• Section 1 - Purpose
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy
• Recognition of Prior Learning for the purposes of Admission to a Course
• Granting of Credit within a Course
• Rescission of Credit
• Appeal
• Section 3 - Procedures
• Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning
• Articulation and other Credit related arrangements
• Assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning
• Notification of Recognition of Prior Learning outcomes
• Section 4 - Guidelines
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy aims to ensure Macquarie University (the University) applies a consistent, equitable and transparent approach to the Recognition of Prior Learning for the purposes of determining whether an Applicant meets requirements for admission into a Course and/or in the granting of Credit within a Course. It should be read in conjunction with the Schedule of Equivalencies: Formal Learning for Undergraduate Programs and the Schedule of Minimum Requirements at Macquarie.

(2) This Policy aims to facilitate the Recognition of Prior Learning while preserving the integrity and distinctiveness of the University’s Award Courses and ensuring the granting of Credit does not disadvantage a student through insufficient preparedness to undertake remaining study.

Scope

(3) This Policy applies to all Award Courses of the University.

(4) This Policy does not apply to Recognition of Prior Learning within non-award programs of study, although some non-award programs may be used for Recognition of Prior Learning within Award Courses.

Section 2 - Policy

(5) Recognition of Prior Learning is a process that involves the University assessing an individual’s Prior Learning (including Formal, Informal and Non-Formal learning) to determine eligibility for admission to a Course and/or the granting of Credit within a Course.

(6) The assessment of Prior Learning for the purposes of admission and/or the granting of Credit within a Course will be evidence-based, equitable and academically defensible. The precise nature of the assessment may vary across Courses and assessments will be made on the merit of each individual case.

(7) The University may, at its discretion, set additional requirements for the assessment of Prior Learning, including, but not limited to, testing, interviews, and/or a portfolio submission.

(8) Recognition of Prior Learning may be assessed according to a formal Articulation or Credit arrangement.

(9) Prior Learning that has been attained within ten years will generally be considered current, however Prior Learning will be assessed against the University’s current Level and standards, and contemporary learning within the field, discipline or subject area.

(10) In exceptional circumstances, the University may recognise Prior Learning attained more than ten years ago if the student can clearly demonstrate that this Prior Learning:

1. is equivalent to current University Level and standards;
2. has been maintained to the current time; and
3. remains relevant, fit for purpose and in alignment with contemporary learning within the field, discipline or subject area.

(11) Credit granted based on Prior Learning completed externally to the University is not recorded with a grade and does not contribute to the Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of the Macquarie University Award.

(12) Credit based on prior Formal Learning is only granted for completed units/subjects or Awards where the final grade is a Pass or equivalent, and higher.

(13) Prior approval of Credit for students undertaking outbound study abroad, exchange, or study tours, or concurrent study at another institution, will only be granted where the student has successfully completed all the requirements of this approved study, such as achieving a final grade of a Pass or equivalent, and higher.

(14) Grades of ‘concessional pass', 'terminating pass', or equivalent, from another higher education institution will not be deemed to be successful completion for the purpose of Credit, unless supported by additional information and approved on a case-by-case basis.

(15) Credit granted by another institution based on Prior Learning is not automatically transferable to Macquarie University.

(16) Credit granted based on Prior Learning completed externally to the University is not recorded with a grade and does not contribute to the Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of the Macquarie University Award.

(17) Prospective and current students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning:

1. as part of an application for admission to the University;
2. during their Course;
3. prior to undertaking an approved Macquarie University outbound mobility program, including study abroad, exchange or study tour; or
4. prior to undertaking approved concurrent study at another Australian University.

(18) To support the Recognition of Prior Learning process, the University will maintain:

1. a Credit Transfer Register to guide evaluation of unit equivalency to Macquarie University units where a precedence for prior Formal Learning undertaken at another institution has been approved; and
2. an Articulation Register to guide evaluation of arrangements where formal articulation or similar Credit related arrangements are in place.

Recognition of Prior Learning for the purposes of Admission to a Course

(19) The University assesses all applications for admission according to the Admission Policy.

(20) The University will assess Prior Learning to determine whether an Applicant meets specific eligibility requirements for admission to a Course, provided the Prior Learning is current and relevant to the admission requirements of the Course.

(21) Prior Learning for the purposes of admission to a Course will be considered relevant where:

1. there is evidence to demonstrate that the Applicant has achieved a standard of learning comparable to the admission requirements of the Course;
2. the Applicant can demonstrate competency and readiness for tertiary studies; and
3. there is a direct relationship to the admission requirements of the Course.

(22) Recognition of Prior Learning for the purpose of admission to a Course does not guarantee admission to that Course, as there may be other entry requirements that must be met or places within the Course may be limited.

(23) Recognition of Prior Learning for the purpose of admission to a Course does not change English language requirements.

(24) In some postgraduate Awards, Recognition of Prior Learning assessed at the time of admission may result in a variation to the duration of a Course through the nomination of one of the following Volume of Learning requirements:

1. 1 year (80 credit points); or
2. 1.5 years (120 credit points); or
3. 2 years (160 credit points).

