• Purpose
• Section 1 - Scope
• Section 2 - Principles
• Section 3 - Responsibilities
• Section 4 - Procedure
• Section 5 - Definitions

Purpose

(1) This Policy sets out the University of Canberra (University) principles for granting credit based on formal, informal and non-formal learning.

(2) Credit contributes towards satisfying requirements for an award of the University.

Section 1 - Scope

(3) This policy applies to:

1. all current and future students of the University as well as staff as credit application decision-makers, and agents and partners of the University;
2. coursework courses; and
3. Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses offered by the University with the exception of thesis units for which no credit will be granted.

Section 2 - Principles

(4) Credit is used to recognise equivalence in content and learning outcomes from formal, informal or non-formal learning.

(5) Credit arrangements are formal, negotiated agreements within and between issuing organisations or accrediting authorities, focusing on student entitlement to credit. These arrangements may also be made directly between issuing organisations and students.

(6) Credit arrangements are designed to:

1. remove duplication of learning;
2. promote a continuum of learning;
3. enable students to gain a qualification in minimal time provided that the quality and integrity of that qualification is not diminished in the process;
4. contribute to the development of open, accessible, inclusive and integrated higher education provider;
5. facilitate student mobility between institutions, sectors, states and nations; and
6. reduce the University’s exposure to risk regarding academic standards by ensuring the consistent application of principles and procedures.

(7) Credit assessment is evidence-based, transparent and accountable and approved by the University consistent with requirements and guidelines in the:

1. Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF);
2. Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2 of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021; and
3. National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

(8) The granting of credit ensures that students are not disadvantaged (for example, by requiring students to duplicate prior completed studies ) and will maintain the integrity of the qualification awarded.

(9) Being eligible for credit towards a course does not guarantee admission to that course.

(10) External professional accreditation or registration requirements are considered when assessing credit applications.

(11) The University sets a credit limit for courses determined by the minimum amount of study required at the University to qualify for a University of Canberra qualification. These limits are applied in accordance with the Course Procedure - Courses and Course Components and Credit Procedure.

(12) A student granted credit has the same rights as a student who completed the unit, including satisfying requisites and meeting course completion requirements.

(13) Credit can be applied to meet an admission requirement or to count towards credit in a course.

(14) Prior formal, non-formal or informal learning completed more than 10 years before an application for credit is made will not be accepted except in exceptional circumstances approved by the relevant faculty Dean.

Section 3 - Responsibilities

Section 4 - Procedure

(15) The Credit Procedure supports this Policy.

Section 5 - Definitions