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Rules on Credit and Exemptions
Preamble | Definitions | Credit Rules | Exemption Rules

Rules on Credit and Exemptions

Preamble

Murdoch University recognises that learning may occur in a variety of ways, including formal study at universities and other accredited institutions and private providers, employer-based training and development and relevant experience gained within the workforce. It is committed to recognising previous studies and other relevant prior learning that contribute towards satisfying requirements for awards of the University. This is achieved by awarding credit. Credit leads to a reduction in the number of points required to complete a Murdoch award, facilitates the movement of students between institutions and between courses of various types and levels, and yet maintains academic standards.

This document sets out the University’s rules and regulations concerning the awarding of credit. It is applicable to all undergraduate and graduate (coursework) awards of the University. It has been developed within the following broad principles:

The University supports as guidelines the ten credit transfer principles promulgated by the Australian Vice Chancellors’ Committee.

Definitions

Prior Learning is learning, that is, relevant and verifiable skills, knowledge and competencies, that have been acquired before enrolment at the University. For the purposes of recognition of prior learning, this learning may be of two broad kinds:

Recognition of Prior Learning is the systematic assessment and recognition of Prior Learning by the awarding of credit.

Credit refers to a reduction in the points required to complete a Murdoch course on the basis of recognised prior learning. It usually shortens the time required to complete the course.

There are two usual ways of assessing prior learning for credit. The first is to assess what portion of it is ‘university level’ study. The second assesses to what extent it meets the objectives and requirements of a designated course at the University. The latter is usually only possible on an individual basis, but there are some instances where this can be done more generally. So for administrative purposes, two forms of credit for prior learning are available:

General Credit is not credit for prior learning. It refers to a reduction in the number of points required to graduate with a particular award, and is an administrative method of exempting students from the normal requirement to gain full points to graduate. There are limits of 1-2 points on general credit that may be granted, and these limits are determined by the type of award. To be eligible for general credit the student must have fulfilled all requirements of the course.

An articulation arrangement is a recognised pathway from one post-secondary qualification to another at the same or a higher level, and includes a formal arrangement about the granting of credit and exemptions. Several articulation arrangements have already been approved by Academic Council. These include contractual arrangements with other institutions, as well as the recognition of pathways between two courses, one or both of which may be offered by the University.

An exemption is a unit that a student does not have to complete because the student can show that he/she has satisfactorily achieved its objectives and mastered its content at the appropriate level by means of learning done previously. The student may only enrol in a unit from which he/she has been exempted on a non-credit basis, and may be required to take another unit in lieu to fulfil requirements for taking out the award at Murdoch, or if the points value of exemptions exceeds credit granted.

Other frequently used terms relating to credit and recognition of prior learning:

Advanced Standing is a term used when a student is able to enter a course at an advanced level, such as the second year of the course, based on prior learning.

Block Credit is the term used when credit is granted for a ‘block’ period such as a semester or a year, based on their previous study. For example, a student who has completed a Bachelors degree and is enrolling in a second such degree will be granted block credit towards the second degree of 48 points (24 points at Part I and 24 points at Part II).

Credit Rules
What is credit at Murdoch University?
1. Credit in the form of a reduction in the points required to complete a Murdoch course will be given on the basis of Recognised Prior Learning. It is the systematic assessment and acknowledgment of Prior Learning.

2. The principal factors in granting credit are:
  (a) the general educational practices and standards of the University and of the post-secondary system;
  (b) the objectives of a particular course and the methods adopted to achieve these objectives;
  (c) level of entry for the award for which credit is sought;
  (d) the duration of the course;
  (e) the breadth, depth and balance in the course material involved and the intellectual effort required;
  (f) the methods of assessment of student progress;
  (g) the relative emphasis on the teaching of skills in relation to the study of the discipline;
  (h) any arrangements for practical training and experience as part of the course;
  (i) articulation arrangements between the course and other courses.

3. Credit is usually specified as a number of points at a designated level (100, 200, …, 500 etc).

4. Two forms of credit for prior learning are available: Transferable Credit and Specific Credit. These are defined as above, and are subject to the rules below.

Relationship of credit to University admission and selection into a course
5. Eligibility for credit does not guarantee an applicant admission to the University or selection into a particular course.

6. Credit will not be given for prior learning, such as a completed qualification, that is required for selection into a course, unless the Committee on University Entrance has approved a variation.1

Transferable and Specific Credit
7. Transferable Credit may be applied towards any course at the undergraduate level.

8. Transferable Credit does not automatically carry exemptions.

9. Specific Credit is awarded only on the basis of an approved articulation arrangement, or when credit is given towards postgraduate studies.

10. A student will usually be given specific exemptions as a result of requesting Specific Credit.

11. Specific Credit is calculated so that it may be all used in the designated course, either for general elective units or for exemptions.

