• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Application & Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Principles
• Section 4 - Admission
• Section 5 - Granting of Credit
• Section 6 - Transfer of Grades with Award of Credit
• Section 7 - Formal Credit Arrangements with Other Institutions
• Section 8 - Restrictions on the Granting of Credit
• Section 9 - Applications for Credit
• Section 10 - Credit for Concurrent Studies at another Institution
• Section 11 - Approval of Credit
• Section 12 -  Withdrawal of Credit
• Section 13 - Visa Implications for International Students
• Section 14 - Overview of Responsibilities
• Students
• Faculty
• Student Administration Services
• Global Strategy Division
• Outreach and Future Students
• Section 15 - Right of Appeal
• Section 16 - General Savings Clause
• Section 17 - Schedule 1: Limitations on the Amount of Credit
• Credit Limits
• Table 1
• Section 18 - Definitions
• Learning related terms
• Credit-related terms

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy sets out the University’s requirements in relation to the granting of credit for prior learning.

(2) This Policy aims to ensure:

1. accessible, inclusive and diverse pathways to higher education;
2. opportunity for individuals to have their different types of learning recognised regardless of where and how that learning was achieved;
3. equitable, valid and reliable processes for assessment of prior learning which enable every student to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes for a unit of study;
4. alignment with the Australian Qualifications Framework Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Guidelines; and
5. quality assurance to guarantee that prior learning is of an appropriate standard.

(3) This Policy operates in conjunction with the Coursework Rules and the Credit for Prior Learning Procedures.

Section 2 - Application & Scope

(4) This Policy applies to:

1. future and current students of UOW;
2. all coursework programs offered by UOW, both within Australia and overseas, including the coursework component of research degrees;
3. Credit for prior learning arrangements made on the basis of:
   1. formal credit agreements made between UOW and other education institutions and partners (articulation pathways);
   2. credit for prior learning granted by UOW in response to individual applications.

(5) This Policy does not apply to UOW Dubai (which has its own version of this Policy).

Section 3 - Policy Principles

(6) The following principles will inform the assessment of credit and recognition of prior learning.

(7) Credit decisions will:

1. maintain the integrity of UOW award;
2. be academically defensible and take into account the students’ ability to meet the learning outcomes of the qualification successfully;
3. not disadvantage the student in achieving desired subject and course learning outcomes;
4. recognise UOW’s commitment to lifelong learning regardless of how, when and where it was acquired, provided that the learning is relevant and current and has a relationship to the learning outcomes of the qualification;
5. be applied consistently and fairly with decisions subject to appeal and review;
6. be clearly communicated and transparent;
7. be approved at the appropriate level and be clearly documented; and
8. be undertaken in a timely way.

Section 4 - Admission

(8) Admission to the University is based on academic merit and approved criteria as defined in the Coursework Rules. Eligibility for Credit does not guarantee admission to the University. The granting of credit to any particular applicant will be subject to the admission of the applicant to the relevant University program.

(9) Admission in some instances may be approved on the basis of assessment for credit of prior learning; for example where “or equivalent” is indicated as a potential admission pathway. Admission on the basis of assessment of credit to undergraduate or postgraduate study must be specified in Course Rules. Examples might include: portfolio assessment provisions for admission to certain degrees, or acceptance of evidence via the Universities Admissions Centre, or similar admission process. Evidence used to gain admission into an undergraduate or postgraduate award cannot be used to present a case for credit once used as a basis for admission.

Section 5 - Granting of Credit

(10) Credit towards an Award may be granted when students can demonstrate they have achieved the discipline learning outcomes for the relevant subject/course and an assessment of equivalence has been undertaken. The assessment criteria is outlined in the Credit for Prior Learning Procedures, Schedule 1 Guide to Assessment of Prior Learning. An application for credit may cover more than one category of learning, including formal, non-formal or informal learning.

(11) Credit may be granted as specified credit, unspecified credit and block credit. These types of credit are defined in Section 18. Block credit is awarded as a specified unit of credit value and it may be granted on the basis of studies judged to be comparable to a stage or component of a given program.  Block credit is most often granted under an approved articulation agreement with an external partner; as part of an articulated UOW program suite, or as part of admission rules for masters coursework programs.  Block credit can be specified or un-specified’.

(12) Credit may be granted to individuals or groups of students. Students receiving credit on the basis of credit transfer agreements should receive the same form and amount of credit as set out in the public register or database of credit arrangements, providing they can provide the relevant evidence. However, the total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on which qualification(s) or combinations of qualification components have been successfully completed.

