STANDARD ON COURSES

Date approved:	11 June 2010	Date Policy will take effect:	Immediately	Date of Next Review:	June 2013
Approved by:	University Council
Custodian title & e-mail address:	Senior Manager, Policy and Governance governance@uow.edu.au
Responsible Faculty/ Division & Unit:	Policy and Governance Unit, Academic Registrar’s Division
Supporting documents, procedures & forms of this policy:	Course Approval Guidelines Subject Approval Guidelines Course Approval Processing Procedures
References & Legislation:	General Course Rules Admissions and Advanced Standing Policy Delegations of Authority Policy UOW Academic Review Policy Commercial Activity Guidelines Curriculum Review Guidelines Higher Education Support Act, 2003 (Commonwealth) Australian Qualifications Framework
Audience:	Public – accessible to anyone
Expiry Date of Policy:	Not applicable

Contents

• 1 Introduction / Background 3
• 2 Scope / Purpose 3
• 3 Definitions 3
• 4 Course Approval 5
• 5 Non Award Courses 7
• 6 Award Course Structure 7
• 7 Jointly Badged Courses 10
• 8 Course Nomenclature 10
• 9 Official Documentation for Award Courses 12
• 10 Documentation of Completion for Non-Award Courses 14
• 11 Style Guide 15
• 12 Roles & Responsibilities 15
• 13 Version Control and Change History 15
• Appendix 1 Course Approval Management Group (CAMG) Terms of Reference and Membership 16
• Appendix 2 - Course Abbreviations 17
• Appendix 3 - Field of Study Abbreviations 18
• Appendix 4 – Other Course Descriptor Abbreviations 21
• Appendix 5 – Testamur Examples 22
• Appendix 6 - Style Guide for Displaying Academic Qualifications# 24

1 Introduction / Background

• 1. The Standard on Courses has been developed to assist course development and course management at the University of Wollongong.
• 2. The Standard ensures that course definitions, structures and naming conventions are consistent for all UOW award and non-award courses. This supports the production and issue of official documentation. It also supports course development for joint degree programs with other institutions stating the UOW requirements for course structure and the use of logos for promotion and inclusion on official documentation.

2 Scope / Purpose

• 1. The Standard on Courses operates in conjunction with the General Course Rules.
• 2. The Standard applies to all award and non-award courses approved by the Delegated Authority of the University of Wollongong.
• 3. The purpose is to ensure consistency of course definitions, course structures, course nomenclature and the display of course names, awards and abbreviations on official documentation and publications.
• 4. The Standard on Courses replaces the Double Degree Guidelines.
• 5. The provisions in the Standard on Courses relating to jointly badged courses do not apply to:
• a. twinning, articulation or credit transfer arrangements between the University of Wollongong and another overseas partner institution (which are regulated by the International Alliances Policy)
• b. joint doctoral degrees undertaken under a Cotutelle Agreement (which are regulated by the Cotutelle Agreements Policy).

