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Masters Degree (Coursework) (including models for 160,120,80) - Awards and Programs Schedule

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For implementation for new and revised programs from 23 August 2013
Schedule of the Awards and Graduation Policy

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) As a higher education provider authorised to self-accredit, the University of Newcastle is responsible under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (Cth) for ensuring that programs comply with the Provider Course Accreditation Standards. This Schedule provides the detailed principles and criteria that underpin the self-accreditation process for each Masters Degree (Coursework) award that may be delivered and conferred by the University of Newcastle.

(2) This Schedule supports the implementation of the Awards and Graduation Policy and Governance Rule. The Governance Rule describes each type of qualification offered by the University and provide descriptions of authorisations for program management.

(3) Within the Schedule the general program principles and structures have been tabulated and the approved programs that are offered under it will be listed in Table A - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule. For the specific descriptions and requirements of an approved program, refer to the program handbook.

(4) In the event of an inconsistency between subordinate policy documents and any Rule(s) or Schedule to the Rule(s), the Rule(s) made by Council prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

(5) In the event of an inconsistency between an Academic Senate policy document and a College policy, procedure or guideline, the policy document of Academic Senate prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

(6) Extracts from AQF (Second Edition) have been included in this document with permission of the Australian Qualification Framework Council (27 February 2012).

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Section 2 - Transition arrangements for implementation of this schedule

(7) This schedule supports the Academic Senate strategy of offering AQF-compliant programs as soon as possible. During the transition to the new schedule, the pre-2013 Awards and Programs Schedules will remain in the Policy Library with an annotation to indicate that their AQF-compliant status has not been confirmed. Between 2013-2015 current program offerings will be reviewed and, following the approval from the Program and Course Approval Committee, transferred to Table A of this Schedule.

(8) The introduction of the new schedules is expected to result in recommendations from College Boards for new programs, major revisions and the transition arrangements and discontinuations of existing programs. These recommendations will be considered for approval by the Program and Course Approval Committee in accordance with the delegations held by that Committee.

(9) Through this transition process the Assistant Dean (Education) will be responsible to the Program and Course Approval Committee for ensuring that continuing students will not be disadvantaged by a program revision or discontinuation and:

  1. appropriate teach-out or alternative arrangements have been made for current students; and
  2. consideration is given to international applicants in accordance with the ESOS legislation.

(10)  The Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Academic Registrar together with the Assistant Dean (Education) and the relevant Program Convenors will be responsible for ensuring that students and staff are notified of any relevant program changes. This notification may include recent graduates who may seek to upgrade their programs for AQF compliance.

(11) Programs offering admission to students in 2015 will need to operate under an AQF compliant schedule no later than June 2014 to ensure AQF compliance from 2015. 

(12) Non-AQF compliant programs will be automatically discontinued by last meeting of Academic Senate in 2014 unless they have been approved for continuation.

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Section 3 - Principles and Program Structures

Model A: Masters Degree (Coursework) (160)

(13) This table describes an AQF level 9 program leading to the award of 160 unit Masters Degree (Coursework) under the Awards and Graduation Policy.

