• Section 1 - Purpose and Context
• Section 2 - Definitions
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Specified and Unspecified Advanced Standing
• Maximum Advanced Standing
• Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Undergraduate Awards
• Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Postgraduate Awards
• Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Combined and Double Degrees
• Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Honours Awards
• Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for a course within a group of Nested Courses
• Maximum Advanced Standing given for Articulation
• Maximum Advanced Standing given for Completed Qualifications
• Maximum Advanced Standing given for current UWS students who transfer to another UWS degree program either through Internal Transfer or through UAC entry.
• Maximum Advanced Standing given for Non-award Units
• Time Limits
• Grades Issued to Advanced Standing Given
• Appeals Against Decisions on Advanced Standing
• Relinquishing Advanced Standing
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Applying for Recognition of Prior Learning
• Credit Transfer
• Credentialed Learning
• Uncredentialed Learning
• When to apply for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning
• For Credit Transfer and Credentialed Learning
• If applying directly to the University for Admission:
• For Un-credentialed Learning
• Overseas Students: Procedures for applying for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning
• Section 5 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose and Context

(1) The granting of Advanced Standing for prior learning is an acknowledgement by the University that students have gained the knowledge, understanding and skills equivalent to the stated learning outcomes of programs and units of study offered by the University of Western Sydney.

(2) The University accepts that learning takes place in a broad range of contexts - formal study, in the workplace and from life experience. The granting of Advanced Standing for prior learning ensures that students commence study at a level that appropriately recognises their previous learning experiences, and are not required to repeat equivalent successful learning activities undertaken in another context.

(3) The University wishes to ensure that students gain an award in the least time possible while adhering to the requirements for the conferring of that award.

(4) The University supports the AVCC Credit Transfer Guidelines and has developed this policy in line with those guidelines.

(5) Applicants to the University may request that their prior learning be assessed for Advanced Standing towards an undergraduate or postgraduate award. Advanced Standing will be granted after an applicant has demonstrated that they have achieved a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings as well as the skills and experiential aspects of the program and unit of study for which they have requested Advanced Standing.

(6) The University will undertake assessment procedures that ensure prior learning has been of a comparable standard to that which would allow a student to pass the units of study in a particular award.

(7) This policy excludes research higher degrees.

(8) Eligibility for Advanced Standing does not guarantee a place in the program.

Section 2 - Definitions

(9) The following definitions apply for the purpose of this policy.

1. Advanced Standing - Recognition of achieving a portion of the required knowledge, skills and understanding of units in an award program, expressed as an equivalent number of credit points towards that award.
2. Credit Transfer - Advanced Standing given for previous studies at a recognised university (including approved study undertaken through a study abroad or exchange program), TAFE or other approved tertiary institution such as a formally approved Registered Training Organisation.
3. Exemptions with Advanced Standing - Specific units of study within an award that are acknowledged as having been attained by the applicant through prior learning. These exemptions may be granted with the allocated credit points for the exempted unit.
4. Exemptions without Advanced Standing - Exemption may be granted without Advanced Standing where the student has already achieved the maximum amount of Advanced Standing but is able to demonstrate that they fulfil the requirements of a particular unit of study.
5. Recognition of Prior Learning - General term used to describe the University's policy of acknowledging learning in other contexts that can be applied to the knowledge, skills and understanding outcomes of study in award programs.
6. Other credentialed learning - Programs or courses undertaken within the workplace, professional organisations or other training contexts other than recognised universities, TAFE and other approved higher education providers. Such prior learning has already been assessed by an educational establishment.
7. Un-credentialed learning and Skills recognition - Learning that has been gained from working or life experience. Such prior learning may have been gained through work based programs, self tuition, non-accredited professional development programs, TAFE or University programs.
8. HESA - Higher Education Support Act 2003 - A package of higher education reforms implemented from January 1, 2005
9. SLE - Student Learning Entitlement - All undergraduate commonwealth supported students are automatically issued 7 SLE which is equivalent to 7 years of full-time study or 7EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time study load).
10. CHESSN - Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number - a unique identifier for each student who accesses Commonwealth assistance for higher education. The means for tracking and monitoring SLE consumption and re-crediting.

(10) For further information on HESA and related definitions / explanations go to the Going to Uni web site.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

Specified and Unspecified Advanced Standing

(11) The University may give specified Advanced Standing where prior learning is regarded as having satisfied both the objectives and the assessment requirements of the particular unit taught in the University.

(12) This specified Advanced Standing will be granted as units and will be given the value of the equivalent credit points. Such prior learning will normally have been gained through previous study, which has already been assessed by an educational establishment.

(13) The University may give unspecified Advanced Standing where prior learning is regarded to be broadly consistent with the outcomes of the program being undertaken without it being directly equivalent to the learning activities and outcomes of specific units taught by the University. The unspecified Advanced Standing will be granted as the equivalent credit points of those unspecified units. Such prior learning may have been gained through work-based experience, life experience, self-tuition, non-accredited professional development programs, TAFE or higher education provider programs.

