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Awards and Programs Schedule

This is a draft document to combine all existing Awards and Programs Schedules. The content is largely consistent with the existing individual Schedules – where changes have been made, they have been identified with annotations at the start of the relevant sub-section or immediately proceeding the individual clause.

Section 1 - About this Schedule

Introduction

Amendments: Introductory text has been updated for consistency with regulatory framework following introduction of HESF Threshold Standards in 2021.

(1) The University of Newcastle (University):

  1. is authorised under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 to self-accredit programs of study that lead to a higher education qualification; and
  2. is responsible for ensuring that all self-accredited programs of study comply with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 and are consistent with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Second Edition.

(2) This Schedule supports the Governance Rule and its associated Schedules. In the event of an inconsistency between this Schedule and a Rule(s) or Schedule to the Rule(s), the Rule(s) made by Council prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

Purpose

Amendments: Purpose text has been clarified to identify the role of this Schedule in the broader context of curriculum policy at the University.

(3) This Schedule describes the standard principles and program structures which must be satisfied for approval and self-accreditation of programs of study leading to higher education qualifications, and by non-award programs of study.

(4) These principles and structures are derived from the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 and Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Second Edition, and provide assurance that programs of study approved and self-accredited by the University are consistent with these frameworks.

Scope

(5) This Schedule applies to programs of study offered by the University, including those delivered in partnership with another institution.

(6) This Schedule applies generally to the Joint Medical Program (JMP). Please refer to the JMP - Joint Medical Program Schedule. In the event of an inconsistency between this Schedule and the JMP - Joint Medical Program Schedule, the JMP - Joint Medical Program Schedule will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency, unless the matter relates to a Rule or delegation of authority. 

(7) This Schedule does not apply to micro-credentials. Please refer to the Micro-credentials Policy and Micro-credentials Schedule.

(8) The principles and structures described in this Schedule apply to the design of programs of study. For information on specific requirements that must be satisfied for an individual program of study, refer to the Program Handbook.

Related Policies

(9) This Schedule should be read in conjunction with the following related policies:

  1. Awards and Graduation Policy;
  2. Program Design and Management Manual;
  3. Course Design and Management Manual;
  4. Admissions Manual – Coursework and Enabling Programs; and
  5. Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
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Section 2 - Program and Award Fundamentals

Award Nomenclature

Amendments: The existing Schedules specify naming conventions for qualification titles, which have been incorporated into Table 1. Clause 10 has been added to provide guidance for choosing appropriate program names, drawing on the AQF Qualifications Issuance Policy (section 2.3) and existing guidance from the Program Design and Management Manual.

(10) The nomenclature for awards and programs must reflect the qualification type, level and field of study/discipline, should be nationally and internationally recognisable, and should communicate pathways to employment or further study.

(11) The approved naming conventions for awards issued by the University, in accordance with the AQF (Second Edition) Qualification Issuance Policy, are provided in Table 1.

Table 1 – Award Naming Conventions

Level of Study Type of Award AQF Level Approved Nomenclature
Undergraduate Undergraduate Certificate 5, 6 or 7 Undergraduate Certificate in (Field of Study)
Diploma 5 Diploma in (Field of Study)
Associate Degree 6 Associate Degree in (Field of Study)
Bachelor Degree 7 Bachelor of (Field of Study)
Bachelor Honours Degree 8 Bachelor of (Field of Study)(Honours)
Postgraduate Graduate Certificate 8 Graduate Certificate in (Field of Study)
Graduate Diploma 8 Graduate Diploma in (Field of Study)
Masters Degree (Coursework) 9 Master of (Field of Study)
Master Degree (Extended) 9 Master of (Field of Study)

For exceptions, see clause 12.
Higher Degree by Research Masters Degree (Research) 9 Master of Philosophy
Doctoral Degree (Research) 10 Doctor of Philosophy

(12) The following exceptions to the naming conventions for Masters Degree (Extended) awards and programs are permitted:

  1. the title ‘Juris Doctor’ may be used for a qualification in legal practice; and
  2. the title ‘Doctor of (Field of Study/Discipline)’ may be used for a qualification in medical practice, physiotherapy, dentistry, optometry or veterinary practice.