(13) Provisional credit may be granted to applicants when an offer of admission is made and will be subject to confirmation by the University following a full assessment of the evidence of prior learning.

(14) In accordance with the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, if course credit or RPL result in the reduction of an overseas student’s course length, the student will be informed, and a new confirmation of enrolment issued for the reduced duration of the course. If the reduction of the course length occurs after the overseas student’s visa is granted, the change duration needs to be reported in the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS).

(15) Credit may be granted for a subject undertaken on a non-award basis or as part of an enabling program towards a UOW course, where course structures allow.

(16) Where credit is granted (specified or unspecified) but no grade is recorded against a subject for which credit is granted, this will not be counted towards the calculation for an award with ‘Distinction’ and does not contribute to a student’s Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

(17) A significant proportion of the studies leading to a UOW award must be studies offered by the University. The granting of credit must comply with University limitations on credit for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework courses as set out in Schedule 1.

(18) A candidate who has completed the Bachelor of Research at the University will be granted 48 credit points towards the coursework component of the Master of Research. The Delegated Authority may grant a candidate who has completed a qualification in a relevant discipline that is assessed as equivalent to the Bachelor of Research up to 48 credit points of credit towards the Master of Research.

(19) A candidate for the Master of Philosophy, or Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) or a professional doctorate who has completed a relevant qualification may be granted up to 24 credit points towards the coursework component of their degree.

Section 6 - Transfer of Grades with Award of Credit

(20) Except for subjects completed at or accredited by UOW, no marks or grades will be recorded for subjects where specified credit has been granted.

Section 7 - Formal Credit Arrangements with Other Institutions

(21) The University’s formal credit transfer agreements are listed on the University website.

(22) Types of Formal Credit Arrangements:

1. Articulation arrangements enable students to progress from a completed qualification at a partner institution to UOW with credit and/or admission in a defined qualification pathway.
2. Credit transfer arrangements provide students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications.

(23) Requests to establish formal credit agreements with other institutions can be initiated using the appropriate Proposal Approval Form for the Establishment of Formal Credit Arrangements.

(24) The proponent of the agreement must notify the relevant division (refer to clauses 27 and 28 below) of their intent to establish a new agreement and will take responsibility for completing the form with input from the relevant central business unit.

(25) A proposal must:

1. provide a description of the partner outlining the results of the due diligence undertaken including:
   1. organisational ownership, governing body, legal status and structure;
   2. reputation status and quality (international rankings and networks and ranking within the country); and
   3.  anticipated strategic advantages like location, accreditations and student pipeline.
2. provide a description of the agreement including partnership roles, responsibilities, and obligations as well as the collaboration’s objectives, expected outcomes and actions;
3. identify potential risks and actions that are required to mitigate those risks; and
4. nominate a representative who will be responsible for the implementation of the agreement and be the liaison with both internal and external stakeholders, as applicable.

(26) Formal credit agreements must state the period for which the agreement will have currency (usually no more than three years) and a specific date on which the agreement will end.

(27) Proposed agreements for domestic arrangements will be reviewed by the Outreach and Future Students Divisionto ensure strategic alignment and by the Admissions Unit to ensure compliance with the AQF, University admission requirements and the Credit for Prior Learning Policy.

(28) Proposed agreements for international arrangements, offshore and onshore, will be reviewed by the Global Strategies Division to ensure strategic alignment and by the Admissions Unit to ensure compliance with the AQF, University admission requirements and the Credit for Prior Learning Policy.

(29) Where the qualification falls outside UOW policy or standard admission requirements, or where equivalency with AQF cannot be formally established, the Admissions Unit will make a recommendation to the delegated authority.

(30) When preparing a formal credit agreement, the Credit Transfer Arrangement template must be used and is available from the Office of General Counsel. Review of the agreement by the Office of General Counsel must be sought prior to the agreement being finalised and formally executed, where changes to the Terms of the Agreement are sought. 

(31) Articulation and credit transfer agreements within the provisions of this policy are approved by the relevant Executive Dean on the advice of the relevant Associate Dean Head of School or Head of Students where appropriate.

(32) All agreements must be recorded in a central register of articulation and credit transfer agreements (CTA Register) maintained by the relevant units and reported to Academic Senate on an annual basis.

(33) Formal credit agreements will be reviewed by the relevant faculty prior to expiry and must be reviewed when a program undergoes a substantial change or where student performance concerns necessitate an earlier review.

(34) Where a formal credit agreement is not reviewed, or a decision has been made to disestablish or discontinue the agreement, the agreement will automatically terminate upon reaching its expiry date.

