Development of Articulation Pathways

Negotiation of articulation arrangements is evidence-based and relies on the parties reaching a consensus about the comparability and equivalency of content within a previously completed qualification/course to that within a named SCU program; or the reverse, to determine the type and amount of Advanced Standing that may apply.

Academic Evidence for Content Mapping

At Southern Cross University, content mapping is the responsibility of the Course Coordinator(s) or Discipline Head(s), in consultation with the relevant Head(s) of School/College. Consultation may also occur as appropriate, with content specialist(s) of the other education institute or qualification framework.

The academic evidence required to facilitate content mapping is listed below:

• Nationally Recognised Course Code and Name and/or the Institution's Course Code and Name, being the complete nomenclature as it appears on a Certificate/Transcript;
• CRICOS Course Code (where applicable);
• Summary of entry requirements. For example, admission ranks/prerequisite units or qualifications, minimum language, literacy and numeracy requirements and English Language proficiency requirements;
• Course rules and structure identifying the sequence of core and elective units studied, including details of each unit's assessment/performance criteria/elements (as listed in the National Training Package, or similar curriculum document);
• Minimum volume of learning and assessment (total minimum course hours);
• List of study materials, learning resources and text requirements;
• Summative and formative assessment matrix, including information about assessment approaches and resources;
• Statement validating assessment only practices such as credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) rules;
• Copy of the course RPL tools, including information provided to the student and the assessor guide, with sample responses;
• Details of the learning and assessment continual improvement strategy; and
• Statement regarding course currency and usual course review period.

To request the contact details of academic staff who perform content mapping for specific SCU disciplines, call or email the Coordinator, Schools Articulation Support:

t: +61 2 6626 9591 OR (free call within Australia)
e: pathways@scu.edu.au

Please submit academic evidence to the above email address or directly to the relevant Course Coordinators or Discipline Heads.

Content Mapping for Advanced Standing

At Southern Cross University, the mapping approach will recognise learning successfully attained via prior study, regardless of how, when and where it was acquired, provided that the assessment methods were transparent, fair, reliable and valid and the learning outcomes are both current and relevant to the proposed study.

Mapping approaches may vary and should consider:

• the alignment of overseas education levels and qualifications within the national or regional qualifications Frameworks of other nations, with the benchmark of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF);
• the comparability and equivalence of non-accredited courses and specialist industry or professional development programs with AQF accredited qualifications and education levels;
• pedagogy differences in culture, goals, curriculum design and learning and assessment styles/outcomes between schools; vocational education and training; and higher education, within the Australian Education Sector;
• observance of the AQF Qualifications Pathway Policy and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Higher Education Threshold Standards; and
• compliance with a range of legislative requirements, including The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act which sets out the legal framework governing delivery of education to overseas students studying in Australia on a student visa.

The mapping process:

• will be approached efficiently, considering:
1. the core components of a specific AQF qualification/accredited course or program of study within an AQF equivalent qualification framework (with the option of mandating some elective units to maximise credit outcomes) where the credit decision applies equally for all institutes accredited to deliver that particular qualification/course; OR
2. the core and all relevant elective components of a specific non AQF accredited course, or program of study delivered by an institute and/or within an qualification framework that is not AQF equivalent, where the credit decision applies exclusivly for that particular course/program of study, institute and/or non AQF equivalent qualification framework;
• must determine the credit value of prior study by accounting for similarities between study disciplines and curriculum specialty; the minimum volume of learning and assessment; the program of study, including content and learning and assessment approaches and the depth and breadth of learning demonstrated by the learning and assessment outcomes.
• aims to build discipline relationships between the parties, increasing the likelihood of retaining high educational standards and quality of outcomes and facilitating more collaborative approaches to assessment moderation and course review, design and development, to maximise credit outcomes for students in both directions; and
• shall discuss and identify strategies to support the marketing and joint promotion of proposed articulation arrangements.

Content Mapping Period

Mapping timeframes vary depending on the comprehensive provision of academic evidence, availability of academic staff and the number and complexity of proposed arrangements.

A Guide to Advanced Standing Decisions

Where the qualifications/courses are accredited under the AQF, or are deemed to be AQF equivalent via The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) or similar assessment, and the study disciplines are the same or similar to that of the SCU program, advanced standing evaluations will be guided by the following:

• 50% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree;
• 37.5% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 4 year Bachelor Degree;
• 33% credit for a Diploma linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree;
• 25% credit for a Diploma linked to a 4 year Bachelor Degree; and
• 16.5% for a Certificate IV linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree.
• 12.5% for a Certificate IV linked to a 4 year Bachelor Degree.

Individual arrangements may vary from these standards due to Specific Course Rules, external/professional recognition requirements, constraint of a mandatory study plan and unit sequence, greater alignment of equivalent learning outcomes resulting from collaborative course development or where the SCU program contains embedded VET components; or alike.

At Southern Cross University, Advanced Standing decisions:

• are evidence-based, equitable and transparent;
• abide by Academic Policy, Chapter 2.40 Advanced Standing and Appendix 2.40(a), resulting in credit that emulates the course structure and is either unspecified units or elective credit points, specified units where all units are named, or a combination of unspecified and specified units. A single (1) unit is worth twelve (12) credit points. A double-weighted unit is worth twenty-four (24) credit points;
• should not impinge upon the integrity of the qualification/course or program outcomes;
• must be academically defensible and account for the students' ability to successfully meet the learning outcomes of the proposed qualification/course or program of study; and
• do not preclude any further institutional or individual credit negotiations.

For information about the approval of articulation arrangements and the execution of an Articulation Agreement click here.

Other queries may be directed to the Coordinator, Schools Articulation Support:

t: +61 2 6626 9591 OR 1800 626 481 (free call within Australia)
t: pathways@scu.edu.au

Updated: 25 February 2013