Learning Outcomes

Amendments: The existing Schedules specify the learning outcomes for the relevant program type as per the AQF. In this Schedule, the below clauses have been added to provide high-level principles relating to learning outcomes, drawn from relevant HESF standards, rather than duplicating the learning outcomes for each program type directly from the AQF.
Note: Clause 13 is drawn from HESF Standard 1.4.1

(13) All programs of study must specify expected learning outcomes that are:

  1. consistent with the program level, type and field of education of the qualification to be awarded, with reference to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Second Edition level criteria and qualification type descriptor; and
  2. informed by national and international comparators.
Note: Clause 14 is drawn from HESF Standard 1.4.2

(14) Program learning outcomes will encompass both discipline-related and generic outcomes, including:

  1. specific knowledge and skills and their application that characterise the field(s) of education or disciplines involved;
  2. generic skills and their application in the context of the field(s) of education or disciplines involved;
  3. knowledge and skills required for employment and further study related to the program, including those required to be eligible to seek registration to practice (where applicable); and
  4. skills in independent and critical thinking suitable for life-long learning.

(15) Program learning outcomes must be mapped to the University's Graduate Attributes in accordance with the Program Design and Management Manual.

Admission and Selection Criteria

Amendments: The general principles for admission and selection criteria are currently duplicated across all of the existing individual Schedules. They have been consolidated here, with updates to reflect changes in delegations since the Schedules were first drafted and to align with the HESF.

(16) Admissions policies and procedures are documented in the Admissions Manual – Coursework and Enabling Programs.

(17) Admission and selection criteria for individual programs of study will be approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC), and must:

  1. be appropriate for the program level, type and learning outcomes;
  2. establish minimum English language proficiency requirements, determined in accordance with the English Language Proficiency Policy; and
  3. establish minimum academic qualification requirements that ensure commencing students have adequate prior knowledge and skills for participation, progression and successful completion of the program.

(18) In addition to minimum English language proficiency and academic qualification requirements, admission and selection criteria may include requirements for:

  1. completion of interviews, auditions, portfolios, entry tests or other similar mechanisms, where appropriate to assess an applicant's likelihood of success in the program; and/or
  2. possession of professional registration and/or professional experience (including current employment) or other similar requirements, where necessary for completion of the program.

(19) Admission and selection criteria for an individual program should, where possible and appropriate:

  1. provide for alternative pathways for entry into the program, including via approved nested programs and/or articulation agreements;
  2. maximise recognition of prior learning through individual credit and/or advanced standing;
  3. consider the inherent requirements for the program; and
  4. take into account any relevant regulatory requirements and external benchmarking across the sector.

(20) Admission and selection criteria must be transparent and will be specified in the curriculum management system and published to the Program Handbook.

(21) Additional provisions relating to admission and selection criteria may apply to specific types of programs, and have been added to the provisions for specific types of programs in Sections 3 and 4 below.

Maximum Time to Complete

Note: The following clauses are currently contained in the Maximum Time Completion of Programs Schedule.

Coursework Programs

(22) The maximum time to complete a coursework program of study, other than an enabling program or end-on Bachelor Honours Degree program, is:

  1. equal to twice the standard full-time duration for the program plus 2 years. This is expressed as ‘2N+2’ where N is equal to the standard full-time duration of the program (in years);
  2. calculated from the term in which a student commenced the program; and
  3. inclusive of periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence, or suspension from the program.

(23) Table 2 provides the maximum time to complete per coursework program type.