Volume of learning The volume of learning required for a Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) program is typically two (2) years, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes.
Purpose The Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) is a program of structured learning with some independent research and project work or practice-related learning. When this degree is offered to prepare graduates for a profession it may include a significant component of core courses at the level of the qualification, to ensure that professional requirements are satisfied.
Maximum Time
Maximum time to complete a Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) will be six (6) calendar years from date of admission, calculated on the basis of (2N+2) (Clause 20), inclusive of periods of leave, exclusion or academic suspension.
Approved variations are included in the Appendices - Table A - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have completed a program that:
i) includes an appropriate volume of learning (Clause 21);
ii) has been designed to ensure that the learning outcomes can be met; 
iii) requires the completion of:
   a) at least 80 units at 6000 level;
   b) no more than 60 units at 4000 level; and
   c) no more than 20 units at 3000 level; and
iv) is structured to require the development of: 
   a) research skills through the completion of independent research and/or capstone course courses and/or practice-related learning; and
   b) discipline specific knowledge through the completion of at least 50 units coursework at the level of the qualification.
Individual program requirements will be described in the program handbook.
Admission and Selection Criteria The admission and selection criteria for each program offered under Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) will be determined by the College and approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee in accordance with the criteria listed below: 
PART A – Admission Criteria and Pathways
College admission and selection criteria should specifically address the alternative pathways into the Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) and maximise the credit that can be granted for formal and non-formal learning already undertaken. This may include pathways provided by approved nested programs and recognised prior learning. 
Without precluding the granting of individual credit, successful applicants to a Masters Degree (Coursework) will typically complete 2 years (160 units) following completion of a:
   a. Bachelor Degree (different discipline) or equivalent.
  PART B – General Admission Criteria
College admission and selection criteria must:
i) be appropriate for this AQF Level and its required learning outcomes;
ii) take into account external benchmarks; 
iii) ensure that successful applicants have:
   a) adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully; and
   b) satisfied the admission requirement of having completed an AQF compliant Bachelor degree (or equivalent) from an Australian institution or recognised overseas institution;
iv) include special admission procedures to support access and equity targets; and
v) establish English language entry requirements to ensure that students are sufficiently competent in the English language to participate effectively in the program and achieve the required learning outcomes (Clause 23).
  PART C – Additional Admission Criteria
Additional College admission and selection criteria may include requirements for:
i) prior completion of an approved level 7 or level 8 degree, (recognised under Clause 4.16 Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications); and/or
ii) prior completion of such other work as prescribed by the College Board that may be recognised under Pathways – recognition of prior learning (rpl) in this table; and/or
iii) completion of interviews, auditions or portfolios; and/or
iv) possession of other qualifications, or professional experience, or particular attributes that are required to ensure successful completion. 
Individual program admission requirements will be listed in the program handbook.
Specialisation or major An approved specialisation of a minimum of 80 units identified by the College as from a specific field of study or specialty within a field of study, and excluding any undergraduate courses offered within the program.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or prerequisites approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee on the recommendation of the relevant College Board.
Graduate Learning Outcomes Graduate learning outcomes underpin the design of all academic programs offered by the University. Graduate learning outcomes will be developed for each program in accordance with Academic Senate policy and as prescribed by AQF including:
i) fundamental skills, such as literacy and numeracy appropriate to the Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) including English language proficiency;
ii) people skills, such as working with others and communication skills;
iii) thinking skills, such as learning to learn, decision making and problem solving; and
iv) personal skills such as self direction and acting with integrity.
i Knowledge Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have a discipline specific:
i) body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline or area of professional practice; and
ii) knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work or learning.
ii Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have discipline specific: 
i) cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship;
ii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
iii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level;
iv) communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
v) technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will demonstrate the discipline specific application of knowledge and skills:
i) with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
ii) with high level personal autonomy and accountability; and
iii) to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone course experience and/or piece of scholarship.
Qualification for the Award Completion of a Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) totalling a volume of learning that is typically equivalent to two (2) years, ensuring that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the level.
Grading of the Award A Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) program will be conferred as an ordinary degree, or will be conferred 'With Distinction' in cases when a student has:
i) achieved a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above; and 
ii) completed 50% or more of the degree at the University of Newcastle.
Qualification Title Master of (Field of Study). The qualification title should clearly indicate the field(s) of study or discipline.
Pathways – General The University supports student mobility and the elimination of unfair and unnecessary barriers to our qualifications. Approved entry pathways and admission requirements are described in Admission and Selection Criteria in this table.
Pathways – credit and advanced standing Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 80 units of credit, ensuring that the integrity of the program is preserved, the volume of learning is satisfied and the learning outcomes are achieved. Advanced standing will be granted to eligible applicants on the basis of formal and non-formal learning completed, depending on the level and the discipline* previously completed. Refer to Admission and Selection Criteria, Part A in this table.
Pathways – recognition of prior learning (rpl) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for both formal and informal prior learning. RPL may be used for admission purposes or to grant advanced standing. RPL will be evaluated on a case by case basis and must be current and relevant to the program's learning outcomes.
Colleges must provide detailed information on RPL when submitting new or revised programs. Formal RPL admission arrangements must be approved by Program and Course Approval Committee.
Pathways – combined degrees A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC) and listed in Table A or determined on a case by case application in accordance with the Combined Degree Principles described in the Program Management Manual - Coursework.
Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications Nested qualifications are qualifications that include articulated arrangements from a lower level qualification to a higher qualification to enable multiple entry and exit points. These are purposely designed qualifications that enable explicit articulation pathways and encompass more than one AQF level and / or qualification type.
A Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be nested (integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Graduate Certificate (level 8);
- Graduate Diploma (level 8); 
- Masters Degree (Extended) (level 9); or
- Doctoral Degree (Professional) (level 10).
Approved nested qualifications will be listed in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways – Exit An exit award may be available to a student where: 
i) an exit award has been linked to the program in which the student is enrolled; 
ii) the student has satisfactorily completed the program  of study to the point where they are eligible for the approved exit award;
iii) the student is unable to complete the remaining requirements for their original enrolment;
iv) the student has made an application, in writing, to have their enrolment transferred and therefore be awarded an exit award and
v) the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor has approved the application.
Approved Exit awards will be noted in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways - Graduate Graduates of this program may seek admission to Masters Degree (Research), Doctoral Degree (Professional) or Doctoral Degree (Research)
Professional Accreditation Model A - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be accredited by professional associations.
Additional Information This section is intentionally blank.

