C/3.2 Award classifications
Contact Officer | Director, Curriculum Quality and Standards |
Approval Date | 14/09/2018 |
Approval Authority | University Academic Board |
Date of Next Review | 01/09/2021 |
3.2.1 Purpose
3.2.2 Application
3.2.3 Roles and responsibilities
3.2.4 Qualification type
3.2.5 Double degrees
3.2.6 Joint awards
3.2.7 Dual awards
3.2.8 Entry requirements
3.2.9 Recognition of prior learning
3.2.10 Entry and exit pathways
3.2.11 Definitions
Related Documents
Modification History
3.2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- provide a high-level framework for the overall design and structure of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award and non-AQF award courses consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework; and
- describe the characteristics of the types of courses offered by QUT taking into consideration alignment with the AQF.
3.2.2 Application
This policy applies to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and non-AQF award courses accredited by QUT.
3.2.3 Roles and responsibilities
| Position | Responsibility |
|---|---|
|
University Academic Board (A/3.6) |
|
|
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education) |
|
| Faculty academic boards |
|
3.2.4 Qualification type
The award categories outlined in this policy are those most likely to be used at QUT. Of these categories, all except the University certificate are specified in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The Higher Education Standards Framework and the AQF provide options for additional AQF awards and non-AQF awards which can be considered on a case by case basis. Full characteristics of each award category are provided by the AQF which should be read in association with this policy.
Additional procedures and requirements for research degree courses and for awarding a higher doctorate are provided in the Higher degree research candidates policy (D/5.3) and on the HiQ site.
University Certificate
University Certificates are a QUT award accredited by the University Academic Board (C/4.1.3). University certificates are normally developed as pathways to further study.
The volume of learning for a University Certificate is 0.5 years (48 credit points) full time.
Undergraduate Certificate
Undergraduate Certificates are a QUT award accredited by the University Academic Board (C/4.1.3). Undergraduate Certificates are developed as pathways to further study and may meet an AQF qualifications specification between Level 5 and Level 7. The pathway to further study and AQF level will be specified as part of course accreditation.
The volume of learning for an Undergraduate Certificate is 0.5 years (48 credit points) full-time.
Diploma
Diplomas meet the AQF qualifications specifications for Level 5 diplomas. Diplomas are normally developed as pathways to further study and often include a sub-set of an existing bachelor degree award where a proportion of the units and academic characteristics are drawn directly from the parent bachelor degree but the award leads to distinctive Level 5 course learning outcomes.
The volume of learning for a diploma is 1 – 2 years (96 to 192 credit points) full time.
Associate degree
Associate degrees meet the AQF qualifications specifications for Level 6 associate degrees. Associate degrees are normally developed as exit awards from an existing bachelor degree where the units and academic characteristics are drawn directly from the parent bachelor degree but the award leads to distinctive Level 6 course learning outcomes.
The volume of learning for an associate degree is 2 years (192 credit points) full time.
Bachelor degree
Bachelor degrees meet the AQF qualifications specifications for a Level 7 bachelor degree. The bachelor degree qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional work and as a pathway for further learning.
The volume of learning for bachelor degrees is 3-4 years and includes the following credit point values:
- 288 credit point degrees (3 years full time)
- 384 credit point degrees (4 years full time)
Bachelor degrees of 384 credit points or more which were initially offered prior to 1 January 2012 may be awarded with honours (C/5.2), on the basis of GPA.
Bachelor honours degree
Bachelor honours degrees meet the AQF qualifications specifications for a Level 8 bachelor honours degree.
Bachelor honours degrees provide a link between undergraduate study and research programs by introducing students to research skills, and/or advanced skills for entry into a profession. Bachelor honours degrees include research which comprises systematic experimentation and theoretical work, application and/or development that results in an increase in the dimensions of knowledge as expressed in the AQF.
Two broad options are available for bachelor honours degrees:
- A stand alone qualification where the bachelor honours degree is a separate course following a Level 7 bachelor degree and the volume of learning is 1 year full time (96 credit points). Graduates receive both the award for the bachelor degree and the award for the bachelor honours degree.