12. Specific Credit may only be applied towards the designated course.

13. If a student with Specific Credit transfers to a different course, then credit is subject to reassessment.

14. At most 24 points of credit will be granted for uncredentialled prior learning.2

15. Prior learning may be granted more points as Specific than Transferable Credit if it satisfies specific objectives and requirements of the course for which it is being assessed.

Restrictions on the awarding of credit
16. Studies undertaken elsewhere while a student is enrolled at this University will not be assessed for credit, but are treated as an enrolment matter instead.3
 
17. No credit will be granted towards the higher level version of double-coded units in subsequent courses on the basis of successful completion of the corresponding lower level unit in a previous course.

18. The Committee on University Entrance shall determine which awards of particular institutions or other professional studies are to be recognised for credit. It will determine a framework within which uncredentialled prior learning is assessed, and the extent of credit to be given in situations not covered by these Rules.

19. Credit points are awarded only in multiples of 0.5.
 
19A. Completion of a thesis that has been submitted and assessed toward another qualification may attract credit and/or exemption toward a coursework qualification, provided the thesis has been undertaken in a relevant area and is at the same or higher level to the thesis required in the coursework qualification.

Amount of credit for credentialled prior learning
Credit for studies at recognised tertiary institutions:
20. Units that are part of accredited award courses will normally be recognised on a one-to-one basis for credit. This recognition is limited by the rules restricting the amount of credit that can be applied. Credit will not be granted for such units if they form part of a completed qualification that is required for selection into the student’s course, unless a variation is approved by the Committee on University Entrance.

Credit for studies at institutions such as TAFE, or through organisations outside the Unified National System that are registered through the Accreditation and Registration Council, or that are of similar recognised international standing:
21. Subjects that are part of State or Commonwealth accredited award courses may be recognised for some credit towards appropriate awards of the University.

22. Credit shall be granted for the successful completion of accredited awards, where the course structure for these awards contain subject matter at a level that is considered suitable for a course at the University, or where the award forms part of an articulation arrangement with the University.

23. The maximum Transferable Credit allowed for AQF accredited Diploma or Advanced Diploma is 24 points at Part 1 level (credit for international awards will be assessed separately). 4

24. Transferable Credit will only be granted to successfully completed AQF accredited Diploma or Advanced Diploma.  Proof of completion must be provided.

25. Specific Credit arrangements between University and TAFE courses shall be clearly documented and approved by both the appropriate Divisional Board and the Committee on University Entrance.

Credit for study in approved courses provided by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or other similar body:
26. The Committee on University Entrance may grant credit for other tertiary-level studies, completed with professional bodies or other organisations, that lead to a recognised qualification.

27. Credit will be granted following evaluation of the extent to which the program of study conforms to the Australian Qualifications Framework guidelines and the University’s own academic standards.

Credit for uncredentialled prior learning
Credit for learning from uncertified training, work or life experience (uncredentialled prior learning):
28. Specific Credit may be granted for work or life experience, where that learning can be documented. The onus shall be on the applicant to provide evidence or to demonstrate the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding.

29. The amount of Specific Credit granted shall be determined by the assessment of uncredentialled prior learning using a variety of mechanisms developed by the appropriate Division to measure prior learning. Such credit shall be granted only when the applicant can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge to that gained if the relevant University studies were undertaken.

30. When establishing assessment mechanisms and assessing uncredentialled prior learning, the following will be taken into account:
  • Authenticity: the applicant has actually demonstrated the learning outcome that is being claimed;
  • Currency: the learning outcome is still valid and performable;
  • Quality: the learning has reached the acceptable level;
  • Relevance: the learning is applicable to the area claimed;
  • Applicability: the learning outcome can be applied outside the specific context in which it was learned;
  • Comparability: the assessment mechanisms adopted ensure that the prior learning is comparable in content and standard with the course for which credit is sought.

Currency of prior learning
31. Completed higher education awards, at Bachelor degree level or above from a recognised higher education institution, will be recognised indefinitely.

32. Credit will not normally be granted for learning, other than completed higher education awards at Bachelor degree level or above from a recognised higher education institution, done more than ten years prior to application. However in exceptional cases credit for such learning may be granted; such cases will be assessed on a case by case basis.

33. In fields where practice and technology are changing rapidly, exemptions may not be granted where knowledge has become outdated.

34. In special circumstances, such as when a student cannot present sufficient documentary evidence for the assessment of Specific Credit, the student may be allowed to undertake a written test instead. The Head of the appropriate School, in consultation with the relevant academic staff, will determine whether such a test is allowed.

35. All specific credit, and transferable credit awarded on the basis of studies completed more than 10 years ago, may be reassessed if a student has a break of more than 2 semesters from their Murdoch studies.

Relationship of credit and course requirements
36. Regardless of the nature or amount of credit granted, any specific requirements of a course must be fulfilled.5

Limits on the amount of credit that may be granted
37. The maximum credit that may be applied towards an ordinary Bachelor degree will depend on the number of points of the degree. It will be determined by the requirements that a student must complete (i) 24 points at Part II level at the University, and (ii) at least 12 points of Part II units from the relevant or a related area, as determined by the Program Chair.

