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Bachelor Degree (240) - Awards and Programs Schedule

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Schedule to 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 (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 Bachelor Degree (240) 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 provide descriptions of 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 Bachelor Degree (240) - 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: Bachelor Degree (240)

(5) This table describes an AQF level 7 program leading to the award of Bachelor Degree (240) under the Governance Rule. 

Volume of Learning
The volume of learning required for a Bachelor Degree (240) is typically 240 units of study that will be completed in three years of full-time study or equivalent. Exceptions to the typical volume of learning and program duration are:
 – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) – 40105;
 - Bachelor of Education (Primary) – 40106;
 – Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – 40107;
 – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary Studies) – 40224;
 – Bachelor of Education (Primary Studies) – 40225;
 – Bachelor of Education (Secondary Studies) – 40226; and
 – Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine – 50021.
Purpose
The Bachelor Degree qualifies individuals to apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional work and as a pathway for further learning.
Maximum Time
Maximum time to complete a Level 7 Bachelor Degree (240) will be eight 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 Bachelor Degree (240) - Approved AQF Compliant Programs covered by this Schedule.
Principles and Structure
Graduates of this program will have completed 240 units of study include:
i.   the completion of a major of a minimum of 80 units, which consists of at least 60 unique units of compulsory and/or directed courses with at least 40 units at the 3000 level or higher.
ii.  the completion of a minimum of 40 and no more than 100 units at the 1000 level;
iii. the completion of at least 40 units at each level at the 2000 level and above in the program; and
iv.  at least 10 units of electives.
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:

PART A – Admission Criteria and Pathways

College admission and selection criteria should specifically address the alternative pathways into the Bachelor Degree (240) 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 (please see Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy).

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 students have adequate prior knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully;
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 learning outcomes (Please see English Language Proficiency Policy).

PART C – Additional Admission Criteria

Additional College admission and selection criteria may include requirements for:
i)   prior completion of an approved nested level 5 or level 6 qualification, (recognised under Pathways – nested or integrated qualifications, below); 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), below; 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.
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.
Specialisation or Major
Bachelor Degrees (240) may offer a major that is a sequence of courses in a discipline that has been approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee. Each major:
i)  must have at least 60 unique units; and
ii) is a minimum of 80 units.
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 7 Bachelors Degree, 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 Bachelor Degree will have a discipline specific broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning.
ii skills
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will have discipline specific:
i) cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge;
ii) cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas;
iii) cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence; and
iv) communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.
iii Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will demonstrate the discipline specific application of knowledge and skills:
i) with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and skills and/or scholarship;
ii) to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts; and
iii) with responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters.
Qualification for the Award
Completion of a Bachelor Degree totalling a volume of learning that is typically equivalent to 3 years.
Grading of the Award
The degree will either be awarded as
i) an ordinary degree; or
ii) a degree with distinction.
With Distinction will be awarded to graduates who have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 6.0 based on all studies undertaken in the approved program.
Qualification Title
Bachelor of (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 criteria are described in Admission and Selection Criteria, above.
Pathways –Credit and Advanced Standing
Credit:
Granted in accordance with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy to a maximum of 120 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:
The Program and Course Approval Committee is authorised to approve variations to the maximum credit provisions to allow for articulation arrangements, advanced standing and approved VET pathways of up to 160 units for a 240 unit program.
Please refer to the 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 the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Pathways – combined degrees
A combined degree may be formally approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC) and listed in  Bachelor Degree (240) - Approved AQF Compliant Programs 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 Bachelor Degree (240) may be nested (or integrated) with the following qualifications:
- Diploma (level 5); and
- Associate Degree (level 6).
Approved qualifications will be listed in Bachelor Degree (240) - Approved AQF Compliant Programs 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; and
ii)  the student has satisfactorily completed the program of study to the point where they are eligible for exit award, as approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee on behalf of Academic Senate; and
iii) the student is unable to complete the remaining requirements for their original enrolment; and
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 from Bachelor Degrees (240) will be listed in Bachelor Degree (240) - Approved AQF Compliant Programs.
Pathways - Graduate
Graduates of this program may seek admission to a Bachelor Honours Degree (80 units), a Graduate Certificate, a Graduate Diploma, a Masters Degree (Coursework) or a Masters Degree (Extended).
Professional accreditation
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Additional Information
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Section 3 - Notes

(6) Other Information about Programs may be added here.

(7) 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) Bachelor Degree (240) - Approved AQF Compliant Programs