Policy overview
1 Purpose
To describe the University's standards that underpin the development, accreditation and quality assurance of Academic Programs and Courses.
2 Scope
This policy applies to all Academic Programs including Pathway Programs offered by the University.
3 Policy Statement
The University is committed to offering a quality institutional Academic Program Portfolio including Pathway Programs in line with the University's commitment to access and equity.
This Policy aligns with the:
- Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021: Standard 3.1 Program (Course) Design, Standard 5.1 Course Approval and Accreditation, Standard 5.3 Monitoring, Review and Improvement
4 Principles
The University is dedicated to continually enhancing the quality and reputation of its Academic Programs by ensuring that its programs:
- are aligned with the University's strategic directions;
- satisfy the University's prevailing requirements for the relevant type of program, and the requirements of any applicable external regulator and professional accreditation body; and
- have a specified structure demonstrably effective in enabling the achievement of the program's stated Learning Outcomes including any applicable Graduate Attributes and inherent requirements.
And that its programs and Courses:
- uphold the academic standards of the University;
- encompass the principles of best practice in curriculum design and utilise learning technologies and teaching approaches to provide for the broadest range of delivery modes; and
- when offered, are viable enough to be adequately resourced.
The University considers robust program and Course review and analysis essential in the provision of quality Academic Programs.
All Academic Programs made available for Student Enrolment at the University must be accredited by the University before establishment, in accordance with the Program Accreditation Procedure.
The University will undertake a systematic and tiered process of review to ensure that the quality and standards of its programs and Courses are maintained and enhanced over time.
| Timeline | Activity | Applicable Procedure |
| Throughout program lifecycle | Course-level evaluation each Course offer, underpinned by academic quality assurance indicators and contextual data included in dashboards and other reports | Course Quality Assurance and Review Procedure |
| Year 1 Annual Quality Assurance | Annual program and Study Component quality assurance for all programs, based on the University's program performance data | Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure |
| Year 2 Annual Quality Assurance | Annual program and Study Component quality assurance for all programs based on the University's program performance data | Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure |
| Year 3 Interim Program Review | Annual Program and Study Component reports inform the Interim Program Review which may trigger program changes, suspension or discontinuation | Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure Program Change, Suspension and Discontinuation Procedure |
| Year 4 Annual Quality Assurance | Annual program and Study Component quality assurance for all programs based on the University's program performance data | Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure |
| Years 5-7 Comprehensive Program Review | Interim Review and Annual Program Reports inform the Comprehensive Program Review which may trigger program changes, suspension or discontinuation | Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure Program Change, Suspension and Discontinuation Procedure |
If any change is made to an Academic Program, the University must ensure all Students enrolled in that program are informed of the change, and if relevant, any applicable transitional arrangements or options.
If an Academic Program is to be disestablished, any Students within that program must be supported to either complete the program within the designated 'teach-out' period or transitioned to another program of a similar nature.
Award nomenclature will be standardised wherever possible.
5 References
Nil.
6 Schedules
This policy must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.
7 Policy Information
| Accountable Officer | Provost |
| Responsible Officer | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) |
| Policy Type | Academic Quality Policy |
| Policy Suite | Course Nomenclature and Coding Schedule Course Quality Assurance and Review Procedure Course Specifications Requirements Schedule Coursework Program Quality Assurance and Review Procedure Higher Degree by Research Program Design and Review Procedure Program Accreditation Procedure Program Change, Suspension and Discontinuation Procedure Program Development Team Schedule |
| Subordinate Schedules | |
| Approved Date | 22/2/2022 |
| Effective Date | 22/2/2022 |
| Review Date | 22/2/2027 |
| Relevant Legislation | Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 |
| Policy Exceptions | |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Procedures | |
| Related forms, publications and websites | |
| Definitions | Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary |
| An approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award....moreAn approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award. The collection of programs that may be offered by the University....moreThe collection of programs that may be offered by the University. The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule. A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade....moreA discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade. The process of admitting Students to one or more Courses for the current Academic Year....moreThe process of admitting Students to one or more Courses for the current Academic Year. Qualities, skills and disciplinary expertise that Students should develop during their time with the University and which are valued by the University community, employers and society....moreQualities, skills and disciplinary expertise that Students should develop during their time with the University and which are valued by the University community, employers and society. The expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning....moreThe expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning. Generally programs of study designed to provide access to higher education to Students who have not qualified through prior study for direct entry; they generally act as an entry point into an appropriate higher education degree for those who successfully complete the program. They normally focus on getting potential Students ready for higher education by helping them to build the skil...moreGenerally programs of study designed to provide access to higher education to Students who have not qualified through prior study for direct entry; they generally act as an entry point into an appropriate higher education degree for those who successfully complete the program. They normally focus on getting potential Students ready for higher education by helping them to build the skills they need for university such as literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. These are programs normally offered under the heading of Pathways to University and include Tertiary Preparation, Diploma of University Studies and English Language (preparation) programs. A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled. The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland. | |
| Definitions that relate to this policy only | |
| Keywords | Accreditation, re-accreditation, professional accreditation, inherent requirements, graduate attributes, program learning outcomes, curriculum design, academic quality assurance, program review, program portfolio |
| Record No | 13/614PL |