(35) The review process, at a minimum, involves:

1.  a review of student enrolment and progression data to measure and monitor the effectiveness of the qualification pathway;
2. ensuring the content remains current; and
3. ensuring the agreement remains aligned with the University’s strategic objectives.

(36) Formal credit transfer agreements can be established to provide recognition of non-formal learning (e.g. micro-credentials) provided there is proper assessment of the learning, its delivery and how it is assessed. The ‘Guide to Assessment of Prior Learning’ contained within the Credit for Prior Learning Procedures details the assessment process to be followed for informal and non-formal learning.

Section 8 - Restrictions on the Granting of Credit

(37) Credit will not be granted for prior learning completed more than ten years ago, unless the applicant can demonstrate currency of learning against the subject/course learning outcomes.

(38) Students may not use the same prior credit towards more than one qualification, as this would constitute double counting of credit. This restriction does not apply to approved UOW postgraduate nested or packaged Masters courses.

(39) A candidate for a research degree cannot receive credit for the research component of their degree. Exceptions apply to students exiting from a HDR award provided the student has met the requirements for the lower level HDR award as specified in the Course Handbook, or course variation as approved the delegated authority.

(40) Restrictions on the amount of credit may apply:

1. where there are certain core components of the course structure (e.g. a capstone subject) required for satisfactory completion of the course;
2. where professional accreditation requirements limit the maximum amount of credit that can be granted; or
3.  Where  the amount of credit is limited by the prescribed structure of a degree.  The maximum credit limits at a subject level for each qualification type, are specified in the Course Design Procedures.

Section 9 - Applications for Credit

(41) Applications for credit for prior learning must be made in writing using the prescribed process.

(42) Applications for credit should be submitted as part of the admission process or, where a student has already enrolled in a subject for which they are seeking credit, at least three weeks before the first week of teaching for the subject.

(43) An extension to the above timeframe may be granted by SASD in exceptional circumstances, provided the approved census date has not passed for any subjects in which the student is enrolled and seeking credit.

(44) For students going on approved UOW student mobility programs, credit applications must be submitted during the academic approval stage of the mobility process.

(45) Except for applications based on previous study at UOW, a credit application must be accompanied by evidence of formal, informal or non-formal learning. See Credit for Prior Learning Procedures.

Section 10 - Credit for Concurrent Studies at another Institution

(46) Students currently enrolled at UOW and who apply for Cross-Institutional Enrolment must seek provisional credit for their intended study prior to commencing study at the other institution. Credit will only be granted for successfully completed subjects wherea pass grade was achieved.

(47) Students currently enrolled at UOW and who apply to study overseas as part of a Student Mobility Program must seek provisional credit for their intended study prior to commencing study overseas. Credit will only be granted for subjects where a pass grade was achieved.

Section 11 - Approval of Credit

(48) Applications will be approved by the Head of Students or relevant delegated authority in accordance with the UOW Delegations of Authority Policy.

Section 12 -  Withdrawal of Credit

(49) The University reserves the right to withdraw credit for prior learning where an administrative error has been made or where the documentation provided by the applicant is misleading or invalid.

(50) The withdrawal of credit for prior learning must be approved by the Head of Students (or relevant delegated authority) and notified to the Student Administration Services Division.

Section 13 - Visa Implications for International Students

(51) When the granting of Credit for Prior Learning leads to a shortening of an International Student’s course duration, the University must issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment and must report the change via PRISMS under the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

Section 14 - Overview of Responsibilities

Students

(52) Students who seek credit for prior learning are responsible for completing and submitting all documentation required to support their application.

(53) In applying for credit based on informal or non-formal learning, the onus is on the student to reflect upon their prior learning and to demonstrate how that learning relates to the intended learning outcomes for the subject or course (refer Credit for Prior Learning Procedures).

Faculty

(54) Faculties are responsible for:

1. assessing credit for prior learning applications and determining the level of specified and unspecified credit awarded in accordance with this Policy;
2. ensuring that determination and award of credit for prior learning outside of a formal agreement is overseen by qualified UOW academic staff;
3. approving and reviewing articulation and credit transfer agreements;
4. completing the proposal for approval form for any new articulation and credit transfer agreements or changes to any existing approvals where relevant and ensuring that the partner institution operate in accordance with this Policy; and
5. monitoring the progress of students granted credit from partner institutions and making recommendations for change to the assessment process in accordance with the Credit for Prior Learning Procedures.