Amendment: Table 2 has been updated to include Undergraduate Certificate programs

Table 2 – Maximum Time to Complete Coursework Programs

Level of Study Type of Program AQF Level Volume of Learning Standard Full-Time Duration Maximum Time to Complete
Enabling Non-Award N/A N/A – determined on a case-by-case basis for individual programs of study, with approval by PCAC
Undergraduate Undergraduate Certificate 5, 6 or 7 40 units 0.5 years 3 years
Diploma 5 80 units 1 year 4 years
Associate Degree 6 160 units 2 years 6 years
Bachelor Degree 7 240 units 3 years 8 years
Bachelor Degree 7 320 units 4 years 10 years
Bachelor Honours Degree – embedded 8 320 units 4 years 10 years
Bachelor Honours Degree – end-on 8 80 units 1 year 3 years
Postgraduate Graduate Certificate 8 40 units 0.5 years 3 years
Graduate Diploma 8 80 units 1 year 4 years
Masters Degree (Coursework) 9 80 units 1 year 4 years
Masters Degree (Coursework) 9 120 units 1.5 years 5 years
Masters Degree (Coursework) 9 160 units 2 years 6 years
Masters Degree (Extended) 9 240 units 3 years 8 years
Amendment: The following clause has been added for consistency with the Program Design and Management Manual.

(24) The Program and Course Approval Committee may specify a lesser maximum time for a coursework program, where a shorter duration is required to satisfy the requirements of a professional accrediting body. In such cases, the maximum duration for the program will be specified in the curriculum management system and published to the Program Handbook.

Higher Degrees by Research

(25) The maximum time for completion of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs is:

  1. determined in accordance with the conditions for the Australian Government’s Research Training Program scholarship grants;
  2. calculated from the date of the student's commencement in the program; and
  3. exclusive of any periods of leave of absence or academic suspension.

(26) Table 3 provides the maximum time to complete for Higher Degree by Research programs.

Amendment: Table 3 has been updated to define maximum time for part-time completion of HDR programs, which are currently only specified for full-time enrolment.

Table 3 – Maximum Time to Complete Higher Degrees by Research

Level of Study Type of Program AQF Level Volume of Learning Minimum Duration Maximum Full-Time Duration Maximum Part-Time Duration
Higher Degree by Research Masters Degree (Research) 9 160 units 1 year 2 years 4 years
Doctoral Degree (Research) 10 320 units 2 years 4 years 8 years
Doctoral Degree (Research) by Prior Publication 10 80 units 0.5 years 1.5 years 3 years

Extensions to Maximum Time

Amendment: The following clauses have been added. For HDR programs, a delegation to this effect already exists in the Schedules and the Delegations register. It is proposed that a similar delegation for coursework programs also be added here and to the Delegations Register. Currently, PAS ‘approves’ extensions to the maximum time for coursework programs by way of the relaxing provision in the Maximum Time Completion of Programs Schedule. However, preference is to avoid using relaxing provisions for individual students, which would be facilitated by the addition of the below clause and associated delegation.

(27) For coursework programs, the President Academic Senate, on the recommendation of the relevant College Pro Vice-Chancellor, may approve an extension to the maximum time to complete a coursework program for an individual student.

(28) The Dean of Graduate Research may approve an exception to a maximum timeframe for completion of a Higher Degree by Research program for an individual candidate.

Exit Awards

(29) An exit award provides an early exit point for students seeking to withdraw from study prior to completing the full requirements of their original program of study.

(30) An exit award may be available:

  1. as a nested qualification within an integrated set of programs, offered as either a standalone program or an exit award only (see ‘Nested and Integrated Programs’ in the Program Design and Management Manual); or
  2. as a named program of study, offered as an exit award only, for students who are unable to complete the remaining requirements for their original program of study.

(31) An exit award must be approved and self-accredited as a program of study in its own right, and must be consistent with the principles and program structures relevant for the type of qualification to be awarded.

(32) If a program is offered as an exit award only, the Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to the program structure requirements set out in this Schedule, where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the relevant AQF level criteria and qualification descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

(33) All details of exit award programs must be specified in the curriculum management system, including:

  1. the program(s) of study from which the exit award program is available; and
  2. all program requirements which must be satisfied for a student to be eligible to leave with the exit award.

