support |
4 | Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a required period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor. |
5 | Exemplars: » Participating in tutorials and lectures |
*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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