38. The maximum credit that may be applied towards a Joint Bachelor degree will depend on the number of points of the degree. It will be determined by the requirement that a student must normally complete (i) 24 points at Part II level from each contributing degree at the University, and (ii) at least 12 points of Part II units in each course.

39 Subject to consideration by the Program Chair and approval of the President of Academic Council, students enrolled under the Athlete Friendly University Program who have completed a proportion of their degree from Murdoch University may be exempt from clauses 37 and 38 above.

 
40. The maximum Specific Credit that may be applied towards other awards at Murdoch University is as follows:

Award Maximum credit Comments
Graduate entry Bachelor degrees One half of the total points of the course.  
Honours degrees (one year duration) One quarter of the total points of the course.  
Graduate and Postgraduate Certificates Determined by the requirement that a student must complete at least 8 points of units from the Certificate at the University.  
Graduate Diplomas Determined by the requirement that a student must complete at least one half of the total points of the Diploma at 200 level or higher at the University. Holders of a Murdoch award that is articulated to the Diploma may be granted credit equivalent to the award.
Postgraduate Diplomas Determined by the requirement that a student must complete at least one half of the total points of the Diploma at 400 level or higher at the University. Holders of a Murdoch award that is articulated to the Diploma may be granted credit equivalent to the award.
Coursework Masters Degrees Determined by the requirement that a student must normally complete at least one half of the total points of the Masters at 400 level or higher at the University. For a 24 point Honours Masters, at least 20 points of the course at 400 level or higher must be completed at the University. Holders of a Murdoch award that is articulated to the Masters may be granted credit equivalent to the award.
Professional doctorate Up to 36 points may be awarded for the corresponding professional masters degree.  


41. A student will not be required to surrender an existing Murdoch award when it is awarded equivalent credit towards an articulated course.

Appeals
42. A student may appeal against a decision on the award of credit and/or exemptions in her or his case. Any appeal must be lodged with the Student Appeals Committee within one month of the student receiving written notification of the result. The Committee may confirm or vary the decision.

Variations to Rules
43. A Division wishing to introduce credit arrangements that fall outside these Rules must seek approval from Academic Council to amend the Rules in order to authorise these arrangements.

General credit
44. Up to two points of general credit may be awarded to a student enrolled in an award requiring more than 24 points, and up to one point of general credit to those enrolled in an award of 24 points or less, provided that the student has met any specific requirements of her or his course.

Exemption Rules
1. A student shall be exempt from a unit where its content and level duplicate or substantially overlap a unit undertaken previously elsewhere.

2. A student may also be granted exemptions on the basis of equivalent studies, which are not eligible for credit or, in the case of units teaching language or other skills, on the basis of language or other relevant proficiency.

3. Unit exemptions may be granted by the Program Chair; or by the Accreditation Officer or Divisional Executive Officer acting in accordance with standard exemptions as advised by the Program Chair.

4. Exemption from the requirement to complete a University Foundation Unit will be granted only if a student has:
  • been given 18 or more points of credit on the basis of previous studies elsewhere, OR
  • previously passed a unit offered by another tertiary institution deemed by the Foundation Unit Coordinator to be similar to a University Foundation Unit, OR
  • completed a full year at another university or equivalent institution prior to admission to Murdoch University

5. When a student changes course, any unit exemptions, that have been granted, will remain. However, the student may need to request additional exemptions relevant to the new course.

6. Students who take a break in their studies of more than two semesters will have their exemptions reviewed when they resume studies: if the content of any of these units has changed considerably, then the exemption may be rescinded.

7. Credit and exemptions need not equal the same total number of points.

1 The only recorded exception is for students entering the Graduate Law Programme who have completed previous law studies. Credit is granted equivalent to those unit requirements of the second degree which have already been met within the first degree, subject to a maximum of 12 points at Part I and 12 points at Part II.
2 Until CUE is able to bring forward amended rules to cover credit for uncredentialled learning, any such credit will be designated Specific Credit.
3 Such studies—which are described as cross-enrolments—can be counted towards the Murdoch course of study if prior approval has been obtained, and provided the student still satisfies the requirements concerning the minimum number of points of Murdoch University units required for the corresponding award.
4 For example, Diplomates from Singapore Polytechnics will be granted 36 points of transferable credit and exempted from a Foundation Unit, and may be granted up to 48 points of specific credit.
5 In some cases, a student will not be able to fully utilise the transferable credit granted because the requirements of the student’s course of study (after allowing for any unit exemptions from these) are greater than the number of points still required.

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The information contained on this page was correct as at 05/08/2008 but is subject to amendment without notice.

Document author: Gerry Dunne, Secretary to Academic Council
Document creation: 26 September 2000
Expiry date: NA
HTML last modified: 5 August 2008
Modified by: Samantha Summerton, Corporate & Senate Administrator, Office of Legal & Governance
Authorised by:Jeremy Rigg, General Counsel, Office of Legal & Governance
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