1. Purpose
1.1. This procedure outlines eligibility for Credit towards an Adelaide University program, and the processes for applying for, assessing, and granting credit.
1.2. This procedure should be read in conjunction with the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
2. Scope
2.1. This procedure provides guidance to Prospective and current Adelaide University Students about eligibility and the application and assessment processes for credit towards an enabling program, or undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program.
2.2. This procedure outlines for staff the processes for assessing, recording, and communicating credit decisions.
3. Procedure
Eligibility for credit
3.1. A student is eligible for credit when the content of previously completed study overlaps with their current program of study.
3.2. To be considered for credit towards a program, relevant prior study must have been completed successfully with a pass grade or higher, at an appropriate academic level, at one of the following:
3.2.1. A recognised Australian higher education provider.
3.2.2. A recognised overseas tertiary provider.
3.2.3. A registered Australian private provider of accredited tertiary education programs or courses.
3.2.4. A registered Australian Education and Training provider.
3.3. In some circumstances students may be able to receive credit for Informal workplace Learning.
Types of credit
3.4. Credit may be approved as Specified Credit, Unspecified Credit, Exemption, and/or Block Credit.
Applying for credit
3.5. If previous study meets the criteria outlined in 3.2.1. to 3.2.4. a current or
prospective student may apply for credit.
3.6. If the relevant courses were completed at Adelaide University, the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia, evidence of course completion need not be supplied.
3.7. For courses completed at other eligible providers, one of the following forms of evidence must be supplied:
3.7.1. A certified copy of an official transcript showing course(s) completed and the grade(s) received.
3.7.2. An active link to an eQuals digital transcript showing course(s) completed and the grade(s) received.
3.7.3. An Australian Government issued Authenticated Vocational Education and Training (VET) Transcript showing course(s) completed and the grade(s) received.
3.8. Applicants for credit may also be asked to supply:
3.8.1. A course outline, including syllabus and learning outcomes.
3.8.2. A reading list.
3.8.3. A class or lecture schedule.
3.8.4. Details of assessment completed.
3.8.5. Any other information requested by Adelaide University.
3.9. Applications must be submitted, with all necessary supporting documentation, no fewer than ten business days before the start of the Study Period in which the program for which credit is sought will be taught.
3.10. There is no fee to apply for credit. However, credit may not be assessed for any prospective student who has not submitted an application to study at Adelaide University.
When credit applications will not be considered
3.11. Credit applications will not be considered when:
3.11.1. Study was undertaken at another provider while the student was Suspended or otherwise excluded from Adelaide University.
3.11.2. The application is for a course that is substantially similar to one for which the student has already received a passing grade at Adelaide University.
3.11.3. The application relates to a thesis or dissertation component of honours or coursework master’s program.
Volume of credit
3.12. The general principle is that no more than one-half of a program should be granted as credit, except for three-year bachelor and four-year bachelor with honours programs, in which up to two-thirds of the program may be granted as credit. When credit is approved it may decrease the duration and the cost of the current program.
3.13. The maximum credit to be granted towards coursework degrees is as below.
Adelaide University Award | Total unit value | Maximum credit | Exceptions |
Diploma | 48 | 24 |
|
Associate Degree | 96 | 48 |
|
Bachelor Degree | 144 | 96 |
|
Bachelor Degree with Honours | 192 | 128 | Students who have completed the nested Bachelor program will receive 144 units of credit. |
Graduate Certificate | 24 | 12 |
|
Graduate Diploma | 48 | 24 |
|
Masters (1.5 years) | 72 | 24 | Students who have completed the nested Graduate Diploma program will receive 48 units of credit. |
Masters (2 years) | 96 | 48 |
|
3.14. Unless a formal credit agreement exists, when granting credit into undergraduate programs from VET qualifications, the following represents the maximum unit value from above that can be allocated to previous VET study.
VET Award Adelaide University Program | Certificate IV | Diploma | Advanced Diploma | Associate Degree |
Diploma | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Associate Degree | 6 | 12 | 18 | 18 |
3 year Bachelor | 12 | 48 | 72 | 72 |
4 year Bachelor | 12 | 48 | 72 | 72 |
Assessing and recording credit
3.15. Applications for credit will be forwarded for assessment within ten business days of receipt.
3.16. Credit applications for which there is a Credit Precedent will be reviewed, in the first instance, by appropriate professional staff.
