1. Purpose

1.1 This policy is to acknowledge the need to provide effective and equitable student pathways for study from school, post-secondary education, the community and other universities. In order to achieve this, the University provides credit for learning commensurate with the standard practices of the Australian Higher Education sector.

1.2 Information on the University’s approach to credit transfer is located on the University’s website. The information includes the relevant policy, procedures and a database of precedents and articulation agreements.

1.3 This policy must be read in conjunction with the linked Credit Transfer - Procedures.

2. Scope and application

2.1 This policy applies to all students, prospective students, staff, decision-making bodies, and agents and partners of the University.

2.2 The policy does not apply to Higher Degrees by Research (HDR).

3. Definitions

3.1 Refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for definitions as they specifically relate to policy documents.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

4. Policy statement

4.1 This policy provides a broad framework, set of principles and minimal requirements for determining credit for:

(a) prior formal post-secondary learning; or

(b) prior non-formal or informal learning.

Credit transfer is available when the formal recognition of prior learning (non-formal or informal studies) for which credit can be granted is assessed as meeting the learning outcomes for:

(a) Specified credit is credit granted towards particular or specific components of a qualification or program of learning;

(b) Unspecified credit is credit granted towards elective components of a qualification or program of learning; and

(c) Block credit is credit granted towards whole stages or components of a program of learning leading to a qualification.

5. Policy principles

5.1 Credit transfer arrangements are designed to:

(a) remove duplication of learning and promote a continuum of learning;

(b) enable students to gain a qualification in minimal time provided that the quality, integrity and standing of that qualification is not diminished in the process;

(c) contribute to the development of open, accessible, inclusive and integrated post-compulsory education systems;

(d) facilitate student mobility between institutions, sectors, states and nations; and

(e) reduce the University’s exposure to risk with respect to academic standards.

5.2 Credit transfer is provided by the University consistent with requirements and guidelines contained within the current versions of the:

(a) Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF);

(b) AQF – Qualifications Pathways Policy;

(c) Provision of Education to International Students, Code of Practice and Guidelines for Australian Universities (Universities Australia); and

(d) National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (ESOS).

5.3 The granting of credit does not guarantee admission to any UniSC program.

5.4 The University identifies a credit limit for programs based on what is considered the minimum amount of study at the University to qualify for the award of a University of the Sunshine Coast qualification. These limits are identified in the Credit Transfer – Procedures.

5.5 Credit transfer is restricted when:

(a) external accreditation or professional registration or similar recognition requirements of a program prohibit or limit transfer of credit beyond that imposed by the University; or

(b) prior studies are used to meet minimal entry requirements for a program.

5.6 Prior formal studies are not accepted for specified credit when completed more than 10 years before the application for credit is made. This time limit does not apply when the prior formal studies is for unspecified or block credit.

5.7 The maximum amount of credit that can be transferred in cross-sector (vocational education and training to higher education) arrangements at undergraduate level is identified in the Credit Transfer – Procedures based on the AQF Qualifications Pathway Policy.

5.8 Credit is not given a mark or grade and is not be included in the calculation of a grade point average (GPA).

6. Authorities and responsibilities

6.1 As the Approval Authority, Academic Board approves this policy in accordance with the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (Qld).

6.2 As the Responsible Executive Member the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) can approve procedures and guidelines to operationalise this policy. All procedures and guidelines must be compatible with the provisions of this policy.

6.3 As the Designated Officer the Academic Registrar and Director, Student Services can approve associated documents to support the application of this policy. All associated documents must be compatible with the provisions of the policy.

6.4 This policy operates from the last amended date, with all previous iterations of policy on credit transfer are replaced and no longer operating from this date.

6.5 All records relating to credit transfers must be stored and managed in accordance with the Records Management - Procedures.

6.6 This policy must be maintained in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures and reviewed on a standard 5-year policy review cycle.

6.7 Any exception to this policy to enable a more appropriate result must be approved in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures prior to deviation from the policy.

6.8 Refer to Schedule C of the Delegations Manual in relation to the approved delegations detailed within this policy.

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