3 Definitions

Word/Term	Definition (with examples if required)
Award course	is a course recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and approved by the Delegated Authority as an award or degree offered at the University of Wollongong. An award course leads to a higher education award as defined by the General Course Rules.
Bridging course	is usually undertaken as a pre-university course which enables a student to gain or improve the skills necessary to successfully undertake the academic requirements for subjects leading to a higher education award at the University of Wollongong
Cross-institutional study	when a student is enrolled in a subject at another institution that is credited towards a University of Wollongong degree, or is formally enrolled at another institution and enrols in a subject at the University of Wollongong
ECAC	External Curriculum Appraisal Committee, the role and make up of which is set out in the UOW Academic Review Policy.
Enabling courses	are pre-university preparation courses, which provide an alternative pathway to university or assist in skills development to meet academic requirements in a higher education award.
Jointly badged course	is an award course, which is provided by two or more education providers and leads to a joint award from both institutions, including joint curriculum design and/or collaborative research.
Major proposal	major proposal is: a new course a new major study within an existing course a new double degree involving new and/or existing courses a major revision of an existing course (defined below) a major revision of an existing major study within an existing course* add, change or discontinue a delivery location (e.g. a new delivery location, where the location does not currently have any existing courses such as a new campus) new or changed delivery method to an existing course (e.g. a new delivery method, where the method is not currently used for the existing course, such as moving from on campus delivery to online or flexible delivery) permanent discontinuation of a course permanent discontinuation of a major study re-instatement of a course previously deleted re-instatement of a major study previously deleted
Major revision	refers to a complete review of a course or major study that includes changes to any of the following (which are likely to also involve change to subjects): the course outcomes/graduate qualities the type of assessment (e.g. the introduction/removal of work experience, practical placements) accreditation or other professional recognition the total credit points/duration of the course course type (e.g. change from Masters by Coursework to Masters by Research, Pass Bachelors to Honours Bachelor
Minor proposal	minor proposal is: a new contract offering for an existing course suspension of delivery method or location for an existing course a change of course name for a course# a change of major study name or minor study name within a course a new minor study in an existing course a minor revision of an existing course a minor revision of an existing major study or minor study within an existing course* suspension of course for one year suspension of a delivery mode or location suspension of a major study within a course for one year request for CRICOS registration, amendment or suspension consequential amendment to a course following another proposal
Minor revision	refers to small changes to a course or major study that do not come under those specified as a major revision (in particular, do not constitute a change to the overall course outcomes). Examples include: merging/splitting of subjects, but with no change to total course content changes to core or elective subjects to reflect subjects currently on offer, include new subjects, or more appropriate/relevant subjects to achieve the course objectives. changes to subject code or subject name changes to the pattern of study (order in which subjects are undertaken)
Official documentation	is documentation produced by the University of Wollongong that verifies the academic record of a student, such as the enrolment record, academic transcript or testamur.
Partner /host institution	is the institution at which the student has secondary enrolment
Professional development course	A non-award professional educational course that may comprise of UOW subjects along with other content, but that does not lead to an award or degree.

4 Course Approval

• 1. The Course Approval Management Group is a Committee of Academic Senate. It plays a major role in the course approval process and is made up of key staff from a range of non-academic units, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). The terms of reference and membership of the group are set out in Appendix 1.
• 2. The approval process for new award courses, changes to award courses and the discontinuation of award courses is based on the category of the course proposal for an award course. The two types of course proposal are Major Proposals and Minor Proposals.

Course Approval Pathways

• 3. Delegations for final approval of course proposals are contained in the Delegations of Authority Policy. Each category of course proposal has a defined pathway involving consultation and pre-approval that must be completed before the proposal is submitted to the Delegated Authority for approval. Major and minor course proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the Course Approval Guidelines and the Subject Approval Guidelines.

Major Proposal Approval Pathway

• 4. Major proposals are subject to the following approval pathway:
• a. A Course Concept is developed within the Faculty and approved by the Dean and the Faculty Education Committee and then submitted to the Course Approval Management Group for consideration;
• b. The Course Approval Management Group then assesses the proposal;
• c. A decision on the concept is made, and if the concept is approved, a report will be provided to the Faculty including any recommendations from the CAMG to be considered in the development of the course;
• d. If approved, the course can be promoted;.
• e. The Faculty develop a full course proposal and undertakes an ECAC (unless this requirement is waived by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic);
• f. The Faculty Education Committee and Dean (plus Deans of other Faculties if it is a cross-faculty program) approves the course proposal before it is submitted to the Course Approval Management Group for endorsement;
• g. If the Course Approval Management Group endorses the proposal, it is submitted to Delegated Authority for approval.

Minor Proposal Approval Pathway

• 5. Minor Proposals are subject to the following approved pathway:
• a. The Faculty completes all required forms, based on the nature of their proposal;
• b. The Faculty Education Committee and Dean (plus Deans of other Faculties if it is a cross-faculty program) will approve the proposal;
• c. The minor proposal is submitted to the Course Management Coordinator;
• d. The minor proposal is uploaded to the Course Approval Bulletin for a commentary period of two weeks;
• e. After commentary has closed, any issues raised are discussed with the Faculty and amendments to the proposal are made if required;
• f. The Course Management Coordinator endorses the proposal and submits the proposal to the Delegated Authority for approval.