Model B: Masters Degree (Coursework) (120)

(14) This table describes an AQF level 9 program leading to the award of 120 unit Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) under the Awards and Graduation Policy.

Volume of learning The volume of learning required for a Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) program is typically 1.5 years, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes.
Purpose The Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) is a program of structured learning with some independent research and project work or practice-related learning. When this degree is offered to prepare graduates for a profession it may include a significant component of core courses at the level of the qualification, to ensure that professional requirements are satisfied.
Maximum Time Maximum time to complete a Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) will be five (5) calendar years from date of admission, calculated on the basis of (2N+2) (Clause 20), inclusive of periods of leave, exclusion or academic suspension.
Approved variations are included in Table A - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure Graduates of a Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) will have completed a program  that:
i) includes an appropriate volume of learning (Clause 21);
ii) has been designed to ensure that the learning outcomes can be met; 
iii) requires the completion of:
   a) at least 80 units at 6000 level; and
   b) no more than 60 units at 4000 level; and
iv) is structured to require the development of: 
   a) research skills through the completion of independent research and/or capstone course courses and/or practice-related learning; and
   b) discipline specific knowledge through the completion of at least 50 units coursework at the level of the qualification.
Individual program requirements will be described in the program handbook.
Admission and Selection Criteria The admission and selection criteria for each program will be determined by the College and approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee in accordance with the criteria listed below: 
PART A – Admission Criteria and Pathways
College admission and selection criteria should specifically address the alternative pathways into the Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) and maximise the credit that can be granted for formal and non-formal learning already undertaken. This may include pathways provided by approved nested programs and recognised prior learning. 
Without precluding the granting of individual credit, successful applicants to a Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) will typically complete:
i) 1.5 years (or 120 units) following completion of either:
   a. Bachelor Degree (same discipline); or
   b. Bachelor Honours Degree (different discipline); or
   c. Graduate Diploma (different discipline); or
   d. Graduate Certificate (different discipline).
  PART B – General Admission Criteria
College admission and selection criteria must:
i) be appropriate for this AQF Level and its required learning outcomes;
ii) take into account external benchmarks; 
iii) ensure that successful applicants have:
a) adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully; and
b) satisfied the admission requirement of having completed an AQF compliant Bachelor degree (or equivalent) from an Australian institution or recognised overseas institution;
iv) include special admission procedures to support access and equity targets; and
v) establish English language entry requirements to ensure that students are sufficiently competent in the English language to participate effectively in the program and achieve the required learning outcomes (Clause 23).
  PART C – Additional Admission Criteria
Additional College admission and selection criteria may include requirements for:
i) prior completion of an approved level 7 or level 8 degree, (recognised under Clause 4.16 Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications); and/or
ii) prior completion of such other work as prescribed by the College Board that may be recognised under Pathways – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in this table; and/or
iii) completion of interviews, auditions or portfolios; and/or
iv) possession of other qualifications, or professional experience, or particular attributes that are required to ensure successful completion. 
Individual program admission requirements will be listed in the program handbook.
Specialisation  or major An approved specialisation of a minimum of 60 units identified by the College as from a specific field of study or specialty within a field of study.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or prerequisites approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee on the recommendation of the relevant College Board.
Graduate Learning Outcomes Graduate learning outcomes underpin the design of all academic programs offered by the University. Graduate learning outcomes will be developed for each program in accordance with Academic Senate policy and as prescribed by AQF including:
i) fundamental skills, such as literacy and numeracy appropriate to the Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) including English language proficiency;
ii) people skills, such as working with others and communication skills;
