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Diploma - Awards and Programs Schedule

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Schedule of the Awards and Graduation Policy.

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) As a higher education provider authorised to self-accredit, the University of Newcastle (University) is responsible under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 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 Diploma award that may be delivered and conferred by the University.

(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 describes the role of Academic Senate in approving and monitoring programs.

(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 the Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule. For the specific descriptions and requirements of an approved program, refer to the relevant 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.

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Section 2 - Principles and Program Structures

Model: Diploma – Model A 

(5) This table describes an AQF level 5 program leading to the award of Model A - Diploma under the Governance Rule.

Volume of learning The volume of learning required for a Diploma is typically 80 units of study that will be completed in one year of full-time study or equivalent.
Purpose The Diploma qualifies students to apply specialised knowledge and skills for skilled or paraprofessional work. It is also available as a pathway for further learning.
Maximum Time Maximum time to complete a Level 5 Diploma will be four calendar years from date of admission, calculated on the basis of (2N+2) (Note 1), inclusive of periods of leave, exclusion or academic suspension.

Approved variations are included in the Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure
 		 Graduates of a Diploma will have completed a program that: 
i) includes a volume of learning equivalent to 80 units of study including: 
  (a) a 20 unit sequence of core courses; and
  (b) the remainder of courses to be a combination of courses from a course list and electives.

Individual program requirements will be described in the program  handbook.
This structure will be varied only in response to particular articulation agreements or external requirements as approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC).
Admission and Selection Criteria The admission and selection criteria for each program will be determined by the College and approved by Academic Senate in accordance with the criteria listed below:
- appropriate for an AQF Level 5 and its required learning outcomes;
- take into account external benchmarks; and
- ensure that students have adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully.

English language entry requirements will be set to ensure that students who are admitted will be competent in the English language to participate effectively in the program  and achieve the learning outcomes (please refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy).

The minimum admission and selection criteria for each program are set by the College and approved by Academic Senate. This may include special admission procedures and selection criteria.

Individual program admission and selection criteria will be described in the program handbook.
Major Intentionally left blank.
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: including literacy and numeracy appropriate to the Level 5 Diploma, including English language proficiency;
ii) people skills: including working with others and communication skills;
iii) thinking skills: including learning to learn, decision making and problem solving; and
iv) personal skills: including self direction and acting with integrity.
i Knowledge Graduates of a Diploma will have technical and theoretical knowledge in a specific area or a broad field of work and learning.
ii Skills Graduates of a Diploma will have discipline specific:
i) cognitive and communication skills to identify, analyse, synthesise, and act on information from a range of sources;
ii) cognitive, technical and communication skills to analyse, plan, design and evaluate approaches to unpredictable problems and/or management requirements;
iii) specialist technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspectives; and
iv) communication skills to transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate understanding of knowledge.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Diploma will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:
i) with depth in some areas of specialisation, in known or changing contexts;
ii) to transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical and/or creative skills in a range of situations;
iii) with personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations with responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad parameters for quantity and quality; and
iv) with initiative and judgement to organise the work of self and others and plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of teams within broad but generally well-defined parameters.
Qualification for the Award Completion of the prescribed courses leading to a Diploma, totalling not less than 80 units ensuring that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the level.
Grading of the Award The award will be conferred as an ordinary award.
Qualification Title Diploma (Field of Study)
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 above.
Pathways –Credit and advanced standing Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 40 units, ensuring that the integrity of the program is preserved and the learning outcomes are achieved. Please refer to Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
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. Please refer to Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Pathways – combined degrees A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee and listed in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs  of this Schedule or determined on a case by case application in accordance with the Combined Programs requirements 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 Diploma may be nested (or integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Associate Degree (level 6);
- Bachelor Degree (level 7); and
- Bachelor Honours Degree (320) (level 8)

Approved nested qualifications will be listed in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs of this Schedule.
Pathways – Exit There are no approved exit pathways for students unable to complete a Level 5 Diploma. Students should contact the VET sector to explore options for recognition of competencies achieved.
Pathways - Graduate Graduates of this program may seek admission to an Associate Degree or a Bachelor Degree, or a Bachelor Honours Degree.
Professional Accreditation Details of professional accreditation, including expiry dates, will be included in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs.
Additional Information This section is intentionally blank.

