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Nested Qualifications Policy

This is not a current document. It has been repealed and is no longer in force.

Section 1 - Background and Purpose

(1) The University will allow the creation of courses with nested sub-qualifications, to enable multiple entry and exit points for students.

(2) This Policy provides guidance where academic units wish to develop programs where one or more qualification category is fully articulated into one or more other qualification category to enable multiple entry and exit points.

(3) These Procedures are intended to facilitate the development of programs where one or more qualification category is fully articulated into another qualification category to enable multiple entry and exit points.

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Section 2 - Scope

(4) Applies to:

  1. All campuses
  2. All courses
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Section 3 - Policy Statement

(5) The University will allow the creation of courses with nested sub-qualifications to enable multiple entry and/or exit points for students.

(6) A separate testamur will be awarded for each completed qualification.

(7) International students enrolling in a nested sub-qualification and, upon completion, choosing to proceed to the higher award will need to apply to extend their Australian Government Visa.

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Section 4 - Procedures

Part A - Allowable Combinations

Undergraduate Diploma + Bachelor Degree
Associate Degree + Bachelor Degree
Undergraduate Diploma + Associate Degree + Bachelor Degree
Graduate Certificate + Graduate Diploma + Master Coursework
Postgraduate Certificate + Postgraduate Diploma + Master Coursework

Part B - Approval of Nested Qualifications

(8) Course approval processes for any new nested combinations are outlined in the Course and Subject Management Procedure - New Course and Subject Proposals (To be removed 24 August 2020).

Part C - Performance Hurdles

(9) Colleges may impose a required standard of performance in a sub-qualification to qualify for entry to the higher level(s).

Part D - Exiting with a Sub-Qualification

(10) Students initially enrolled in the higher qualification may choose to exit the course and take the award for one of the sub-qualifications, as long as they have satisfied all requirements of the sub-qualification chosen.

Part E - International Students

(11) International students are issued an Australian Government Visa based on the course in which they initially enrol. Students who continue to a higher qualification in a group of nested qualifications must apply to extend their visa when enrolling in any additional component of the group of nested qualifications.

Part F - Graduations and Testamurs

(12) Testamurs for nested qualifications will be issued according to the Qualifications Issuance Policy.

(13) A student may choose to participate in graduation ceremonies for each qualification. If choosing to attend only one ceremony at which more than one testamur will be awarded, normally a student will wear the colours of the highest academic qualification achieved.

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Section 5 - Definitions

(14) For the purpose of this Policy and Procedure:

  1. Articulation: The process of linking two or more qualifications together by creating/identifying the content relationships between them.
  2. Nested qualifications: Where two or more courses of different levels in the qualifications framework are combined in a way where sub-qualification categories are fully articulated within the higher qualification categories.
  3. Qualification: An award associated with a degree, diploma or course that comprises approved studies as prescribed by the Academic Board.
  4. Qualification category: Each category has defined entry and exit standards, notional duration, credit point requirements and learning outcomes aligned to the AQF where appropriate.
  5. Sub-qualification: the commencement or intermediary qualification forming the entry or exit point(s) of a group of nested qualifications.
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Section 6 - Stakeholders

Responsibility for implementation – College Pro Vice-Chancellors; Heads of School.
Responsibility for monitoring implementation anc compliance – Education Committee.