(14) Advanced Standing in a particular course means, in effect, that a student is exempted from some of the units otherwise required for the award.

(15) Advanced Standing will be awarded for whole units only.

Maximum Advanced Standing

Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Undergraduate Awards

(16) The maximum Advanced Standing that can be granted for awards

1. of three years full time duration will be 160 credit points.
2. of four years full time duration will be 240 credit points.
3. of five years full time duration will be 320 credit points.

(17) Where an award is less than three years full time duration, the student must complete half the total number of credit points for the award as an enrolled student of UWS.

(18) The requirement may vary for nested awards or articulated awards where identified and agreed at the time the award is approved for offer by Academic Senate.

(19) Under normal circumstances, applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree may receive Advanced Standing up to a maximum of 120 credit points for a 3 year degree qualification and a maximum of 160 credit points for a 4 year degree qualification. However, the University may award greater credit (up to the maximum limits as stated above) where a formal articulation agreement exists and where the award that is the subject of the articulation agreement is a completed award.

(20) Students will not consume SLE (Student Learning Entitlement) for any units for which they are granted Advanced Standing that counts toward their award course.

Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Postgraduate Awards

(21) Students will not be given Advanced Standing for units previously undertaken to meet undergraduate award requirements.

(22) Advanced Standing will not be given for mandatory units within a course unless the student has completed clearly comparable units at an equivalent tertiary institution. Where a student has not completed clearly comparable units, Advanced Standing can only be given for non-mandatory units (if any) in the program.

(23) At least 50% of the credit points required to gain a postgraduate award must be achieved through formal study at UWS.

Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Combined and Double Degrees

(24) Applicants for Advanced Standing to be applied to combined or double degrees will be awarded Advanced Standing within the limits of the "Maximum Advanced Standing Available" for undergraduate degrees in this policy. Applicants should be aware that the structure of the combined and double degrees may limit the amount of Advanced Standing that could be applied to the award.

Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for Honours Awards

(25) At least 50% of the credit points required to gain a Bachelor Honours award must be achieved through formal study at UWS. Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning will not normally include the thesis component. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Maximum Advanced Standing to be granted when applying for a course within a group of Nested Courses

(26) The constituent units in nested courses may be given Advanced Standing in accordance with the "Maximum Advanced Standing Available" limits of this policy.

Maximum Advanced Standing given for Articulation

(27) Articulation agreements would generally comply with the Policy for maximum Advanced Standing to be granted for undergraduate (see clauses 16-20) and postgraduate (see clauses 21 - 23) awards.

Maximum Advanced Standing given for Completed Qualifications

(28) Where an applicant has completed a bachelors degree in an unrelated area, then Advanced Standing will be granted for the open electives in the second bachelor degree. Where an applicant for a post-graduate course has completed an equivalent postgraduate award in an unrelated area, Advanced Standing may be granted. This Advanced Standing will not exceed 50% of the total credit points required for completion of the award.

Maximum Advanced Standing given for current UWS students who transfer to another UWS degree program either through Internal Transfer or through UAC entry.

(29) Where a current UWS student has transferred from one degree program to another, the applicant will be eligible to gain full Advanced Standing for units undertaken in their first degree studies, except where the structure of the degree to which they have transferred might limit the amount of Advanced Standing that could be applied to the award.

Maximum Advanced Standing given for Non-award Units

(30) Non-award units, successfully completed at UWS, will be granted equivalent Advanced Standing for these units when the student's enrolment in an award program is confirmed. UWS non-award students will also have the grades achieved for these units transferred to their award enrolment. Other applicants who have successfully completed non-award subjects at other higher education providers will be granted equivalent Advanced Standing.

(31) All applicants for Advanced Standing based on non-award studies must comply with the 'Maximum Advanced Standing Available" limits for undergraduate degrees in this policy.

Time Limits

(32) The University may require an assessment of the currency of an applicant's knowledge in cases where Advanced Standing is being sought for studies completed ten years or more prior to application. The University will determine the method of assessment. Advanced Standing will not be granted in cases where currency is not proven.

Grades Issued to Advanced Standing Given

(33) In general Advanced Standing will be allocated the following grades for administrative purposes - Specified (K) and Unspecified (L). Non-award units, successfully completed at UWS, will be granted equivalent Advanced Standing for these units and the grades will be transferred when the student's enrolment in an award program is confirmed.

Appeals Against Decisions on Advanced Standing

(34) The University provides the right of appeal against decisions on the approval of Advanced Standing. The University will review decisions on appeal. The decision of the University on the appeal is final. An appeal must be lodged in writing within fifteen (15) working days of the date of notification of the Advanced Standing determination. Any appeal must set out the grounds for the appeal. The Academic Registrar or nominee will normally convene an Appeals Panel to assess the appeal. The Appeals Panel will consist of:

1. the Academic Registrar or nominee (who will provide Administrative Support)
2. at least three academic staff of the University, who have not had a previous involvement in the decision under appeal, including:
   1. a representative from the School responsible for teaching the unit(s) which form the basis of the appeal,
   2. a representative from another School
   3. the Associate Dean or nominee (who will act as Chairperson).

