Undergraduate Coursework Program Principles and Structures Guideline

Document Number	000986
Date Approved	23 March 2012
Date Last Amended	18 February 2013

    

This guideline is for implementation from 1 January 2013 and will apply to all new undergraduate coursework programs approved for development on or after 1 January 2013 and to any undergraduate coursework programs undergoing major revision resulting from an external review on or after 1 January 2013.

1.      Introduction

This policy sets out the principles and structures that will govern the conduct of undergraduate coursework programs at the University of Newcastle. These changes will be incorporated, as appropriate, in the AQF compliant program schedules.

2.      Policy Scope

This Policy applies to all undergraduate coursework programs offered by the University, and to all modes of delivery and all campuses.[i] It does not apply to Bachelor (Honours) programs.

3.      Policy Intent

This Policy supports the implementation of the Rules Governing Awards and Programs [000958] and the general quality assurances processes of the University in relation to teaching and learning.  It ensures consistency in the structure of undergraduate programs.

4.      Relevant Definitions

In the context of this document:

award means an academic qualification that is conferred when a student has met the relevant program requirements;

combined degree means a program offering that is a combination of two programs each listed separately within the Rules Listing Awards. Combined degrees may be formally offered through UAC or approved by the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellors. Graduates of a combined degree will be required to satisfy the requirements of each separate program component;

compulsory course means a course within a major which is necessary to fulfil the requirements of that major;

core course means a course within a program which is necessary to fulfil the requirements of that program;

course means any part of a program of study for which a result may be recorded;

directed course means a course chosen from within a list or group of courses. A directed course list may be attached to a program, or a major within a program.

double major means the completion of two separate 80 unit majors offered within the program.  Each major must have 60 unique units. The selection of appropriate courses to complete a double major is a responsibility of the student;

elective means a course chosen by a student outside the core or compulsory courses of their program, from all courses available at the University (unless a course perquisite applies).

engaged learning is expressed:

1. in a program that integrates academic studies with learning through authentic and productive "work place" experiences (within or outside the institution)
   
2. through progressive experiences that facilitate integrating theory and practice, and provide opportunities for reflection and further practice.^[ii]

faculty means the Faculty or qualified academic area (e.g. Wollotuka Institute or the Centre for Teaching and Learning) responsible for the program;

learning outcomes means the generic learning outcomes that are described by AQF and incorporated into qualifications in the development process. Their application is specific to the education sector. Generic learning outcomes are transferrable, non-discipline specific skills a graduate may achieve through learning that have application in study, work and life context.

graduate attributes means the three broad domains of attributes achieved by graduates at the completion of a university undergraduate degree. These are professionalism, community responsiveness, and scholarship.

major means a sequence of courses approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee. Where there is no specific major then the core courses can form a major. Each major:

(a) must have a least 60 unique units of course; and

(b) is a minimum of 80 units;

program means a program of study approved by Academic Senate that leads to an award of the University;

unit means the proportional amount of academic credit allotted to a course. This term is used to:

(a) define the requirements for an award of the University;

(b) indicate a student’s enrolment load.

5.      Principles

5.1.     Programs are central to most students’ experience of the University: they accept a place in a program and then enrol in its constituent courses.

5.2.     The design of each undergraduate coursework program in the University must ensure that graduates have:

1. met the graduate attributes profile and the generic skills defined by the Faculty and approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee on behalf of Academic Senate;
2. had their perspectives and knowledge extended beyond a single field of study and/ or professional area through the completion of an elective;
3. studied course content that is current, sufficiently challenging and addressed in the depth and breadth required to meet University and relevant external requirements; and
4. had the opportunity to receive recognition for relevant prior learning.

5.3.     Undergraduate coursework program design should ensure that graduates have had an opportunity to:

1. participate in different modes of educational delivery;
2. investigate or research topics both independently and co-operatively; and
3. undertake “engaged learning” opportunities, leadership courses, overseas exchange programs or similar that contributed to their breadth of experience and knowledge.

6.      Structure

6.1.     An 80 unit undergraduate coursework program will:

1. require the completion of a 60 unit sequence of core courses;
2. include at least 10 units of electives.

6.2.     A 160 unit undergraduate coursework program will:

1. require the completion of a 60 unit sequence of core courses;
2. include at least 10 units of electives.

6.3.     A  240 unit undergraduate coursework program will:

1. require the completion of a 60 unit sequence of core courses with at least 40 units at the 3000 level; or
2. require the completion of a major of a minimum of 80 units, which consists of:

(a) at least 60 unique unit6s of compulsory and/or directed courses with a least 40 units at the 3000 level.

iii.  require the completion of between 40 and 100 units at each level in the program;

iv.  include at least 10 units of electives.

6.4.     A  320 unit undergraduate coursework program will:

1. require the completion of a 60 unit sequence of core courses with at least 40 units at the 4000 level; or
2. require the completion of a major of a minimum of 80 units, which consists of:

(a) at least 60 unique units of compulsory and/or directed courses with a least 40 units at the 4000 level.

iii.  require the completion of between 40 and 100 units at each level in the program;

iv.  include at least 10 units of electives.

6.5.     The structure of an undergraduate coursework program will varied only in response to particular articulation agreements or external requirements, as approved by the Program and Course Approval Committee.

6.6.     The structure of a combined degree will require the completion of each separate program component in accordance with clauses 6.1 - 6.4.

7.      Essential Supporting Documents  

Rules Governing Awards and Programs 000958 

8.      Related Documents

Program Management Procedure Manual – Coursework 000967 

Planning and Approval of New Programs Policy 000549 

Program Revision Policy 000589 

Undergraduate Awards and Programs Schedule 000960 

Maximum Time for Completion of Programs Schedule 000962 

Approval Authority	Academic Senate
Date Approved	23 March 2012
Date Last Amended	18 February 2013
Policy Sponsor	President of Academic Senate
Policy Owner	Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Policy Contact	The Secretariat, Council Services and Chancellery
Amendment History	Minor amendments - Policy Owner updated to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Policy Contact amended to The Secretariat, Council Services and Chancellery; 10 April 2013. President of Academic Senate approved amendments to the definition of a ‘major’ and revisions to Clauses 6.3. ii. and 6.4. ii. under delegated authority on 18 February 2013, to provide clarity around requirements of a major. Approved by President of Academic Senate under delegated authority on 23 March 2012 (Res AS12:017; Doc USCP11:003I) for implementation from 1 January 2013.