3.17. Applications for which there is no precedent, or the precedent is older than three years, will be assessed by the relevant Course Coordinator. Consideration will be given to one or more of the following:
3.17.1. Specified credit with no precedent should have a match of at least 70% of course content.
3.17.2. Comparability of the learning outcomes across both courses.
3.17.3. The volume of learning of both courses.
3.17.4. The content and program of study of both courses.
3.17.5. The learning and assessment approach of both courses.
3.17.6. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of both courses.
3.18. The student will be notified in writing about the outcome of their application, accompanied by relevant advice about current or future enrolment.
3.19. Where credit is approved for an international student visa holder, they will be issued with a personalised study plan. If the amount of approved credit shortens the program duration after a student visa is issued, Adelaide University will provide the student with a revised Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
3.20. Where credit is not approved, the student will be provided with the reasons for this decision.
3.21. The application, including any supporting documentation, and the outcome will be recorded on the appropriate Adelaide University system.
3.22. Any new or updated precedents will be recorded on Adelaide University’s credit database.
Other matters
3.23. Students who change programs must apply to have their credit reassessed. Credit previously granted will not be automatically approved for their new program.
3.24. Students should not withdraw from any current enrolment on the assumption that credit will be approved.
3.25. Informal workplace learning will be assessed on the individual merits of the student’s work experience and its relevance, and connection to course and program learning outcomes.
3.26. Students can request credit be rescinded at any point. However, if they subsequently apply again for the same credit, approval cannot be guaranteed. Future credit decisions may depend on the student’s study plan at time of application.
3.27. Credit arrangements included as part of a pathway or dual-award program will be stipulated in the program outline.
3.28. Grades will not be recorded on an Adelaide University transcript for any courses approved as credit and will not contribute to the calculation of a grade point average.
3.29. The granting of credit does not guarantee admission into any particular program.
Appealing a Credit Decision
3.30. Current or prospective students who believe an incorrect decision has been made regarding their credit application because this procedure, or the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, has not been appropriately followed can follow the process outlined in the Student Complaints Policy.
4. Definitions
4.1. Block Credit is granted as recognition of successfully completed periods of equivalent study. Block credit is expressed in units.
4.2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued by Adelaide University to international students to confirm enrolment status as required by the Australian Government for student visa holders.
4.3. Credit is the value assigned for the recognition of achievement of prior learning. Credit reduces the volume of new learning required to achieve a university qualification.
4.4. Credit Precedent is established when a specific course at another institution has been approved for credit for a course in a specific Adelaide University program. In this case credit can be approved without re-assessment. Providing there are no changes to courses, credit precedents are normally valid for 3 years.
4.5. Exemption is granted for specific parts of a course, e.g., modules, practicals, projects, assessments.
4.6. Informal Learning takes place through work and other experience, outside of a structured program.
4.7. Legacy Universities are The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia and any of their preceding institutions.
4.8. A Prospective Student is a person who has contacted Adelaide University or an agent representing Adelaide University with the intent of becoming a student.
4.9. Specified Credit is credit that is granted for a specific course.
4.10. A Student is a person enrolled in an enabling program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.
4.11. Study Period is the time over which a course is run, for example a trimester, a semester, or an intensive.
4.12. Suspension means the cancellation of enrolment of a student of Adelaide University or a Legacy University and the discontinuation for a specified time of all rights and privileges as a student of Adelaide University, including the right to re-enrol as a student, and the right to enter or to be on Adelaide University grounds or premises.
4.13. Unspecified Credit is granted to a total unit value, but without correlation to a specific course or courses, e.g., for electives or courses in a major.
Document authorities and history
| Title | Details |
Policy category | Academic |
Approving Authority | Co-Vice Chancellors via Transition Council delegation upon recommendation from Transitional Academic Board |
Responsible Officer | Co-Vice Chancellors or their delegate |
Procedure effective from | 22 March 2024 |
Procedure review date | 22 March 2029 |
Enquiries | |
Document history | This is a new Adelaide University procedure |
HESF Domain | Domain 1. Student Participation and Attainment |
Related documents
| Title | Documents |
Parent policy | |
Associated procedures | N/A |
Referenced documents | The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Qualifications Pathways Policy |
Referenced legislation | Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 |