Nested Exit Awards

(34) A student who leaves with a nested exit award qualification is not precluded from subsequently returning to study in their original program. In such cases, the student must reapply for admission to the program following the standard procedures set out in the Admissions Manual – Coursework and Enabling.

(35) Readmission to the original program of study is not guaranteed and will be subject to the student satisfying the admission criteria in place at the time of reapplication.

(36) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for study completed in the original program prior to exiting with a nested qualification will be subject to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Named Exit Awards

(37) A student seeking to exit with a named exit award must obtain approval from the relevant College Pro Vice-Chancellor.

(38) A named exit award program may include provisions that restrict a student who has been awarded the exit qualification from returning to study, either indefinitely or for a defined period of time, in either:

  1. their original program of study; and/or
  2. any other program from which the named exit award is available.

(39) Any restriction on return to study under clause 38 must be approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee as part of the program approval process.

(40) In exceptional circumstances, the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Global) may approve an exemption from a restriction under clause 38 to permit a student to return to study.

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Section 3 - Enabling Programs

Amendments: The existing Enabling Schedule contains the specific requirements for the enabling programs currently offered (Open Foundation, Yapug etc). These specific requirements can be managed through the curriculum management system, rather than in a policy document, as is done for individual undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The below clauses have been drafted to define principles applicable to enabling programs, similar to what is provided for other program types, which aligns better with the purpose of this Schedule. These principles have been kept broad as the requirements of enabling programs are flexible and can be adapted as needed to suit individual programs.

(41) Enabling programs:

  1. are preliminary programs of study that prepare students for entry into higher education programs; and
  2. do not lead to the award of a higher education qualification recognised under the AQF.

(42) The volume of learning for an enabling program is typically between 40 and 80 units, corresponding to 0.5 to 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), but may vary depending on the purpose, intent and outcomes of the program.

(43) An enabling program must:

  1. enable students to meet the minimum English language proficiency and academic qualification requirements to progress into a higher education program at AQF Level 5, 6 or 7; and
  2. be designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills sufficient to undertake a higher education program of study at AQF Level 5, 6 or 7.

(44) An enabling program must only include enabling-level courses.

Part A - Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Certificate

Amendment: Currently, there is no Schedule applicable to the Undergraduate Certificate qualification. The below clauses have been developed with reference to the AQF and the implementation of these qualifications across the sector.

(45) The Undergraduate Certificate qualification is not located at a particular AQF level, but may be offered at AQF Level 5, 6 or 7.

(46) The volume of learning for an Undergraduate Certificate program is 40 units, corresponding to 0.5 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(47) An Undergraduate Certificate program will be composed of courses at the:

  1. 1000-level when designed and offered at AQF Level 5;
  2. 1000- and 2000-level when designed and offered at AQF Level 6; and
  3. 1000-, 2000- and 3000-level when designed and offered at AQF Level 7.

(48) The level at which an Undergraduate Certificate program is offered:

  1. must be factored into the admission criteria and recommended enrolment sequencing to ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for success in the program; and
  2. will be specified in the curriculum management system, published to the Program Handbook and included on relevant graduation documents (such as the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement).

Diploma

Amendment: The current Diploma Schedule provides the option of the program structure being either a minimum of 20 units of core courses (with the remaining 60 units from course list/electives) or just ’80 units of study’. This reflects a distinction between ‘broadening’ Diplomas and ‘deepening’ Diplomas which was in place when the Schedules were first drafted but has since become less relevant. Rather than maintaining the two options, the clauses below specify the standard structure for a Diploma program as having a minimum of 20 units of core courses – but with the option to vary this requirement on a case-by-case basis so long as an alternative structure is still AQF appropriate. Currently, there is only one Diploma program on offer (other than exit award programs) that would not satisfy the minimum of 20 units of core courses and where an exemption would need to be granted. Guidance has also been added relating to the appropriate levels of study within Diploma programs.

(49) The Diploma qualification is located at AQF Level 5.