Model: Diploma – Model B 

(6) This table describes an AQF level 5 program leading to the award of Model B - Diploma under the Governance Rule.

Volume of learning The volume of learning required for a Diploma is typically 80 units of study that will be completed in one (1) year of full-time study or equivalent.
Purpose The Diploma qualifies students to apply broad technical and theoretical concepts in a range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled or paraprofessional work. It is also available as a pathway for further learning.
Maximum Time Maximum time to complete a Level 5 Diploma will be four (4) calendar years from date of admission, calculated on the basis of (2N+2) (see 17a), inclusive of periods of leave, exclusion or academic suspension.

Approved variations are included in the Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure Graduates of a Diploma will have completed a program that: 
i) includes a volume of learning equivalent to 80 units of study.

Individual program requirements will be described in the relevant Program Handbook.

This structure will be varied only in response to particular articulation agreements or external requirements, as approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC).
Admission and Selection Criteria The admission and selection criteria for each program will be determined by the College and approved by Academic Senate in accordance with the criteria listed below:
- appropriate for an AQF Level 5 and its required learning outcomes;
- take into account external benchmarks; and
- ensure that students have adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully.

English language entry requirements will be set to ensure that students who are admitted will be competent in the English language to participate effectively in the program and achieve the learning outcomes. Please see English Language Proficiency Policy.

The minimum admission and selection criteria for each program are set by the College and approved by Academic Senate. This may include special admission procedures and selection criteria.

Individual program  admission and selection criteria will be described in the program handbook.
Specialisation or major Intentionally left blank.
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: including literacy and numeracy appropriate to the Level 5 Diploma, including English language proficiency;
ii) people skills: including working with others and communication skills;
iii) thinking skills: including learning to learn, decision making and problem solving; and
iv) personal skills: including self direction and acting with integrity.
i Knowledge Graduates of a Diploma will have technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts, with depth in some areas within a field of work and learning.
ii Skills Graduates of a Diploma will have:
i) cognitive and communication skills to identify, analyse, synthesise and act on information from a range of sources;
ii) cognitive, technical and communication skills to analyse, plan, design and evaluate approaches to unpredictable problems and/or management requirements;
iii) specialist technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspectives; and
iv) communication skills to transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate understanding of knowledge.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Diploma will demonstrate application of knowledge and skills:
i) with depth in some areas of specialisation, in known or changing contexts;
ii) to transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical and/or creative skills in a range of situations; 
iii) with personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations with responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad parameters for quantity and quality; and
iv) with initiative and judgement to organise the work of self and others and plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of teams within broad but generally well-defined parameters.
Qualification for the Award Completion of the prescribed courses leading to a Diploma, totalling not less than 80 units ensuring that the learning outcomes have been achieved for the level.
Grading of the Award The award will be conferred as an ordinary award.
Qualification Title Diploma (Field of Study)
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 above.
Pathways – Credit and advanced standing Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 40 units, ensuring that the integrity of the program is preserved and the learning outcomes are achieved. Please see Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
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. Please see Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Pathways – combined degrees A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee and listed in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs  of this Schedule or determined on a case by case application in accordance with the Combined Program Requirements 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 Diploma may be nested (or integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Associate Degree (level 6);
- Bachelor Degree (level 7); and
- Bachelor Honours Degree (320) (level 8)

Approved nested qualifications will be listed in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs of this Schedule.
Pathways – Exit There are no approved exit pathways for students unable to complete a Level 5 Diploma. Students should contact the VET sector to explore options for recognition of competencies achieved.
Pathways - Graduate Graduates of this program may seek admission to an Associate Degree or a Bachelor Degree, or a Bachelor Honours Degree. 
Professional Accreditation Details of professional accreditation, including expiry dates, will be included in Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs .
Additional Information This section is intentionally blank.
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Section 3 - Notes

(7) Other Information about Programs – may be added here.

  1. 2N+2 where N is equal to the notional duration identified by the volume of learning.
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Section 4 - Relaxing Provision

(8) 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 5 - Reporting

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

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Section 6 - Appendices

(10) Diploma - Approved AQF Compliant Programs