1. Purpose

1.1 These procedures outline the University’s requirements for the processing and assessment of prior formal, non-formal and informal learning for the purpose of granting credit transfer and exemptions towards the completion of a coursework program.

1.2 These procedures must be read in conjunction with the Credit Transfer - Academic Policy.

2. Scope and application

2.1 These procedures apply to all coursework programs, all coursework students, and applicants for admission to a coursework program. It also applies to all staff involved in the consideration and approval of credit transfers.

2.2 These procedures do not apply to higher degrees by research.

3. Definitions

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

Block credit is credit granted towards components of a program of learning leading to a qualification, rather than for specific unit points required. Students granted an exemption will complete an alternative unit from the elected or listed component of the course.

Formal Learning is learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification. Examples include study undertaken with other Australian Higher Education Providers and study at recognised overseas institutions.

Informal Learning is learning that takes place through life and work experience, and is less structured (in terms of objectives, time or learning support)

Non-formal Learning is learning that takes place through completion of a structured program of learning but does not lead to a formally recognised qualification.

Precedent is a credit transfer decision that is available for reuse in subsequent, comparable credit transfer applications.

Provisional credit is the granting of credit subject to prescribed conditions being met.

Reduced volume of learning credit is credit granted into some master’s programs in recognition of prior formal studies in a cognate (same) discipline, as a reduction in the number of units required to complete the program. This reduction is typically in 48-unit blocks.

Specified credit is credit granted for specific UniSC units or specific components of a program when an exact or near exact equivalence to that course can be demonstrated.

Unspecified credit is credit granted when an exact or near equivalence cannot be demonstrated. Unspecified credit is typically granted for elective units/courses of a program of learning.

4. Application for credit transfer

4.1 An application for credit transfer must be made using the University’s approved academic credit management system.

• 1. Applications based on formal learning must be accompanied by:

(a) certified copies of the official academic transcript, certificate of completion or digitally certified transcript issued via UniSC-recognised platform (such as MyeQuals), except when the prior study was undertaken at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC); and

(b) extracts from institutional handbooks (such as course outlines) or other official documentation giving sufficient details of the studies to allow an assessment of the application for credit must be supplied. When the University has an established credit precedent as identified in the University’s credit database, for prior UniSC study or for an approved articulation agreement, then accompanying official documents do not need to be supplied.

4.3 Applications based on informal and non-formal learning must be accompanied by:

(a) appropriate evidence such as references, samples of work, project briefs, reports, publications, industry certifications, employment history and employment position descriptions; and

(b) a written supporting statement that outlines how the evidence links to the course learning outcomes.

4.4 All supporting documentation must be in English. Any documentation or information required as part of the application that is in a language other than English must include an English translation completed by a translator certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or an alternative official translator recognised by the University.

4.5 Applications for credit can be lodged:

(a) by domestic students at any time after an offer of admission has been made;

(b) by international students as part of their admission application or at any time after an offer of admission has been made; and

(c) notwithstanding clause 4.6 a) and 4.6 b), applications should be lodged in time for credit transfer to be assessed and the applicant notified prior to the commencement of any teaching period in which the award of credit can affect the student's study program.

4.6 When a student changes internally from one program to another, credit transfer for courses is not automatically transferred. The option to transfer credit must be included in the program change request or as a separate application for credit transfer after offer of admission to the new program.

4.7 Once an application has been submitted, students must respond to any requests related to their application by the specified deadline. When the deadline lapses and no response has been given, the application can be cancelled.

4.8 When assessing a credit transfer application the University can at any time:

(a) request additional documentation or information (including original documents and or certified copies of originals);

(b) audit an application and perform any ‘back to source’ checks considered necessary; or

(c) use external providers to verify documentation (e.g. QTAC for verifying academic transcripts).

5. Assessment process

5.1 Assessment of an application for credit transfer:

(a) considers any precedent or articulation agreement exists; or

(b) is based on an evaluation of the evidence in relation to:

(i) type, amount and currency of learning;

(ii) institution where the studies were undertaken;

(iii) the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of studies;

(iv) demonstration of equivalence to learning outcomes of studies;

(v) University limits on credit transfer; and

(vi) any restrictions placed by relevant external professional accreditation or registration bodies on the amount and type of credit.

5.2 Credit is not granted for:

(a) prior studies used to meet the minimal entry requirements for a program;

(b) courses for which a grade of Pass Conceded (or equivalent grade) has been achieved;

(c) enabling courses at the University or other institutions, except for the following circumstance: unspecified credit may be granted for UniSC enabling courses coded UCC where they are listed in an undergraduate program structure;

(d) theses or dissertation courses including the research project within a Bachelor Honours Degree. Refer to the Bachelor Honours Degree – Procedures; or

(e) secondary school studies where it is considered that the level of study is not substantially comparable in level and content with undergraduate award study.