Student Administration Services

(55) The Student Administration Services Division is responsible for:

1. assessing credit for prior learning applications covered by a formal agreement or where there are clear precedents (subject to written delegated authority from the relevant faculty);
2. communicating with students (including prospective students) about their credit for prior learning;
3. recording credit granted to individual students;
4. conducting due diligence checks for the establishment and/or review of formal credit transfer agreements;
5. maintaining a central register of articulation and credit transfer agreements as required; and
6. maintaining a credit precedence database.

Global Strategy Division

(56) The Global Strategies Division is responsible for:

1. maintaining the information about credit for prior learning on the University’s public website including an up-to- date list of approved credit arrangements
2. providing strategic input into the establishment or review of formal international credit arrangements (offshore and onshore) in coordination with the relevant faculty;
3. conducting due diligence checks for new formal international credit arrangements;
4. maintaining an up-to-date list of approved international credit arrangements and reporting on agreement status as required;
5. maintaining the central register of articulation and credit transfer agreements for international partner institutions; and
6. facilitating the review process for formal international credit agreements.  

Outreach and Future Students

(57) The Outreach and Future Students Division is responsible for:

1. providing strategic input into the establishment or review of formal domestic credit arrangements where the agreement is institutional wide or multi-faculty in coordination with the relevant faculty;
2. conducting due diligence checks for new formal domestic accredit arrangements in collaboration with the Admissions Unit;
3. maintaining the central register of articulation and credit transfer agreements for domestic partner institutions;
4. recording credit granted to individual students; and
5. facilitating the review process for formal domestic credit transfer agreements. 

Section 15 - Right of Appeal

(58) Where a current student is not satisfied with the outcome of a credit assessment, they are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns with the academic staff member who made the assessment.

(59) A current student who is not satisfied with the outcome of a credit assessment may lodge a request for a formal review of academic decision in accordance with the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Policy and Procedures for the Review of Marks or Grades and other Academic Decisions (Coursework).

(60) Current students wishing to submit a review request may do so via the online Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions.

(61) Future students seeking admission to UOW, may request a review of a credit for prior learning decision, in relation to a current admission application or letter of offer. They may do so by return email to the designated admissions officer in the Student Administration Services Division.

Section 16 - General Savings Clause

(62) To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any particular case, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life) or Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainable Futures) may vary the credit limit.

Section 17 - Schedule 1: Limitations on the Amount of Credit

Credit Limits

(63) The following table sets out the minimum amount of study a student of the University must undertake in a course at UOW (or in that course at a partner institution offering a UOW award, or a combination of both) to be eligible for the granting of the award.

(64) The total amount of credit awarded must not exceed the minimum required study at UOW limits outlined below for the course in which the student is enrolling or is enrolled.

(65) For double degrees, the below credit limits apply to each degree separately.

(66) Credit for UOW microcredentials is identified at the time of approval of the microcredential in accordance with the Short Course and Microcredential Management Procedure and is subject to the below credit limits.

(67) Credit for non-UOW microcredentials is assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the assessment criteria (clause 75) and is subject to the below credit limits.

(68) The following are not subject to the below credit limits:

1. UOW nested programs;
2. Incomplete UOW courses to allow transfer to another UOW course at the same AQF level, within the constraints of the course structures.

Table 1

(69) Taking into account the required minimum amount of UOW study, credit may be granted for up to the remaining credit points in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework course on the basis of an incomplete course at the same or higher level.

(70) The maximum amount of credit based on a completed course at the same or higher level is 50% of the credit point value of the UOW course.

(71) The maximum amount of credit on the basis of a completed, Australian Qualifications Framework recognised Diploma, (or equivalent qualifications) towards a related UOW Bachelor degree course is 48 credit points. The maximum amount of credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (or equivalent qualification) is 72 credit points.

(72) Credit for a completed Associate Degree is capped at up to a maximum of 50% credit points towards a related Bachelor degree course. Credit for incomplete studies at these levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

(73) The maximum amount of credit based on recognition of prior informal and/or non-formal learning will be one-third of the requirements of the award program.

(74) No credit is given towards an Honours Project component within a one year stand-alone honours course.

(75) Undergraduate subjects will not count towards credit in postgraduate programs, except where they form part of the volume of learning in the postgraduate program, or where it applies to completed 400 level subjects, or subjects completed as part of a nested qualification, or unless a formal agreement applies.

(76) Credit limits must be considered in conjunction with the assessment criteria outlined in the Guide to Assessment of Prior Learning (Schedule 1). Refer to the Credit for Prior Learning Procedures for more information on the assessment process.

(77) Additional limits on the amount of credit may be set by the requirements for a specific course, subject to approval by the relevant Faculty Education Committee and Academic Senate.

Section 18 - Definitions

Learning related terms

Credit-related terms