The skills required of students wishing to study in the Bachelor of Family and Consumer Sciences encompass a range of competencies and interests arising from the multifaceted and interdisciplinary nature of the program. The program is designed to develop strategies to improve the quality of life of individuals and families, so students need both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills.
First, communication skills are a cornerstone of the program. Students must effectively understand and interpret information from different disciplines and be able to convey this information clearly and intelligibly to a variety of audiences. This includes written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to listen empathetically and speak persuasively. In order to work effectively with families and consumers, students need to have the capacity to understand and respect different points of view.
Research skills are also important in this program. Students need to gather and evaluate information to analyze the problems faced by families and consumers, find solutions to these problems and develop workable strategies. This process requires the ability to collect and analyze data and interpret the results. At the same time, students also need critical thinking skills, i.e. the ability to question the information they encounter, generate alternative solutions and make informed choices in decision-making processes is vital for those studying in this program.
Teamwork and collaboration skills are essential for students to succeed. Studies in Family and Consumer Sciences are usually carried out in multidisciplinary teams. Therefore, it is important that students have the capacity to collaborate with experts from different disciplines, work harmoniously in groups to achieve common goals and manage projects in a team spirit.
Finally, students studying in this program are expected to have creativity and innovation skills. Students need original thinking and creative problem solving skills to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by families and consumers, improve existing practices and design sustainable strategies. This program offers students a broad perspective and aims to educate them as individuals who are sensitive to societal needs, knowledge-based and able to generate effective solutions.
The combination of these skills enables students who wish to study in the Family and Consumer Sciences Undergraduate Program to become successful and effective professionals. The program empowers students to make positive changes at both the individual and societal levels, and prepares them as individuals who are equipped and sensitive to the challenges facing contemporary society.