- A 'cluster qualification' where the bachelor honours degree is embedded in a Level 7 bachelor degree, typically as an additional year. Graduates receive the award for the bachelor honours degree only.
All bachelor honours degrees are awarded with a level of honours. The grading scales for the awarding of honours are provided in QUT Grading (C/5.2).
Graduate certificate and graduate diploma
Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas meet the AQF qualifications specifications for a Level 8 graduate certificate and graduate diploma respectively. The volume of learning for a graduate certificate is between 0.5 and 1 year full time, and for a graduate diploma is between 1-2 years full time.
Masters degree
Masters degrees meet the AQF qualifications specifications for a Level 9 masters degree. Masters degrees at QUT are classified as either coursework or research. The AQF also allows for an extended masters.
The volumes of learning for coursework and research masters degrees are, as a minimum:
- 1 year full time (96 credit points) following an AQF Level 8 degree in the same discipline
- 1.5 years full time (144 credit points) following an AQF Level 8 degree in a different discipline, or an AQF Level 7 degree in the same discipline
- 2 years full time (192 credit points) following an AQF Level 7 degree in a different discipline.
Doctoral degree
Doctoral degrees meet the AQF qualifications specifications for a Level 10 doctoral degree. QUT offers both doctoral degree (research) leading to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and doctoral degree (professional) qualifications.
- The doctoral degree (research) is designed so that graduates will have undertaken a program of independent supervised study that produces significant and original research outcomes.
- The doctoral degree (professional) qualification is designed so that graduates will have undertaken a program of structured learning (typically advanced coursework and/or research integrated practice) and independent supervised study that produces significant and original research outcomes.
The volume of learning for a doctoral degree is 3-4 years full time.
Course requirements for doctoral degrees are set out in the Higher degree research candidates policy (D/5.3) and relevant requirements for individual degrees. Individual course requirements for supervision and thesis examination must be based on the Good Practice guidelines for Higher Degree Research Studies and Supervision at QUT (QUT staff and student access only).
Course requirements for professional doctorates are established by the relevant faculty for each course in accordance with the AQF specification for level 10, and are approved by University Academic Board.
Higher doctorate
The degrees of Doctor of Letters (DLitt), Doctor of Science (DSc), Doctor of Engineering (DEng), Doctor of Business (DBus) and Doctor of Laws (LLD) may be awarded by the University. Higher doctorates are located at Level 10 of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
A higher doctorate may be awarded by University Academic Board on the recommendation of Research Degrees Committee for original and substantial contributions of distinction which add to the knowledge and understanding of any branch of learning with which the University is concerned.
3.2.5 Double degrees
A double degree is a 'cluster of qualifications', as defined in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), constructed as a single program of study that allows the student to complete two awards within a specified timeframe. A double degree may be: two undergraduate degrees, an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree (vertical double degree); or two postgraduate degrees. The combination of postgraduate degrees at different levels (e.g. graduate certificate and masters degree) is normally managed as a nested suite rather than a double degree.
On graduation, students receive individual awards for each of the component degrees. Double degrees may be developed as a combination of two QUT award courses or as a joint degree combining a QUT award course and an award course from another university (C/3.2.6).
In designing double degrees, faculties must consider the principles outlined in Protocols: Courses and awards/Award classifications (QUT staff access only).
3.2.6 Joint awards
QUT encourages collaboration with other education providers through the development of joint awards where each provider can contribute a different discipline or perspective to an integrated course. Joint awards may be established as either a single award or two awards offered in collaboration between QUT and one or more other institutions. Joint awards are subject to all relevant QUT policy including Curriculum design, approval and accreditation (C/4.1); Course quality assurance (C/4.6); Assessment and feedback (C/5.1) and Academic integrity (C/5.3).
3.2.7 Dual awards
Dual awards are constructed as a combined qualification with a single entry point leading to the award of two qualifications at different levels either involving two QUT courses or a QUT course together with a course offered by another registered provider. Students are admitted through a single entry point with a packaged offer for both courses. A quota is applied for entry for each dual degree.
Dual awards must be constructed to meet the criteria outlined in Protocols: Courses and awards/Award classifications (QUT staff access only).