iii) thinking skills, such as learning to learn, decision making and problem solving; and
iv) personal skills such as self direction and acting with integrity.
i Knowledge Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have a discipline specific:
i) body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline or area of professional practice; and
ii) knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work or learning.
ii Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have discipline specific: 
i) cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship;
ii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
iii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level;
iv) communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
v) technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will demonstrate the discipline specific application of knowledge and skills:
i) with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
ii) with high level personal autonomy and accountability; and
iii) to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone course experience and/or piece of scholarship.
Qualification for the Award Completion of a Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) totalling a volume of learning that is typically equivalent to 1.5 years, ensuring that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the level.
Grading of the Award A Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) program will be conferred as an ordinary degree, or will be conferred 'With Distinction' in cases when a student has:
i) achieved a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above; and 
ii) completed 50% or more of the degree at the University of Newcastle.
Qualification Title Master of (Field of Study). The qualification title should clearly indicate the field(s) of study or discipline.
Pathways – General The University supports student mobility and the elimination of unfair and unnecessary barriers to our qualifications. Approved entry pathways and admission requirements are described in Clause 4.5 Admission and Selection Criteria.
Pathways – credit and advanced standing Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 60 units of credit, ensuring that the integrity of the program is preserved, the volume of learning is satisfied and the learning outcomes are achieved.
Advanced standing will be granted to eligible applicants on the basis of formal and non-formal learning completed, depending on the level and the discipline* previously completed. Refer to Admission and Selection Criteria, Part A in this table.
Pathways – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for both formal and informal prior learning. RPL may be used for admission purposes or to grant advanced standing. RPL will be evaluated on a case by case basis and must be current and relevant to the program's learning outcomes.
Colleges must provide detailed information on RPL when submitting new or revised programs. Formal RPL admission arrangements must be approved by Program and Course Approval Committee.
Pathways – combined degrees A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC) and listed in Table A or determined on a case by case application in accordance with the Combined Degree Principles described in the Program Management Manual - Coursework.
Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications Nested qualifications are qualifications that include articulated arrangements from a lower level qualification to a higher qualification to enable multiple entry and exit points. These are purposely designed qualifications that enable explicit articulation pathways and encompass more than one AQF level and / or qualification type.
A Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be nested (integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Graduate Certificate (level 8);
- Graduate Diploma (level 8); 
- Masters Degree (Extended) (level 9); or
- Doctoral Degree (Professional) (level 10).
Approved nested qualifications will be listed in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways – Exit An exit award may be available to a student where: 
i) an exit award has been linked to the program in which the student is enrolled; 
ii) the student has satisfactorily completed the program of study to the point where they are eligible for the approved exit award;
iii) the student is unable to complete the remaining requirements for their original enrolment;
iv) the student has made an application, in writing, to have their enrolment transferred and therefore be awarded an exit award and
v) the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor has approved the application.
Approved Exit awards will be noted in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways - Graduate Graduates of this program may seek admission to Masters Degree (Research), Doctoral Degree (Professional) or Doctoral Degree (Research)
Professional Accreditation Model B - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be accredited by professional associations.
Additional Information This section is intentionally blank.

Model C: Masters Degree (Coursework) (80)

(15) This table describes an AQF level 9 program leading to the award of 80 unit Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) under the Awards and Graduation Policy.