Course Handbook

• 6. The University shall annually prepare and publish (electronically, physically or in both formats) a course handbook detailing course requirements all current award courses available to commencing students at the University for the year of issue.

UOW in Dubai Course Variations

• 7. UOW in Dubai is an offshore higher education institution that offers both award courses and courses approved by and accredited in the United Arab Emirates by the UAE Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research.
• 8. The University has a collaboration agreement with UOW in Dubai enabling students of UOW in Dubai to exchange a testamur issued by UOW Dubai for a testamur issued by the University in respect of certain approved courses.
• 9. Where UOW in Dubai offers an award course that varies in a minor respect from the approved award course structure and content, then the following procedures apply:
• a. UOW in Dubai shall submit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for endorsement:
• i. a copy of the draft Student Prospectus for UOW in Dubai for the year in which the variation applies,
• ii. details of any minor variations to the approved course structure and/or content, and
• iii. a quality assurance certification from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) to the effect that the quality of each approved award course will not be materially affected by the proposed minor variations and that each approved award course retains equivalence in standards and outcomes with the relevant award course as originally approved.
• b. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) shall assess whether the proposed variations are minor and are otherwise acceptable.
• c. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) shall advise UOW Dubai of whether the proposed minor variations are acceptable.
• d. Where variations are acceptable, UOW Dubai may deliver award courses as varied.

Other Location Specific Variations

• 10. Where it is proposed to offer an award course at a location other than the Wollongong campus in a manner that varies in a minor respect from the approved award course structure and content, then the following procedures apply:
• a. the Faculty shall submit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for endorsement:
• i. details of the minor variations to the approved course structure and/or content, and
• ii. in respect of a minor variation affecting an offshore location, a quality assurance certification from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) to the effect that the quality of the approved award course has not been materially affected by the proposed minor variation and that the approved award course retains equivalence in standards and outcomes with the relevant award course as originally approved.
• b. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) shall assess whether the proposed variation is minor and is otherwise acceptable.
• c. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) shall advise the Faculty of whether the proposed minor variation is acceptable.

5 Non Award Courses

• 1. Non-Award courses at the University of Wollongong are defined programs of study that do not lead to an award or degree. Non-award courses include bridging courses, enabling courses and professional development courses. These programs may be offered as University-wide courses, Faculty-based courses, or courses delivered by a third party provider (for example, UOW College).
• 2. The pathways for the approval of proposed non-award courses are as follows:
• 2.1. Where the non-award course constitutes specified credit towards an award course at the University, the proposed non-award course shall be submitted and assessed as if it was a major course proposal.
• 2.2. Where the non-award course does not constitute specified credit towards an award course at the University, the proposed non award course shall be submitted and assessed as if it was a minor course proposal.
• 3. All non award courses must be approved by the Delegated Authority.

6 Award Course Structure

• 1. This section specifies course structure requirements in addition to those specified in the General Course Rules.

Diplomas

• 2. A diploma award course must include a minimum of 48 credit points, of which a minimum of 24 must be at 200 level or higher,
• 3. The Delegated Authority may approve an exemption from compliance with the provisions set out above if:
• a. the program is professionally accredited and this accreditation requires a different minimum standard than prescribed above; or
• b. the Delegated Authority is otherwise satisfied that grounds exist for an exemption to be granted.
• 4. Existing diploma award courses approved prior to the commencement of this Standard are exempt from compliance with the provisions of clause 6.2.