(35) The appellant will not normally have the right to be present when the Appeals Committee convenes. A fee for the lodgement of an appeal may apply. This fee will be refunded in the case of a successful appeal. An appellant will be notified in writing of the outcome of the appeal within twenty working days of the date of lodgement of the appeal.

Relinquishing Advanced Standing

(36) A student may request in writing that Advanced Standing that has been granted not be counted, to allow them to complete a unit or units at UWS.

Section 4 - Procedures

Applying for Recognition of Prior Learning

(37) Applicants for Advanced Standing should refer to the Advanced Standing Information Sheet. The University may grant Advanced Standing on the basis of:

1. previous study at an Australian higher education provider or TAFE or approved international institution (Credit Transfer)
2. previous studies at an approved tertiary institution or other establishment (Credentialed Learning) ; or
3. work related experience and/or life experience that is relevant to the course of study being undertaken (Un-credentialed Learning).

Credit Transfer

(38) Where Advanced Standing is being sought on the grounds of study undertaken at an Australian higher education provider or TAFE, or a recognised international institution, the applicant must provide certified documentation (academic transcripts). Applicants will be notified if any additional documentation is required. Where Advanced Standing is being sought on the grounds of study undertaken at a recognised international institution, the applicant must provide official translations of academic transcripts where the language of the conferring institution is other than English. Applicants will be notified if any additional documentation is required.

Credentialed Learning

(39) Where Advanced Standing is being sought on the grounds of study undertaken at an approved tertiary institution or other registered training provider, applicants must provide official certification confirming the completion of study and a course outline. Applicants will be notified if any additional documentation is required. Where an articulation agreement exists between the University and the institution where the applicant's study was undertaken, course outlines may not be required. Applicants will be notified if any additional documentation is required.

Uncredentialed Learning

(40) Where Advanced Standing is being sought on the grounds of work-related and/or life experience, the University requires appropriate evidence that the relevant learning outcomes for the units and/or key learning areas have been achieved. The applicant may be required to supply statements from employers, present a portfolio, attend an interview or demonstrate through an appropriate form of assessment, their competence. The evidentiary needs will be established by the Head of Program, in consultation with the Unit co-ordinator where applicable. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation for assessment at the time of assessment, in consultation with the Head of Program (or Unit Co-ordinator where applicable). The University may require an assessment of the currency of an applicant's knowledge in cases where Advanced Standing is being sought for studies completed ten years or more prior to the application. The University will determine the method of assessment. Advanced Standing will not be granted in cases where currency is not proven.

When to apply for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning

(41) Irrespective of whether an applicant has applied for admission to the University through UAC or by direct application, the application for Advanced Standing must be made in writing to the University through the Admissions Unit. Overseas applicants should refer to clause (46), Overseas Students: Procedures for applying for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning for additional information on application procedures.

For Credit Transfer and Credentialed Learning

(42) If applying through UAC for admission to the University, applications for Advanced Standing must be made to the University at the same time a UAC offer is accepted. All applications should be lodged no later than four weeks prior to the start of the teaching session. Applications after this date will be accepted at the discretion of the Head of Program. The University will not grant Advanced Standing where an application has been made after the approved census date for a unit being studied in that teaching session.

If applying directly to the University for Admission:

(43) Applications for Advanced Standing must be made at the time of the application for admission. All applications should be lodged no later than four weeks prior to the start of a teaching session. Applications after this date will be accepted at the discretion of the Head of Program. The University will not grant Advanced Standing where an application has been made after the approved census date for a unit being studied in that teaching session.

For Un-credentialed Learning

(44) Applications for Advanced Standing based on Un-credentialed Learning should be made to the Admissions Unit in the same way as Credit Transfer and Credentialed Learning, however, the assessment of the application will be managed by the relevant Head of Program. Applicants should be aware that the assessment process may take longer and that the applicant may be required to provide further evidence or undertake an appropriate assessment. Applicants will be contacted directly if further evidence is required. Applicants will be notified of the results of their application in writing. This will normally occur within five weeks of the application being received for applications based on Credit Transfer and Credentialed Learning, but may take longer for Advanced Standing based on Un-credentialed Learning. In the case of admissions applications lodged through UAC, applicants may be informed at the time of enrolment. Any application not lodged with the Admissions Unit by the times indicated above will be held over until the next teaching session.

(45) The University does not charge an administrative fee for Advanced Standing application.

Overseas Students: Procedures for applying for Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning

(46) Applications for Advanced Standing should be lodged with the International Office at the time of applying for admission to the University. In general, applicants will be informed of the amount of Advanced Standing granted in their letter of offer for course admission. However, in some cases the assessment process may take longer than the period necessary to send the offer of admission. Also, the applicant may be required to provide further evidence or undertake an appropriate assessment. Applicants will be contacted directly if further evidence or other action is required.

Section 5 - Guidelines

(47) Nil.