Volume of learning The volume of learning required for a Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) program is typically one (1) year, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes.
Purpose The Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) is a program of structured learning with some independent research and project work or practice-related learning. When this degree is offered to prepare graduates for a profession it may include a significant component of core courses at the level of the qualification, to ensure that professional requirements are satisfied.
Maximum Time Maximum time to complete a Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) will be four (4) calendar years from date of admission, calculated on the basis of (2N+2) (Clause 20), inclusive of periods of leave, exclusion or academic suspension.
Approved variations are included in Table A - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure Graduates of a Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) will have completed a program that:
i) includes an appropriate volume of learning (Clause 21);
ii) has been designed to ensure that the learning outcomes can be met; 
iii) requires the completion of at least 80 units at 6000 level; and
iv) is structured to require the development of: 
   a) research skills through the completion of independent research and/or capstone course courses and/or practice-related learning; and
   b) discipline specific knowledge through the completion of at least 50 units coursework at the level of the qualification.
Individual program requirements will be described in the program handbook.
Admission and Selection Criteria
The admission and selection criteria for each program will be determined by the College and approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee in accordance with the criteria listed below: 
PART A – Admission Criteria and Pathways
College admission and selection criteria should specifically address the alternative pathways into the Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) and maximise the credit that can be granted for formal and non-formal learning already undertaken. This may include pathways provided by approved nested programs and recognised prior learning. 
Without precluding the granting of individual credit, successful applicants to a Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) will typically complete 1 year (or 80 units) following completion of an AQF level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree (same discipline).
  PART B – General Admission Criteria
College admission and selection criteria must:
i) be appropriate for this AQF Level and its required learning outcomes;
ii) take into account external benchmarks; 
iii) ensure that successful applicants have:
   a) adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully; and
   b) satisfied the admission requirement of having completed an AQF compliant Bachelor degree (or equivalent) from an Australian institution or recognised overseas institution;
iv) include special admission procedures to support access and equity targets; and
v) establish English language entry requirements to ensure that students are sufficiently competent in the English language to participate effectively in the program and achieve the required learning outcomes (Clause 23).
  PART C – Additional Admission Criteria
Additional College admission and selection criteria may include requirements for:
i) prior completion of an approved level 8 degree, (recognised in Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications, in this table); and/or
ii) prior completion of such other work as prescribed by the College Board that may be recognised in Pathways – recognition of prior learning (rpl) in this table; and/or
iii) completion of interviews, auditions or portfolios; and/or
iv) possession of other qualifications, or professional experience, or particular attributes that are required to ensure successful completion. 
Individual program admission requirements will be listed in the program handbook.
Specialisation or major An approved specialisation of a minimum of 40 units identified by the College as from a specific field of study or specialty within a field of study.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or prerequisites approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee on the recommendation of the relevant College Board.
Graduate Learning Outcomes Graduate  learning outcomes underpin the design of all academic programs offered by the University. Graduate learning outcomes will be developed for each program in accordance with Academic Senate policy and as prescribed by AQF including:
i) fundamental skills, such as literacy and numeracy appropriate to the Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) including English language proficiency;
ii) people skills, such as working with others and communication skills;
iii) thinking skills, such as learning to learn, decision making and problem solving; and
iv) personal skills such as self direction and acting with integrity.
i Knowledge Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have a discipline specific:
i) body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline or area of professional practice; and
ii) knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work or learning.
ii Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will have discipline specific: 
i) cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship;
ii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
iii) cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level;
iv) communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
v) technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Masters Degree (Coursework) will demonstrate the discipline specific application of knowledge and skills:
i) with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
ii) with high level personal autonomy and accountability; and
iii) to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone course experience and/or piece of scholarship.
Qualification for the Award Completion of a Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) totalling a volume of learning that is typically equivalent to one (1) year, ensuring that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the level.
Grading of the Award A Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) program will be conferred as an ordinary degree, or will be conferred 'With Distinction' in cases when a student has:
i) achieved a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above; and 
ii) completed 50% or more of the degree at the University of Newcastle.
Qualification Title Master of (Field of Study). The qualification title should clearly indicate the field(s) of study or discipline.
Pathways – General The University supports student mobility and the elimination of unfair and unnecessary barriers to our qualifications. Approved entry pathways and admission requirements are described in Admission and Selection Criteria in this table.
Pathways – credit and advanced standing Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 40 units of credit, ensuring that the integrity of the program is preserved, the volume of learning is satisfied and the learning outcomes are achieved.
Advanced standing will be granted to eligible applicants on the basis of formal and non-formal learning completed, depending on the level and the discipline* previously completed. Refer to Admission and Selection Criteria, Part A in this table.
Pathways – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is possible for both formal and informal prior learning. RPL may be used for admission purposes or to grant advanced standing. RPL will be evaluated on a case by case basis and must be current and relevant to the program's learning outcomes.
Colleges must provide detailed information on RPL when submitting new or revised programs. Formal RPL admission arrangements must be approved by Program and Course Approval Committee.
Pathways – combined degrees A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC) and listed in Table A or determined on a case by case application in accordance with the Combined Degree Principles described in the Program Management Manual - Coursework.
Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications
Nested qualifications are qualifications that include articulated arrangements from a lower level qualification to a higher qualification to enable multiple entry and exit points. These are purposely designed qualifications that enable explicit articulation pathways and encompass more than one AQF level and / or qualification type.
A Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be nested (integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Graduate Certificate (level 8);
- Masters Degree (Extended) (level 9); or
- Doctoral Degree (Professional) (level 10).
Approved nested qualifications will be listed in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways – Exit An exit award may be available to a student where: 
i) an exit award has been linked to the program in which the student is enrolled; 
ii) the student has satisfactorily completed the program  of study to the point where they are eligible for the approved exit award;
iii) the student is unable to complete the remaining requirements for their original enrolment;
iv) the student has made an application, in writing, to have their enrolment transferred and therefore be awarded an exit award and
v) the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor has approved the application.
Approved Exit awards will be noted in Table A of this Schedule.
Pathways - Graduate Graduates of this program may seek admission to Masters Degree (Research), Doctoral Degree (Professional) or Doctoral Degree (Research)
Professional Accreditation Model C - Masters Degree (Coursework) may be accredited by professional associations.
Additional Information This section is intentionally blank.
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Section 4 - Notes

