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Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
These terms apply to the ways that USC acknowledges relevant previous experience when enrolling new students.
Credit transfer is the process of assessing prior academic work in order to determine whether those studies are of equal depth and academic rigour as courses offered at USC. A successful credit transfer application will reduce the number of courses required to complete an award program.
Similarly, recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the process of assessing knowledge and skills developed through other learning, informal studies or work-related learning, to determine whether the skills and knowledge contribute to meeting the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a course or program at USC.
A successful RPL application will reduce the number of courses required to complete an award program.
Credit may be provided on the basis of completed studies or through articulation arrangements between programs for current studies.
Such articulation arrangements involve specified pathways between programs and institutions.
USC is developing a comprehensive approach to credit and articulation arrangements that enable students to gain maximum benefit from their VET / TAFE and Higher Education studies.
This is in the form of smooth and efficient pathways between programs and qualifications, making it clear and easy to navigate credit arrangements for students who have completed VET/TAFE programs and wish to enrol in University programs, and for students entering into articulation pathways.
Credit
Credit will be awarded for previous study, particularly in areas directly related to the program in which prospective students seek to enrol.
The University offers different amounts of credit depending upon the level of previous study—degree, advanced diploma, diploma or certificate IV—and whether the previous study was undertaken at an Australian or overseas institution.
The maximum amounts of credit that may be transferred are outlined in the University's Credit Transfer - Academic Policy.
In the instances of partially completed previous study, credit may be awarded on a pro-rata basis according to the percentage of awards completed.
Generally, credit will not be given for studies completed more than 10 years prior to the date of application for credit.
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Credit arrangements with TAFE
If you hold a TAFE qualification that is not listed below but is in a relevant area to the USC degree you intend to study, you may be eligible to receive credit.
The below credit arrangements are maximums and may differ if admission is gained to programs other than those indicated.
Arts and Design
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Graphic Design |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Computer-Based Design
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Design and Communication |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Multimedia |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Design and Communication
Bachelor of Computer-Based Design |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Photography |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Design and Communication
Bachelor of Computer-Based Design |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Visual Arts (Fine Arts) |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Design and Communication
Bachelor of Computer-Based Design |
8 courses credit |
Business, Tourism and Management
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Accounting |
All Bachelor of Business programs |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Business |
All Bachelor of Business programs |
8 courses credit
Note: Certificate IV in Business (Small Business Management or Frontline Management)—4 courses credit |
| Diploma of Business (Marketing) |
All Bachelor of Business programs |
8 courses credit
Note: Certificate IV—4 courses |
| Diploma of Event Management |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Tourism (Marketing and Product Development) |
All Bachelor of Business programs |
8 courses credit
Note: Certificate IV in Tourism (Natural and Cultural Heritage)—4 courses credit |
Community Services
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Children's Services |
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication |
8 courses credit
|
| Diploma of Community Welfare Work |
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Justice |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies |
8 courses credit |
Information and Communication Technology
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) |
All Bachelor of Business programs |
8 courses credit (BUS108 and 7 general electives)
Note: Certificate IV Information Technology (Technical Support or Programming or Network Management or Website Administration)—4 courses credit |
Nursing
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled / Division 2) |
Bachelor of Nursing Science |
8 courses credit |
Science and Environment
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Conservation and Land Management |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science |
8 courses credit
Note: Certificate IV—4 courses credit
|
| Diploma of Laboratory Technology |
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
8 courses credit |
| Diploma of Renewable Energies Technology |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science |
8 courses credit |
| Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations (SBIT) |
Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
12 courses credit |
Sport and Recreation
| TAFE / SCIT qualification |
USC degree |
Credit arrangement |
| Diploma of Fitness |
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science |
8 courses credit |
| Certificate IV in Fitness |
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science |
4 courses credit |
Overseas qualifications
Prospective students with overseas qualifications are invited to apply for credit, but may not receive the amount of credit described above.
Students with overseas qualifications should contact USC International for more information.
Articulation
Articulation of the University's programs with the programs of VET / TAFE institutions involves a structure whereby VET / TAFE students may choose to integrate their VET / TAFE studies with a relevant University degree program in order to achieve VET / TAFE and higher education qualifications concurrently in less time than it would normally take to achieve the qualifications separately, or with normal credit.
Articulation arrangements involve not only the University giving students credit for VET / TAFE studies, but also the VET / TAFE institution involved with the University in any articulation arrangement giving credit for higher education studies.
Specific program arrangements
The University has a strong commitment to lifelong learning and accords high priority to facilitating responsive and flexible education and training opportunities for its students.
For specific program arrangements refer to the appropriate faculty:
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