3.2.8 Entry requirements
QUT sets minimum entry requirements for each level of award course. Specific course entry requirements, which may include additional discipline-specific requirements, are approved at University Academic Board during course accreditation. The faculty academic board having responsibility for a course may revise entry requirements for an existing course, within the minimum standards established for each level of award course. Student admission (E/4.1) is determined on the basis of merit and perceived probability of success, with provision for alternative entry and entry for poorly represented community groups .
Minimum award level entry requirements and examples of possible additional entry requirements are outlined in Protocols: Courses and awards/Award classifications (QUT staff access only).
3.2.9 Recognition of prior learning
QUT recognises that alternative formal learning, informal and non-formal learning may satisfy course entry or advanced standing requirements. Decisions that recognise prior learning must be consistent with the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework Qualifications Pathways, Recognition of prior learning (C/5.4) and Advanced standing (E/4.2) policies.
3.2.10 Entry and exit pathways
QUT promotes the provision of alternative pathways into courses based on different combinations of formal, informal and non-formal learning. Entry through alternative pathways may also allow for advanced standing. Design principles and examples of entry and exit pathways are provided in the Protocols: Courses and awards/Award classifications (QUT staff access only).
3.2.11 Definitions
An award course is an accredited course leading to the following qualification types: University certificate, diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree, or doctoral degree. The volume of learning is a dimension of the complexity of a qualification. It is used with the level criteria and qualification type descriptor to determine the depth and breadth of the learning outcomes of a qualification. The volume of learning identifies the notional duration of all activities required for the achievement of the learning outcomes specified for a particular Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification type. It is expressed in equivalent full-time years.
Related Documents
MOPP C/3.1 Courses and awards
MOPP C/4.1 Curriculum design, approval and accreditation
MOPP C/5.2 QUT grading
MOPP C/5.4 Recognition of prior learning
MOPP D/5.3 Higher degree research candidates
MOPP E/4.1 Student admission
MOPP E/4.2 Advanced standing
MOPP E/10.1 Graduation requirements
MOPP E/10.4 University medals
Good Practice guidelines for Higher Degree Research Studies and Supervision at QUT (QUT staff and student access only)
HiQ website - Research students (QUT staff and student access only)
Protocols: Courses and awards/Award Classifications
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015
Modification History
|
Date |
Sections |
Source |
Details |
| 06.05.20 | C/3.2.4 | Acting Chair, University Academic Board | Revised policy to amend the qualification type, Higher Education Certificate to Undergraduate Certificate |
| 27.04.20 | C/3.2.4 | Acting Chair, University Academic Board | Revised policy to include the qualification type, Higher Education Certificate |
| 14.09.18 | All | University Academic Board | Revised and simplified policy - effective 01.01.19 |
| 11.08.17 | C/3.1.4 | Dean of Studies | Revised policy to include consequential amendments following new course approval (MPhil) and research specialisations |
| 27.03.15 | All | University Academic Board | Revised policy |
| 20.09.13 | C/3.1.9 | University Academic Board | Policy revised to require separate unit codes and teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts - effective 01.01.14 |
| 24.05.13 | C/3.1.3, C/3.1.4 | University Academic Board | Policy revised to align to regulatory environment including the TEQSA & CRICOS standards |
| 25.05.12 | All | University Academic Board | Policy revised to align to regulatory environment including the AQF and in response to operational feedback |
19.02.11 |
All |
Vice-Chancellor |
Policy revised to include approved name change for Office of Teaching Quality to Learning and Teaching Unit |
23.07.10 |
C/3.1.3, |
University Academic Board |
Policy revised to include SAMS terminology and processes |
13.11.09 |
C/3.1.7 |
University Academic Board |
Revised policy |
14.11.08 |
All |
University Academic Board |
Revised policy effective from 01.01.09 (replaces former policies C/3.1, C/3.4, C/7.3, C/7.9) (endorsed by University Teaching and Learning Committee 21.10.08) |
|
19.05.06 |
All |
University Academic Board |
Revised policy (endorsed by Teaching and Learning Committee 02.05.06); replaces former policies C/3.1, C/3.7, C/3.8 and C/3.9 |
|
21.05.02 |
All |
Academic Policy and Programs Unit |
Updated and linked to QUT Handbook |