Policy
Students admitted to a science course can apply for credit in recognition for knowledge, skills, attitudes and/or attributes which have been acquired other than from an Australian university or TAFE college (or equivalent).
RPL involves the systematic assessment and acknowledgement of relevant and verifiable skills, knowledge and competencies acquired formally or experientially. Claims are assessed and given recognition by granting admission to and/or credit towards an education program.
Maximum credit
The maximum amount of credit that will be awarded for RPL will be one third of the total points requirements for the course. This is to be counted as part of the maximum credit allowed for courses in science and is not in addition to the total maximum credit available.
Recency
The qualification/experience for which credit is sought must have been completed within the five years prior to admission into a course of the Faculty of Science. This means that any credentialed or uncredentialed learning on which an application for credit is made must have been completed within the last five years. No credit will be given for learning undertaken prior to this time.
Note that due to the accreditation requirements of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) no credit on the basis of RPL can be given for psychology units.
Types of prior learning
RPL may be awarded in the following areas:
Work experience: Experience gained through employment that demonstrates a capacity to undertake study at a tertiary level or that has allowed for the acquisition of knowledge related to the area of study you are applying for. For example, workplace training, the development of a work-based initiative or project, the delivery of a staff/client/community seminar, authorship of successful work-related submissions, teaching relevant materials, active membership of workplace committees, community development related to workplace activities, professional association activity, union activity.
Learning experience: Active participation in short courses, acquisition of professional development credentials in specialist areas, completion of part of university or TAFE award, progress through credentialled programs offered by professional bodies.
Publishing and dissemination: Publication of articles in learned journals, professional journals, books, major newspapers or magazines, regular commentary on work-related issues for electronic or print media, presenter at conferences, keynote speaker at seminars or conferences, professional development consultant.
Life experiences: Active participation in community activities, active participation in para-professional or professional activities which are not necessarily work-related, performance or active participation in creative production activity. In this case, activity and/or experience does not have the same value as learning. The university requires some kind of evidence of learning.
Other: Activities which have not been given as examples may be submitted.
Supporting documentation
Documentation required to support an application include:
- credentialled learning
- A certified copy of a statement of satisfactory completion of a course offered by a professional body or enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other provider recognised by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA)
- Detailed documentation stating the objectives, learning outcomes and content of the course
- Details of any formal assessment of learning undertaken and, if relevant, grades obtained
- Details of the contact hours of the course (timetable or supporting documentation required)
- Contact details of appropriate persons who can provide further information, if required
- uncredentialled learning
- details of the uncredentialled learning, a detailed curriculum vitae and letters of support from appropriate persons/organisations who can verify these details.
Assessment of RPL applications
Applications for RPL will be assessed by a sub-committee of the Faculty of Science Education Committee. This sub-committee will consist of suitably qualified academic staff within the faculty. Co-ordination of the assessment process will be undertaken by the Faculty Academic Manager.
A comprehensive review of the documentation relating to RPL applications and assessment of any credit to be awarded can require between 2 to 4 weeks, however all applications will be processed as expediently as possible.
Appeals against decisions
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision made in relation to their application, they may appeal to the Associate Dean (Education). The Associate Dean (Education) will review the application and determine whether the original decision made is appropriate or should be amended.
Appeals to the Associate Dean (Education) must be made in writing within 14 days of the date on the notice of assessment. The appeal should be addressed to the Faculty Academic Manager who will refer the appeal to the Associate Dean (Education). |