Bachelor Degrees

• 5. In addition to the requirements for a bachelor degree specified in General Course Rule 12.3, a bachelor degree must include:
• a. a minimum of 36 credit points at the 100 level, and
• b. a maximum of 60 credit points at the 100 level for a single degree, and
• c. a minimum of 24 credit points at the 300 level for a three year degree, and
• d. a minimum of 24 credit points at the 400 level for a four year degree,
• 6. The Delegated Authority may approve an exemption from compliance with the provisions set out above if:
• a. the program is professionally accredited and this accreditation requires a different minimum standard than prescribed above; or
• b. the program is a double degree consisting of core subjects from each discipline; or
• c. the Delegated Authority is otherwise satisfied that grounds exist for an exemption to be granted.
• 7. Existing bachelor degree award courses approved prior to the commencement of this Standard are exempt from compliance with the provisions of clause 6.5.

Undergraduate Major Studies

• 8. In addition to the requirements for a Major Study listed in General Course Rule 3.1, the following requirements also apply to major studies in an undergraduate degree:
• 8.1. In a three year pass bachelor degree, a minimum of 24 credit points at 300 level or higher.
• 8.2. In a four year bachelor degree with built in honours, a minimum of 32 credit points at 300 or 400 level, excluding the honours thesis component.
• 9. Where a specialist bachelor degree has a core study of 96 credit points or more, a major study may be permitted to be less than the minimum prescribed in the General Course Rules with approval of the Delegated Authority. In this case, unless an exemption is granted under section 6.3, the major shall not be less than 24 credit points and must be predominantly made up of subjects at 300 level or higher.

Minor Studies

• 10. In addition to the requirements for a Minor Study listed in General Course Rule 3.1, a Minor Study shall include at least 12 credit points at 200 level or higher.

Cross Counting of Subjects

• 11. Unless academic approval is obtained from the Delegated Authority, no more than one subject may be counted towards:
• a. more than one major study;
• b. more than one minor study;
• c. a major study and a minor study; or
• d. a major study or a minor study and core degree requirements.

Double Degrees

• 12. The purpose of a double degree is to allow students to complete two degree programs while taking advantage of credit transfer between the two programs accounted for in the design of the double degree.
• 13. A double degree incorporates two separate single degree courses of the same level offered by one or more Faculties. Students who successfully complete a double degree program will qualify for each of the single degree courses.
• 14. The course patterns for double degrees shall be:

Component Courses	Double Degree Min CP	Maximum CP Saving
144cp + 144cp	216cp	72cp
192cp + 144cp	264cp	72cp
192cp + 192cp	288cp	96cp

• 15. The credit point savings listed in the above table are maximums. The maximum saving will not be available in all double degree programs. For example:
• a. the number of credit points saved by a student may be limited by the prescribed structure of some degrees; and/or
• b. the saving may not necessarily be distributed across both component degrees and may be possible in relation to only one of them.
• 16. The Law component of a double degree is defined as a 4 year component for purpose of course design and load.
• 17. Where one of the courses in the double degree program is a 3-year pass bachelor degree, an end-on honours program may be undertaken as a concurrent enrolment to the double degree in accordance with the usual admissions procedures for Honours degrees. The end-on honours program shall add 48 credit points to the duration of the double degree.
• 18. Any application to undertake Honours shall make provision for checking and signature by the Head of the Department/Program and the Dean/Sub-Dean of the Faculty offering the Honours studies.

Checking and Advice to Students

• 19. Sub-Deans or designated Double Degree Program Advisers from participating Faculties, in consultation with each other and the student, shall:
• a. check the double degree course program (particularly where one or other course is a prescribed course) and provide academic advice to the student on the structure of a study program for the double degree course, giving attention to workload demands, performance requirements and timetabling issues;
• b. approve, for their respective Faculty, any advanced standing from one degree to another.
• 20. Information on “owning” Faculties in relation to double degrees shall be made available to students and staff in the Course Handbook.

