RPL Guide – Bachelor of Midwifery (3007229)

Prior learning recognised

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can occur for all units with Note 2 and Note 3 within this course for:

• Formal learning — learning gained through study in a structured, accredited program that leads to full or partial achievement of a qualification, and/or

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can occur for some units with Note 2 in this course for:

• Non-formal learning — learning gained through study in a structured, non-accredited program (such as a short course, seminar, or professional development) that does NOT lead to a qualification, and/or
• Informal learning — learning gained through years of paid or voluntary experience, professional standing or performance.

If your prior learning is already recognised for credit, you’ll find it in the Credit Search and Calculator.

Credit thresholds

The following credit may apply into coursework units with Note 2, for related prior formal, non-formal or informal learning completed within ten years before the application for course Admission or Advanced Standing (whichever occurs first).

• 8 units (96 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree (or equivalent)
• 4 units (48 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Certificate IV, or equivalent.

Coursework units with Note 2

For more information about the comparability of an overseas qualification, non-accredited study and the years of experience that may substitute for holding an Australian qualification, view Appendix A of the Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy - Schedule 1. A link is found in Clause 13 of the Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures.

Coursework units with Note 3

To meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) professional standards and recency of practice requirements, credit may only be granted into coursework and internship/placement units with Note 3, for related prior formal learning in an Australian Bachelor Degree, equivalent or higher, completed within five years before the application for course Admission or Advanced Standing (whichever occurs first).

Prior learning in Bachelor Degree units must be at least 80% equivalent to the learning and assessment outcomes and content of coursework units with Note 3, for which credit is sought and fulfil 100% of the hours required for internship/placement units with Note 3, for which credit is sought.

Currency

If your prior learning occurred more than ten years ago for units with Note 2 or five years ago for units with Note 3, you must provide supporting documents to demonstrate the ways you have generated and maintained currency of practice due to more recent and ongoing learning in a relevant field, such as professional memberships with peak bodies, on-the-job training, professional development or research.

Related fields of prior learning

Apply for Advanced Standing if your prior learning relates to:

Apply

It is important to apply as early as possible. If you apply for direct admission with Southern Cross University using our online Application for Admission, in the Advanced Standing section, indicate that you wish to be considered for Advanced Standing, by selecting yes from the drop-down box.

If you apply for admission through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or wish to be considered for credit after course commencement, use your Student ID to log into the My Enrolment portal.

Select eForms from the menu bar to complete and submit your application for advanced standing at least:

• Four months before commencement of an internship/placement unit, or
• One month before commencement of course work unit.

Credit granted will affect the units you choose in your study plan. Don’t enrol in a unit for which credit is sought. For more information view How to apply.

Your portfolio of evidence for experience (applicable to units with Note 2 only)

If you apply based on informal learning (work experience) for coursework units with Note 2, read the which will help you use the Portfolio of Evidence for Experience - Form to describe and provide evidence of how your knowledge, skills and experience meet unit learning and assessment outcomes and the NMBA guidelines for recency of practice and professional codes and guidelines.

Each of your statements in the Portfolio of Evidence for Experience - Form must be a minimum of 400 words (plus or minus 10%). To verify the accuracy of your statements, you must include the signatures of at least one current or former Supervisor/Trainer, for each unit for which credit is sought.

The supporting documents you submit must include:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae detailing past and current experiences (including dates and hours of service) for the positions or roles you have held
• Other primary and secondary evidence, including personal, workplace and third party information from the list of supporting documents for verifying professional experience and expertise; PLUS
• A transcript of results of study and unit outlines, including learning and assessment outcomes (if applicable).

After you have applied

The outcome will be emailed to you within 20 working days of receiving your application unless further clarification or supporting documents are required, in which case we will contact you.

If you haven’t enrolled in units via My Enrolment, do so now using the recommended Course Progression page. For personal assistance with your study plan don't hesitate to contact us.

Accepting credit granted for international students

If you’re an international student studying in Australia on a student visa you must sign, date and return the Credit Acceptance Declaration within 14 working days. This allows SCU International Student Support to adjust your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to show your new study duration (if applicable).

Your right to an appeal

If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal within ten working days of the credit decision. The appeal will be commenced within ten working days and should take no longer than ten working days for an outcome to be reached. Within this time, you may be invited to participate in an interview and/or offered an alternative means of establishing the level of your existing skills and knowledge, such as a challenge test or special project.

You will receive notification about the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible. If the decision-maker is the Course Coordinator, any appeal is to the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality) and their decision is final. If the decision-maker is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality), any appeal is to the Chair of Academic Board and their decision is final. Any student unsatisfied with the outcome may appeal externally to the relevant Ombudsmen Office.

Exit award thresholds

Unless your prior learning accrued at SCU, if you exit with the Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences or Diploma of Health and Human Sciences, any credit greater than 8 units (96 Credit Points) or 4 units (48 Credit Points) respectively, will be rescinded (withdrawn).

For more information view Getting started at SCU or the Student Handbook. If you still have questions contact us.