(50) The volume of learning for a Diploma program is 80 units, corresponding to 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(51) A Diploma program must include a minimum of 20 units of core courses. The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to this requirement for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 5 Diploma descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

(52) A Diploma program may incorporate a minor with a volume of learning of 40 units.

(53) A Diploma program will predominately be composed of courses at the 1000-level, but may include courses at the 2000- and/or 3000-level where appropriate and approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee.

(54) Where a Diploma program includes courses at the 2000- and/or 3000-level, the admission criteria and recommended enrolment sequence must ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for success in the higher-level courses.

Associate Degree

(55) The Associate Degree qualification is located at AQF Level 6.

(56) The volume of learning for an Associate Degree program is 160 units, corresponding to 2 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(57) An Associate Degree program must satisfy the following program requirements:

  1. a minimum of 40 units of core courses;
  2. a minimum of 10 units of electives.

(58) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 6 Associate Degree descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

Bachelor Degree

Amendments: Separate specifications have now been added to allow for the creation of 320-unit AQF7 Bachelor programs. This is consistent with benchmarking across the sector, and addresses a gap in current policy that only accounts for 320-unit undergraduate programs at the AQF8 Bachelor Honours level. The requirement for a minimum of 10 units of WIL/CRP has also been added to the program structure requirements, in accordance with the Career-ready Placement initiative.

(59) The Bachelor Degree qualification is located at AQF Level 7.

(60) The volume of learning for a Bachelor Degree program is either:

  1. 240 units, corresponding to 3 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent); or
  2. 320 units, corresponding to 4 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(61) A Bachelor Degree program must satisfy the following program structure requirements:

  1. a minimum of 60 units of core courses, of which at least 40 units will be at the 3000-level;
  2. a minimum of 10 units of work integrated learning or career-ready placement courses;
  3. a minimum of 10 units of electives;
  4. a minimum of 40 units at each of the 1000-, 2000- and 3000-level; and
  5. a maximum of:
    1. 100 units at the 1000-level for a program of 240 units; or
    2. 120 units at the 1000-level for a program of 320 units.

(62) A Bachelor Degree program may incorporate:

  1. a major with a volume of learning of at least 80 units, of which
    1. a minimum of 60 units must be unique (ie. not be common with core courses); and
    2. a minimum of 40 units must be at the 3000-level or higher; and/or
  2. a minor with a volume of learning of 40 units, which may be at any level.

(63) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

Bachelor Honours Degree

Amendments: As with Bachelor Degree programs above, the requirement for a minimum of 10 units of WIL/CRP has been added to the program structure requirements, in accordance with the Career-ready Placement initiative.

(64) The Bachelor Honours Degree qualification is located at AQF Level 8.

(65) The University may award Bachelor Honours Degree qualifications with either graded or ungraded Honours. For more information, see the Awards and Graduation Policy.

Embedded Honours

(66) The volume of learning for an embedded Bachelor Honours program is 320 units, corresponding to 4 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(67) An embedded Bachelor Honours program must satisfy the following program structure requirements:

  1. a minimum of 60 units of core courses, of which at least 40 units will be at the 4000-level;
  2. a minimum of 10 units of work integrated learning or career-ready placement courses;
  3. a minimum of 10 units of electives;
  4. a minimum of 40 units and a maximum of 120 units at the 1000-level; and
  5. a minimum of 40 units each at the 2000-, 3000- and 4000-level.
Amendments: The following clause is drawn from the existing Schedule, but has been rephrased to provide clarification on the distinctions between ungraded and graded Honours pathways.

(68) An embedded Bachelor Honours program must incorporate a research component, consisting of either:

  1. for ungraded Honours:
    1. a minimum of 10 units research methodology courses at the 3000- or 4000-level; and
    2. a minimum of 20 units of courses at the 4000-level which involve research-related activities and/or assessment items.
  2. for graded Honours:
    1. a minimum of 10 units research methodology courses at the 3000- or 4000-level; and
    2. a minimum of 20 units research project courses at the 4000-level.
Amendments: The following clause has been added to provide clarity around the options for ungraded/graded Honours in embedded programs – while this has been standard process for a long time, it hasn’t always been super explicit in policy, so this closes that gap.