Other Information about Programs – may be added here.

(16) Decisions regarding the volume of learning and design of qualifications must take into account the likelihood of a candidate's success and ensure that the integrity of the learning outcomes are maintained.

(17) Advanced standing may be granted towards the volume of learning required to complete the Masters Degree (Coursework) when there is a pedagogical rationale to justify the decision.

(18) If the minimum volume of learning is allocated to a qualification, the components of the program of learning must be predominately or entirely at the level of the qualification type.

(19) If credit, e.g. through articulation arrangements, contributes to the volume of learning the learning outcomes for the qualification must be achievable despite the reduced volume of learning.

(20) The concept of ‘typically’, as used to describe the volume of learning, is not intended as a justification for not applying the requirements described in this Schedule.

(21) 2N+2 where N is equal to the notional duration identified by the volume of learning.

(22) The volume of learning may include approved nested Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas or advanced standing granted in recognition of previously completed formal and/or non-formal learning.

(23) RPL may be a requirement for admission. RPL may also be used to grant advanced standing in the 160 and 120 unit Masters only, ensuring that learning outcomes are met and discipline requirements are preserved. The RPL requirement would usually be explicitly described in admission criteria, e.g. 5 years professional experience in the XYX Field of Study or a discipline.

(24) The IELTS Band for Masters Degrees (Coursework) will be considered in the current review of the English Proficiency Policy to support the need of the University to ensure that students are sufficiently competent in the English language to participate effectively in the course of study and achieve its expected learning outcomes (TEQSA HESF Ch3, S3, Clause3.2).

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Section 5 - Relaxing Provision

(25) To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any particular case, the President of Academic Senate, on the recommendation of the relevant Deputy Vice-Chancellor or relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor may relax any provision of this Schedule.

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Section 6 - Reporting

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