5.3 Methods of granting credit

5.3.1 Credit transfer towards a University program is granted for:

(a) block credit towards whole components of a program (e.g. a semester of year of full-time study);

(b) specified credit towards specific University courses or components;

(c) unspecified credit towards elective courses in the program, when there are no equivalent specified courses in the program.

5.4 Credit precedents and articulation agreements

5.4.1 When an application for credit based on prior complete or incomplete formal study is approved by the Program Coordinator, an option is provided for the decision to be recorded as a credit precedent. The University applies past precedents when available to ensure consistency of outcomes. A database is maintained to record precedents.

5.4.2 Articulation agreements are approved by the Dean of School and recorded in a database. Agreements must state:

(a) the period for which the agreement will have currency (usually no more than 3 years);

(b) provisions for review of the agreement before the expiry date; and

(c) a specific date on which the agreement ends.

5.4.3 The Academic Registrar and Director, Student Services is responsible for providing information to potential domestic credit applicants about approved articulation agreements and credit precedents.

5.4.4 The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Engagement) is responsible for providing information to potential international credit applicants about approved articulation agreements and credit precedents.

5.4.5 Credit precedents including articulation arrangements are reviewed periodically by the schools and must be reviewed when a program undergoes a substantial change.

5.4.6 When a review results in a change to an existing articulation arrangement, the partner institution should be consulted.

5.5 Type of learning undertaken

5.5.1 Formal learning

5.5.1.1 Only successfully completed learning with a minimum passing grade of 4 (or equivalent) or non-graded pass are considered for credit or exemption.

5.5.1.2 When no precedent/articulation agreement exists, or the existing precedent is older than 3 years, the formal learning is referred to the Program Coordinator to review the content and determine whether credit transfer or exemption can be granted.

5.5.1.3 The basis for which credit is assessed for formal learning is outlined in Section 5.6 Basis for credit assessment.

5.5.2 Informal and Non-Formal learning

5.5.2.1 An assessment of informal and non-formal learning is made on the basis that learning can be documented and the applicant can demonstrate the standard they achieved from participating in these activities is comparable to the standards in the program in which they are seeking credit. Learning can include relevant professional and paraprofessional experience, continuing professional development activities and other work/life experiences. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence that demonstrates relevant skills, knowledge and understanding.

5.5.3 Advanced secondary school level studies

5.5.3.1 In specific cases, when it is considered that the secondary school level study is judged to be substantially comparable in level and content with undergraduate award study, credit can be granted. For example, this can apply when a student, as part of their senior school certificate has undertaken: the International Baccalaureate; studies where a school and the University have jointly developed the curriculum.

5.5.3.2 Credit cannot be granted when professional accreditation requirements limit the granting of credit based on secondary school level studies.

5.5.4 Reduced volume of learning credit

5.5.4.1 A student for a master’s program in a cognate (same discipline area) can be granted reduced volume learning credit which is specified in the in the admission requirements for the relevant programs.

5.6 Basis for credit assessment

5.6.1 Prior learning should be:

(a) officially accredited learning from an accredited provided within or external to Australia, such as:

(i) National Register of Higher Education Providers maintained by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency;

(ii) studies offered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia; or

(iii) studies offered by a recognised higher education provider or training organisation on the basis of assessments made by Australian Education International (AEI).

(b) assessed in relation to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). The Framework is used as the basis of assessing applications for credit transfer and applications for prior learning, based on volume and level of learning of prior study when compared to the program/course for which credit is sought.

5.6.2 Amount of study

5.6.2.1 When the amount of studies undertaken by an applicant have not been identified in terms of credit points or equivalent, the number of hours of learning activities per week can be used as the basis for a determination.

5.6.3 Learning outcomes for types of credit

5.6.3.1 Credit transfer is available when the formal recognition of prior learning (including non-formal or informal studies) for which credit can be granted are assessed as meeting the learning outcomes for specified, unspecified or block credit.

5.6.4 Currency of the studies

5.6.4.1 Specified credit is only granted for studies that have been completed within 10 years of the time of application for credit. In considering cases for specified credit where studies were completed more than 10 years earlier, post-qualification experience which can contribute to the currency of knowledge or skills can be taken into account. The onus is on the student to provide evidence of relevant post-qualification experience as part of the credit application process.

5.6.4.2 Unspecified or block credit can be granted for formal studies completed more than 10 years before the time of application for credit.

5.6.4.3 Shorter time limits can be applied to specified credit or for Work Integrated Learning courses when professional accreditation requirements limit the granting of credit or when the relevant Dean of School deems that an extended break from study can pose a risk to students, staff or the public.