(69) An embedded Bachelor Honours program may be structured such that:

  1. all students in the program complete the same research component (either graded or ungraded); or
  2. students who demonstrate an approved level of performance have the opportunity to complete a graded Honours component, while other students complete an ungraded Honours component.

(70) An embedded Bachelor Honours program may incorporate:

  1. a major with a volume of learning of at least 80 units, of which:
    1. a minimum of 60 units must be unique (ie. not be common with core courses); and
    2. a minimum of 40 units must be at the 3000-level or higher; and/or
  2. a minor with a volume of learning of 40 units, which may be at any level.

(71) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

End-on Honours

(72) The volume of learning for an end-on Bachelor Honours program is 80 units, corresponding to 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(73) To be eligible for admission to an end-on Bachelor Honours program, an applicant must have:

  1. previously completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree;
  2. undertaken a major (or equivalent study of at least 80 units) within that Bachelor Degree that is from a cognate field of study/discipline to the End-on Honours program; and
  3. achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.0 calculated based on:
    1. all studies undertaken in the Bachelor Degree; or
    2. all studies undertaken towards the relevant major (or equivalent); or
    3. at least 60 units of courses at the 3000-level.

(74) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these admission requirements for an individual program, which may include a higher GPA threshold or other selection criteria (such as presentation of a portfolio, interview, auditions, etc). Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

(75) An end-on Bachelor Honours program must incorporate a research component consisting of:

  1. a minimum of 10 units research methodology courses at the 3000- or 4000-level; and
  2. a minimum of 20 units research project courses at the 4000-level.

(76) An end-on Bachelor Honours program may incorporate a major with a volume of learning of at least 80 units, of which a minimum of 60 units must be unique (ie. not be common with core courses).

(77) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

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Section 4 - Postgraduate Programs

Graduate Certificate

(78) The Graduate Certificate qualification is located at AQF Level 8.

(79) The volume of learning for a Graduate Certificate program is 40 units, corresponding to 0.5 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(80) A Graduate Certificate program must satisfy the following program structure requirements (noting that all units may be at the 6000-level):

  1. a maximum of 20 units at the 3000-level; and
  2. a minimum of 20 units at the 4000-level or higher.

(81) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

Graduate Diploma

(82) The Graduate Diploma qualification is located at AQF Level 8.

(83) The volume of learning for a Graduate Diploma program is 80 units, corresponding to 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(84) A Graduate Diploma program must satisfy the following program structure requirements (noting that all units may be at the 6000-level):

  1. a maximum of 20 units at the 3000-level; and
  2. a minimum of 60 units at the 4000-level or higher.

(85) A Graduate Diploma program may incorporate a specialisation with a volume of learning of at least 40 units which must be at the 6000-level.

(86) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

Masters Degree (Coursework)

Amendments: Rather than following the same approach as the existing Schedule, which divides Masters (Coursework) into three separate ‘models’, this Schedule addresses these programs more holistically, as the same broad principles apply with only minor variation as a result in differences in volume of learning. This approach also helps direct attention to the rationale for different volumes of learning in these programs, which is aligned with the pre-existing knowledge and skills of commencing students.

(87) The Masters Degree (Coursework) qualification is located at AQF Level 9.

(88) The volume of learning for a Masters Degree (Coursework) program may be:

  1. 160 units, corresponding to 2 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent);
  2. 120 units, corresponding to 1.5 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent); or
  3. 80 units, corresponding to 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(89) The appropriate volume of learning for an individual program is determined by the program learning outcomes, any applicable professional accreditation requirements, and the prior qualifications and professional experience of students admitted to the program.