(25) Prospective students seeking to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or the purposes of admission and/or the granting of Credit are encouraged to seek advice prior to or at the time of application.

Granting of Credit within a Course

(26) The University will assess Prior Learning as being eligible for one of the following forms of Credit within a Course:

1. Specified Credit - the Applicant’s Prior Learning is assessed as meeting the Learning Outcomes for a specific unit in a Course or Course component;
2. Unspecified Credit - the Applicant’s Prior Learning is assessed as being at an appropriate Level and standard relevant to the University’s offerings for a unit that may be taken within the flexible zone of a Course; or
3. Block Credit - the Applicant’s Prior Learning is assessed as being equivalent with the combined Learning Outcomes for a group of units within a Course. Block Credit may be specified or Unspecified Credit.

(27) Professional accreditation and registration requirements may impact on whether Credit is available for some Courses. Courses with additional requirements for study are listed in the Academic Progression Policy - Schedule 2: Practical, Clinical and Professional Courses. Applicants seeking Recognition of Prior Learning within one of these courses are advised to seek advice prior to submitting an application.

(28) Recognition of Prior Learning will not be granted for any unit designated as a Capstone unit.

(29) Work experience alone will not be recognised for Credit for a unit that has a work-integrated learning component unless evidence can demonstrate that the student has met the required Unit Learning Outcomes.

(30) The maximum granting of Credit allowed towards a Macquarie University Award recognised from Prior Learning undertaken externally to the University will be determined by the requirement that the student complete a minimum amount of study at Macquarie University. The minimum amounts for various Award types are specified in Schedule B - Minimum Requirements at Macquarie University.

(31) Where a shorter duration of study has been granted through the nomination of an admission point with a lower volume of learning requirement, the amount of Credit granted for any remaining, currently unrecognised Prior Learning, may be limited. This is to ensure that the overall Volume of Learning undertaken at Macquarie University aligns with minimal requirements as outlined in Schedule B.

(32) Limits on maximum Credit being granted do not apply to:

1. Credit from an award that is approved as a Nested Award within a Macquarie University Course;
2. Credit from an approved Articulation or Dual Degree arrangement with another provider;
3. Credit from an approved Joint Institute, Joint Program or other transnational education arrangement;
4. Credit being transferred from another Macquarie University Course as part of an approved internal Course transfer that has been completed at Macquarie University where that Credit is current and relevant to the new Course.

(33) The amount of Credit able to be granted for an international student on a student visa may be limited to ensure adherence to the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (ESOS National Code).

(34) If a student transfers from one Macquarie University Course to another, Credit approved for the original Course based on Recognition of Prior Learning undertaken externally to Macquarie University may not automatically transfer to the new Course. Students are encouraged to seek advice on Recognition of Prior Learning when applying for internal Course transfer and may be required to re-apply for Recognition of Prior Learning in the new Course. Refer to the Course Transfer (Undergraduate Coursework) Policy.

(35) Where Prior Learning has been undertaken at Macquarie University as part of an Award that has been conferred and recognition of this Prior Learning as Credit within the new Course results in minimum Volume of Learning requirements not being met, the University may determine:

1. where there are alternate option/s within the Course that allow minimal Volume of Learning requirements to be met, such as the selection of a different Major or Specialisation, these alternate option/s are specified as being required in place of full recognition of Credit; or
2. where there are no alternate option/s within the Course the Faculty may determine a pattern of appropriate and relevant study that the student must undertake to meet the minimum required Volume of Learning requirements for the Award; or
3. the student may be determined as not eligible for admission to the new Award due to the amount of overlap between the two Courses and a lack of appropriate and relevant alternate study to meet the minimum required Volume of Learning requirements.

Rescission of Credit

(36) Credit may be rescinded at the request of the student prior to, or after, Course commencement.

(37) Credit may be rescinded by the University before or after Course commencement when this is academically justified, including but not limited to where:

1. this Credit forms part of an academic success intervention strategy for the student;
2. Credit was granted on false or misleading information provided by the student; or
3. where there has been a major revision to a Course and this Recognition of Prior Learning is no longer current or relevant, or results in minimal requirements not being met; or
4. where a Course transfer has resulted in Prior Learning is no longer being recognised; or
5. where the amount of Credit granted affects the Course duration for an international student on a student visa and Rescission of Credit is required to ensure adherence to National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (ESOS National Code).

Appeal

(38) A student may appeal a decision regarding the assessment of Prior Learning for the purpose of admission and/or the granting of Credit within a Course; and/or the Rescission of Credit in accordance with the Academic Appeals Policy.

Section 3 - Procedures

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning

(39) Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning that are submitted at a time other than during the admission process should be made within the approved Macquarie University system as published on the University website.

(40) Applicants must supply evidence to support their request for Recognition of Prior Learning that:

1. is current and relevant;
2. is aligned to the type of Credit being sought; and
3. demonstrates achievement or attainment of Prior Learning beyond simply participation or attendance.