5.6.5 Limits on credit

5.6.5.1 The amount of credit transferred depends on the level of the prior study and the level of the UniSC program. Credit limits are prescribed in the Table 1.

Table 1: Unit requirements and credit limits for programs

5.6.5.2 No credit limits apply when a student transfers from an incomplete University program to another University program. Granted credit for the University courses transferred from an incomplete University program is treated as study completed in the program.

5.6.5.3 A student with a partially completed dual degree at the University who changes program into one of the component single degrees can be granted credit up to a maximum of the full credit point value of the single degree. To subsequently complete the other single degree, the normal processes of admission and credit apply in relation to a completed prior qualification.

5.6.5.4 A student opting to exit or be granted an intermediate award to a lower-level can be granted up to a maximum of the full unit value of the award for study completed at the University in accordance with the Enrolments and Graduation – Procedures.

5.6.5.5 Courses undertaken in programs within the University which formally articulate with a Master degree can be counted towards satisfying the requirements of the Master degree. These arrangements are not limited by the restrictions on the amount of credit which can be granted as set out in Table 1: Unit requirements and credit limits for programs.

5.6.6 Cross-Sector Credit Transfer

5.6.6.1 Table 2 identifies the basis of negotiation for the amount of credit in the same or a related discipline that may be transferred in cross-sector (vocational education and training to higher education) arrangements at undergraduate level.

5.6.6.2 No credit is granted for studies completed at Certificate I, II and III levels.

Table 2: Cross-Sector Credit Transfer

5.6.6.4 The amount of credit transfer (as identified in Table 2) can be exceeded when a formal articulation agreement exists and with the approval of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

5.6.6.5 The amount of credit awarded may be reduced where the volume of learning is determined to be at a level less than the typical duration.

5.6.7 External professional accreditation or registration bodies

5.6.7.1 Credit for courses in a program that has external professional accreditation, can be subject to restrictions on credit transfer imposed by the professional body that are more restrictive than those of the University.

6. Approval of credit

6.1 The Program Coordinator with responsibility for a program is also responsible for approving credit applications. This includes approving credit assessments on a course administered by another School contained in the program.

6.2 When a precedent has been established and recorded for a particular credit transfer, the responsibility for approving the credit transfer is transferred to the Academic Registrar and Director, Student Services.

7. Notification and recording

7.1 On the basis of the credit transfer and RPL assessment, the applicant is provided with a notice of credit transfer containing details of the credit transfer and RPL assessment.

7.2 International students who have received a notice of credit transfer and RPL should check that acceptance of any credit transfer and RPL is consistent with any visa or scholarship conditions.

7.3 Credit transfer and RPL assessment are recorded on the student’s record.

7.4 When credit is granted for prior formal study, the grades achieved in that prior study are not recorded on the UniSC academic transcript and do not contribute to the calculation of a student’s grade point average (GPA) in accordance with Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy. However, for the purpose of admission into the fourth year of an embedded Honours program or an end-on Honours year, the grades from prior study—including those granted as credit—can be considered in a discipline-specific GPA calculation, where applicable.

8. Withdrawal of credit

8.1 The University reserves the right to withdraw credit when an error has been made in assessing an application or the documentation provided by the applicant is incomplete, invalid or fraudulent. The withdrawal of credit must be approved by the Program Coordinator on the recommendation of the Associate Director, Student Business Services.

8.2 Credit already granted cannot be withdrawn due to changes made to the provisions of the Credit Transfer – Academic Policy or Procedures; or when a precedent or articulation is reviewed and changed.

9. Mechanisms for a review and appeal

9.1 Applicants for credit who are dissatisfied with the outcome of a credit application can request a review of the decision in accordance with Student Complaints Resolution – Academic Policy and Procedures.

10. Authorities and responsibilities

10.1 As the Approval Authority, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) approves these procedures to operationalise the Credit Transfer – Academic Policy.

10.2 As the Responsible Executive Member the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) can approve guidelines to further support the operationalisation of these procedures. All procedures and guidelines must be compatible with the provisions of the policy they operationalise.

10.3 As the Designated Officer the Academic Registrar and Director, Student Services can approve associated documents to support the application of these procedures.

10.4 These procedures operate from the last amended date, with all previous iterations of procedures on credit transfer are replaced and no longer operating from this date.

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

10.6 These procedures must be maintained in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures and reviewed on a standard 3-year policy review cycle.

10.7 Any exception to these procedures to enable a more appropriate result must be approved in accordance with the University Policy Documents – Procedures prior to any deviation from these procedures.

10.8 Refer to University Delegations – Governing Policy in relation to the approved delegations detailed within these procedures.

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