Amendments: Table 4 consolidates the typical admission requirements currently listed separately for each of the three ‘models’ of Masters program - bringing the information together in this way helps make the distinction in volume of learning based on entry qualifications more apparent. This also helps with interpretation of Advanced Standing provisions further below. Table 4 has also been updated to include recognition of relevant professional experience as a factor which may reduce the volume of learning.

(90) Table 4 outlines the typical minimum prior qualifications and professional experience required for entry to Masters Degree (Coursework) programs, based on the program’s volume of learning.

Table 4 – Minimum Academic Entry Requirements for Masters Degree (Coursework) Programs

Volume of Learning for Masters Degree Minimum Academic Entry Requiremeent
Units Duration Cognate Qualification Non-Cognate Qualification
160 units 2 years   AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree
120 units 1.5 years AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree
AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree plus relevant professional experience
AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma
80 units 1 year
AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree plus relevant professional experience 
AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma
AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma plus relevant professional experience

(91) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a higher minimum academic entry requirement for an individual program where appropriate for the purpose of the qualification and/or necessary to ensure students are adequately prepared for the program requirements.

(92) A Masters Degree (Coursework) program must satisfy the following program structure requirements (noting that all units may be at the 6000-level):

  1. a minimum of 80 units at the 6000-level;
  2. a maximum of:
    1. 60 units at the 4000-level for a program of 160 units;
    2. 40 units at the 4000-level for a program of 120 units;
    3. 0 units at the 4000-level for a program of 80 units; and
  3. a maximum of:
    1. 20 units at the 3000-level for a program of 160 units;
    2. 0 units at the 3000-level for a program of 120 units or 80 units.
Amendment: The existing Schedule does not specify a minimum unit value for the research/capstone/practice-related component of Masters programs referred to in the following clause. Practice varies across the sector - a minimum unit value is often assigned to this component, but that value can range from 10 units to 40 units depending on the institution. As this is a key requirement for Masters Degree (Coursework) qualifications under the AQF, it was considered appropriate to specify a minimum unit value as part of this revision process. That value has been set as 10 units, as the typically minimum unit weight for a course, and the option is provided for the equivalent value of learning to be spread across multiple course within the program to provide flexibility for programs where a course dedicated solely to research/capstone/practice-related learning is not feasible.

(93) A Masters Degree (Coursework) program must include a minimum of 10 units at the 6000-level which involve a research project, capstone experience and/or practice-related learning (or the equivalent spread across multiple courses within the program).

(94) A Masters Degree (Coursework) program may incorporate a specialisation with a volume of learning of:

  1. 80 units at the 6000-level for a program of 160 units;
  2. 60 units at the 6000-level for a program of 120 units; and
  3. 40 units at the 6000-level for a program of 80 units.

(95) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

Advanced Standing

Amendments: The following clauses are largely consistent with the existing schedules, but have been rephrased to provide greater clarity, including the use of ‘Advanced Standing’ terminology in place of ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (as RPL is a broader term that may encompass individual credit etc). This terminology is commonly used across the sector, and is likely to be more familiar and understandable to potential students.

(96) A Masters Degree (Coursework) program of 160 units or 120 units may be structured to include advanced standing pathways, which provide alternate admission points for students entering a program with prior qualifications and professional experience that exceed the minimum specified in Table 4.

(97) Advanced standing pathways may not be included in a Masters Degree (Coursework) program of 80 units.

(98) Advanced standing pathways will be approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee and must:

  1. be appropriate to ensure that all students admitted to the program are able to satisfy the learning outcomes, regardless of their point of entry; and
  2. clearly specify the necessary requirements for students who enter with advanced standing to complete the program.
Amendments: Table 5 builds on the information provided in Table 4 to help illustrate how advanced standing pathways can be designed for students who exceed the minimum admission requirements for admission to a program. The table illustrates how the qualification type, discipline (cognate/non-cognate) and additional professional experience relate to advanced standing, which aligns with the minimum admission requirements for each volume of learning in Table 4. Note that ‘Nil’ in the table identifies where a qualification/professional experience is the minimum for entry into a program of that volume of learning, while ‘N/A’ demonstrates that admission is not possible with the qualifications/professional experience.