7 Jointly Badged Courses

• 1. Jointly badged course arrangements must:
• a. be the subject of a formal written agreement between the University and the relevant partner institution(s) and signed by the appropriate Delegated Authority;
• b. be approved as an award course program according to the UOW course approval process; and
• c. follow the applicable course nomenclature set out in this Standard.
• 2. The formal written agreement must provide for comparable rules and policies to be applied by the partner institution(s) to students undertaking the jointly badged course regarding matters including but not limited to assessment, and academic misconduct.
• 3. The availability of Study Abroad or exchange studies at another institution within an award course does not by reason of this alone constitute a jointly badged course program.
• 4. Jointly badged course arrangements shall only be entered by the University of Wollongong with a partner institution that, in the opinion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (in the case of courses involving domestic partner institutions) or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) (in the case of international partner institutions), will enhance the reputation of UOW and is:
• a. a Universities Australia recognised university;
• b. an international institution with which the University has an agreement under the International Alliances Policy; or
• c. an institution assessed under the Australian Education International National Office of Overseas Skill Recognition skills assessment process as offering university standard qualifications.
• 5. For all jointly badged courses, approval of an award course program is subject to the following specific provisions:
• 5.1. There must be an equitable proportion of course content offered at UOW and at the partner institution(s), including
• a. a minimum of one year’s study at the partner institution, or a combined minimum of one year of study between multiple partner institutions for an undergraduate degree; or
• b. 50% of course content at the partner institution for a postgraduate degree.
• 5.2. There shall be evidence of collaborative curriculum design leading to comparable awards at all institutions involved. The degree title that each institution confers shall be the same.
• 5.3. The testamur and academic transcript (if applicable at the other institution) of each institution shall contain a notation as specified in the agreement between the University of Wollongong and the partner institution. An example of the notation is “This degree was undertaken jointly with the (name of institution(s))”
• 5.4. The University of Wollongong testamur will include the logo of the partner institution(s) and vice versa.
• 5.5. Students undertaking a jointly badged course will have their award conferred by their home institution, with the notations and logos as specified above.

8 Course Nomenclature

Award Courses

Diploma

• 1. A Diploma must be displayed as “Diploma in [Field of Study]”. For example “Diploma in Languages”.

Bachelor Degrees

• 2. For a pass bachelor degree, which is commonly referred to as bachelor degree, the course name must be displayed as “Bachelor of [Field of Study]”. For example “Bachelor of Arts”.
• 3. For an honours bachelor degree, which is where a bachelor degree has been awarded with honours, the word “Honours” shall be added to the end of the course name, without parentheses. For example “Bachelor of Engineering Honours”.
• 3.1. For a one year honours degree, the course name in the course database that displays in all student systems shall include the word “Honours” to distinguish it from the related three year pass bachelor degree. For example “Bachelor of Arts Honours”.
• 3.2. For a four year bachelor degree that may be awarded with honours, the course name in the course database shall not contain the word “Honours”, but the word “Honours” shall appear at the end of the course name on the student record if Honours has been awarded (i.e. an award of honours has been recorded for that student). Honours will always appear at the very end of the course name, after any other descriptors. For example
• i. currently enrolled: “Bachelor of Engineering”,
• ii. completed and awarded Honours: “Bachelor of Engineering Honours”.

Graduate Certificate

• 4. A Graduate Certificate must be displayed as “Graduate Certificate in [Field of Study]”. For example “Graduate Certificate in Adult Education”.

Graduate Diploma

• 5. A Graduate Diploma must be displayed as “Graduate Diploma in [Field of Study]”. For example “Graduate Diploma in Adult Education”.

Masters Degrees

• 6. A Masters Degree must be displayed as follows:
• a. for Masters by coursework: “Master of [Field of Study]”. For example “Master of Accountancy”.
• b. for Masters by Research: “Masters of [Field of Study] – Research”. For example “Masters of Accountancy – Research”.

Doctoral Degrees

• 7. A Doctoral Degree, including a Higher Doctoral Degree, must be displayed as “Doctor of [Field of Study]”. For example “Doctor of Philosophy”.

Double Degrees

• 8. Double Degrees must be displayed as “Degree Name 1 – Degree Name 2”. For example “Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Commerce”.
• 9. The two degrees shall be separated by a dash (-) and shall be displayed as such in all documentation provided by the University of Wollongong.
• 10. The degree of the owning faculty is listed first, with the exception of the Bachelor of Laws, which is always listed last.
• 11. Where both degrees are owned by the same Faculty, the degree names shall be ordered alphabetically.