(41) When applying for Recognition of Prior Learning for admission to a Course, or for the granting of Credit into a Course that is evaluated as part of the admission process, Applicants must provide evidence to support their application when applying for admission.

(42) The University will publish deadlines for Recognition of Prior Learning applications seeking Credit within a Course for key upcoming sessions and terms. Where study is undertaken in a session or term not listed, Applicants should seek advice as to any specific deadlines for application submission.

(43) Where applying for Recognition of Prior Learning for the granting of Credit within a Course, students may submit their Recognition of Prior Learning application at any time during the Course. However, to ensure applications are processed before students are required to undertake the study for which they are seeking Credit it is recommended that applications are made as early as possible, and before any relevant application deadlines.

(44) For students undertaking an approved Macquarie University outbound mobility program, applications for the recognition of this learning to be granted as Credit must be submitted during the academic approval or unit equivalency stage of the mobility process.

(45) For students seeking the granting of Credit for concurrent study undertaken at another institution, applications should be made as early as possible prior to commencement of concurrent study. There is no guarantee that concurrent study will be eligible for Credit within a Course until approval has been formally granted.

Articulation and other Credit related arrangements

(46) For Recognition of Prior Learning for admission and/or Credit granting purposes, a formal Articulation or other related Credit arrangement must evidence how the learning undertaken at the partner institution meets the relevant requirements for this recognition to be granted.

(47) A formal Articulation or other related Credit arrangement will require:

1. endorsement from the relevant Executive Dean/Director Macquarie University College; and
2. approval of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning

(48) The University will endeavour to assess applications for Recognition of Prior Learning as efficiently as possible, however delays may result where there is:

1. an incomplete application and/or insufficient evidence on which to make an assessment;
2. a complex application, particularly where Informal and/or Non-Formal Learning forms a significant part of the application; and/or
3. an application submitted after published application deadlines.

(49) Assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning will be made by the relevant Faculty/College responsible for teaching the unit or Course for which the Recognition of Prior Learning is being sought except where there is precedent recorded in the Credit Transfer Register or formal articulation or similar Credit related arrangements are in place. In these instances, Recognition of Prior Learning may be administrated without undergoing further Faculty/College assessment.

Notification of Recognition of Prior Learning outcomes

(50) Applicants applying for Recognition of Prior Learning as part of admission will be notified through the admission process of a successful offer or otherwise.

(51) Applicants applying for Recognition of Prior Learning for Credit within a Course will be notified of the outcome of this application and, if required, the reason for requests that are not approved.

(52) Credit granted within a Course will be recorded as Specified and/or Unspecified Credit on the student transcript.

Section 4 - Guidelines

(53) Nil.

Section 5 - Definitions

(54) The following definitions apply for the purpose of this Policy:

1. Applicant means a person who is making an application for Recognised Prior Learning under this Policy.
2. Articulation means a process that enables students to progress from a completed Award to another Award with predetermined admission and / or Credit arrangements. Articulation is formalised by an approved institutional agreement.
3. Award means the qualification resulting from successful completion of a specific Course.
4. Block Credit means Credit granted towards a group of units defined for this purpose (such as the flexible zone, designated minor, foundation zone).
5. Credit means the value assigned for the recognition of equivalence in Learning Outcomes between different types of learning and/or Awards.
6. Credit Transfer means a process that provides students with consistent Credit outcomes for a unit or units of a Course based on identified equivalence in Learning Outcomes.
7. Course means a sequence of study which leads to a higher education Award.
8. Formal Learning means learning that takes place through a structured program of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification (AQF Glossary of Terminology).
9. Informal Learning means learning gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. Unlike Formal or Non-Formal Learning, Informal Learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support (AQF Glossary of Terminology).
10. Learning Outcomes means the expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning (AQF Glossary of Terminology).
11. Level: the level of an Award reflects the relative complexity and/or depth of its Course Learning Outcomes, and is expressed according to the various AQF levels. The level at which a unit is taught indicates the amount of prior knowledge required to study it successfully.
12. Nested Award means a set of Macquarie University Awards approved by Academic Senate that forms stages within the highest Award, where each stage may operate as an entry and/or exit point. Nested Awards are designed to allow full Credit Transfer between the Macquarie University Awards.
13. Non-Formal Learning means learning that takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification (AQF Glossary of Terminology).
14. Prior Learning means learning that is Formal, Informal and/or Non-Formal and which is evidenced, current and relevant, and has taken place:
    1. outside Macquarie University; and/or
    2. within a completed Macquarie University Award.
15. Recognition of Prior Learning has the same meaning as in clause 5.
16. Rescission of Credit means a process whereby a Recognition of Prior Learning decision to grant Credit is overturned.
17. Specified Credit means Credit granted towards a specific unit or units of a Course.
18. Unspecified Credit means Credit granted towards a unit or a group of units in an option set or in the flexible zone. This Credit may be designated with a particular subject area or PACE classification.
19. Volume of Learning means a measure which identifies the notional duration of all activities required for the achievement of the Learning Outcomes specified for a Course. Volume of Learning is expressed in equivalent full-time years.