(99) Table 5 outlines the typical advanced standing pathways which may be included in a Masters Degree (Coursework) program.

Table 5 – Advanced Standing Pathways for Masters Degree (Coursework) Programs

Prior Qualification and Professional Experience 160 Unit Program 120 Unit Program
AQF Level Qualification Type Cognate Professional Experience Advanced Standing Remaining Volume of Learning Advanced Standing Remaining Volume of Learning
7 Bachelor Degree No No Nil 160 units N/A N/A
Yes 40 units 120 units Nil 120 units
Yes No 40 units 120 units Nil 120 units
Yes 80 units 80 units 40 units 80 units
8
Bachelor Honours Degree
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diploma
 No No 40 units 120 units Nil 120 units
Yes 80 units 80 units 40 units 80 units
Yes Yes or No 80 units 80 units 40 units 80 units

(100) Advanced standing pathways will be entered into the curriculum management system as part of the program's admission criteria, for publication to the Program Handbook and other marketing materials.

(101) Admission to an advanced standing pathway does not preclude an individual student from receiving additional credit towards the remaining requirements of the program, in accordance with the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, if they have additional qualifications beyond what is required for the advanced standing.

Masters Degree (Extended)

(102) The Masters Degree (Extended) qualification is located at AQF Level 9.

(103) The volume of learning for a Masters Degree (Extended) program is 240 units, corresponding to 3 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

(104) A Masters Degree (Extended) program must satisfy the following program structure requirements (noting that all units may be at the 6000-level):

  1. a minimum of 160 units at the 6000-level;
  2. a maximum of 60 units at the 4000-level; and
  3. a maximum of 20 units at the 3000-level.
Amendment: As with Masters (Coursework), the existing Schedule does not specify a minimum unit value for the research/capstone/practice-related component of Masters, but a minimum of 10 units (or equivalent across multiple courses) has been specified here for clarity.

(105) A Masters Degree (Extended) program must include a minimum of 10 units at the 6000-level which involve a research project, capstone experience and/or practice-related learning (or the equivalent spread across multiple courses within the program).

(106) A Masters Degree (Extended) program may incorporate a specialisation with a volume of learning of at least 80 units at the 6000-level.

(107) The Program and Course Approval Committee may approve a variation to these requirements for an individual program where an alternative program structure is demonstrated to be appropriate and consistent with the AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Extended) descriptors. Variations will be recorded in the curriculum management system.

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Section 5 - Higher Degree by Research Programs

Amendments: This revised Schedule currently does not incorporate the provisions for Higher Degree by Research programs. The HDR program schedules will be up for review in 2027/2028, and may be incorporated in full at that time. In the interim, links to the individual Schedules have been added so that this document can still function as a ‘first point of reference’ for finding program requirements.

Masters Degree (Research)

(108) Refer to Masters Degree (Research) – Awards and Programs Schedule.

Doctoral Degree (Research)

(109) Refer to Doctoral Degree (Research) – Awards and Programs Schedule.

Doctoral Degree (Research) in Clinical Psychology

(110) Refer to Doctoral Degree (Research) in Clinical Psychology – Awards and Programs Schedule.

Doctoral Degree (Research) by Prior Publication

(111) Refer to Doctoral Degree (Research) by Prior Publication – Awards and Programs Schedule.

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Section 6 - Relaxing Provision

(112) To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any case, the President Academic Senate, on the recommendation of the relevant Deputy Vice-Chancellor or relevant College Pro Vice-Chancellor may relax any provision of this Schedule provided that the relaxation:

  1. does not compromise compliance with external obligations (including but not limited to contractual, legislative or accreditation requirements);
  2. does not override a decision made under a formal delegation of authority;
  3. does not replace a decision that is subject to a formal delegation of authority; and
  4. gives due consideration to the principles of procedural fairness.

(113) The President Academic Senate will report all applications of the relaxing provision of this Schedule to the Academic Senate.