Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines how advanced standing, credit transfer from prior formal academic accomplishments, and recognition of prior learning (RPL) from informal learning are recognised.

Scope

VET and HE awards

Policy

Alphacrucis University College (AC) is committed to maintaining the integrity of its academic courses in alignment with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and grants advanced standing, credit transfer or RPL accordingly. 

AC usually limits the award of advanced standing/credit transfer to a two thirds maximum. AC may also grant students advanced standing, credit transfer or RPL in relation to meeting admission criteria into a course.

Definitions:

1. Advanced Standing – recognition of achieving a portion of the required knowledge, skills and understanding of subjects in a course of study, expressed as an equivalent subject/unit or number of credit points toward that course. Advanced standing credits are determined on the basis of equivalence of subject/unit content and learning outcomes matching the description and standards of the subject/unit for which credit is sought. Actual credit awarded may be less than the theoretical maximum established in these policies and procedures.
2. Specified Academic Credit: may be given for a specified subject/unit or subjects/units where learning has been gained through previous study that has already been assessed by an educational establishment (either vocational or higher education level). The learning is regarded as having satisfied both the objectives and the assessment requirements of the subject (at HE level) or elements, performance criteria, performance evidence and knowledge evidence (at VET level).
3. Unspecified Academic Credit (HE only): may be given through recognising a number of credit points rather than a specific subject where prior learning is regarded to be consistent with the broad outcomes of the course being undertaken. Such prior learning may be granted to students who have completed relevant studies (either vocational or higher education level.) This may sometimes be referred to as 'block credit'.
4. Credit without Advanced Standing (HE only): Students have completed similar subject material in another award, and thus are exempted from the subject, but receive no credit point recognition.
5. Recognition of Prior Learning – relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning), including knowledge, skills, competencies, and attributes which may have been learned through: formal training, work experience, community involvement, or through general life experience. The focus is on assessing applicant students to determine if they have met the learning outcomes or standards or competencies prescribed for a program. RPL is available for students from all awards to access in compliance with the AQF.

Compulsory Studies: It is the responsibility of Program Directors (or equivalent) to identify and publish those subjects provided in an approved course which do not attract credit transfer.

Concurrent Studies: Successful completion of approved concurrent (cross-institutional) studies will be applied to the relevant AC course.

Currency of Prior Learning: Unless the Head of School or Head of Discipline otherwise approves on the basis of evidence of subsequent development and life or work experience in the discipline, only evidence of formal and informal learning completed in the previous 10 years will be considered.

Determining RPL: In determining the applicability of RPL, AC will assess that students have met the learning outcomes or standards or competencies prescribed for a subject/unit/course. This may require that assessment include methods such as:

1. relevant formal qualification or professional training;
2. project work;
3. practice related learning;
4. independent research;
5. a piece of scholarship;
6. a portfolio with examples of previous work;
7. letters from employers or community leaders explaining applicant experience, responsibilities, skills and capacities;
8. work-based assessment;
9. examinations;
10. interviews.

Responsible for implementation

Program Directors (or equivalent); Admission Officers, Director of Quality Assurance

Key stakeholders

Students
Program Directors (or equivalent)
Student Experience Department

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Procedures

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

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