Award Abbreviations

• 12. Names and abbreviations for courses, fields of study and other descriptors shall follow the format set out in Appendices 2 - 4.
• 13. Abbreviations shall be recorded in the Course Database under Course Short Name 1.

Non-Award Course Names

• 14. Non-award courses must not use a course name containing a qualification that is defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework.
• 15. Approved non-award course names include ‘program’, ‘study’ and ‘studies’. Other names may be approved by the Delegated Authority.

9 Official Documentation for Award Courses

• 1. The award course name shall be recorded on all official documentation relating to courses and course requirements using the award name format described in section 8.
• 2. Official documentation consists of:
• a. an enrolment record, which must record the course name, major study, minor study and awards with Distinction and/or with Honours as relevant to a student’s enrolment record;
• b. an academic transcript, which must record the official course name, major study, minor study, awards with Distinction and/or with Honours, and prizes as relevant to a student’s enrolment record;
• c. a testamur, which must record the official course name, major study, and awards with Distinction and/or Honours as relevant to a student’s conferred degree; and
• d. commencing in Spring Session, 2010, an Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement.

Enrolment Record

• 3. The official Enrolment Record shall display award courses in the following format:
• Course: Bachelor of Commerce
• Major 1: Marketing
• Completion date: 24/11/2004 Graduation Date: 13/12/2004 Award: Distinction
• 4. Each double degree shall have two single degree strands recorded against it to allow majors, minors, awards and completion and graduation dates to be recorded against each strand. For example:
• Course: Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Commerce
• Strand 1: Bachelor of Arts
• Major 1: History
• Completion date: 24/11/2004 Graduation Date: 13/12/2004 Award: Honours Class I
• Strand 2: Bachelor of Commerce
• Major 2: Marketing
• Minor 2: Management
• Completion date: 24/11/2004 Graduation Date: 13/12/2004 Award: Distinction

Academic Transcript

• 5. Award courses, majors and minors shall be displayed on the official academic transcript in the following format:

* Course - Bachelor of Arts

Major - French

Major - English Language and Linguistics

Minor - Media and Cultural Studies

Minor - International Studies

• 6. Where Honours is awarded, the Honours Award and Class shall be featured at the end of the transcript, after any prizes. The Course Abbreviation shall also be appended with (Hons) (if applicable).
• For example:

RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) Student Prize

BMedChem(Adv)

Faculty of Science Dean's Merit List

BMedChem(Adv)

* AWARDED WITH HONOURS CLASS I

• 7. Where a course has been awarded with Distinction, the words ‘Awarded with Distinction’ shall be featured at the end of the academic record, after any prizes (if applicable).
• 8. Where a Higher Degree by Research course has received a Thesis Award of Examiners Commendation for Outstanding Thesis, the words “Awarded with Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis” shall be featured at the academic record, after any prizes.
• 9. The academic transcript for a student who has received a jointly badged degree shall also contain a notation as stated in section 6.6.3
• 10. Where an approved Study Abroad or Exchange has been completed, it shall be noted on the academic transcript in order of the year and session in which it was undertaken, as follows:

* Approved Exchange Studies –

Spring

Uppsala University, SWEDEN

* End Approved Exchange Studies

• The subjects that were undertaken during Study Abroad or Exchange are listed as Specified Credit or Unspecified Credit at the end of the academic record for the course, but before any prizes or awards.

Testamur

• 11. Award courses shall be displayed on the Official Testamur in the format (detailed more fully in the examples contained in Appendix 5 to this Standard):
• Course Name (including descriptors such as Advanced or Dean’s Scholar)
• Awards (e.g. “With Distinction” or “Honours Class I”)
• Major Study (if applicable)
• 12. Students who complete a double degree shall receive a separate Testamur for each degree component, including any awards they may have received for that component, such as Honours or with Distinction.
• 13. A jointly badged degree shall also contain a notation as set out in section 7.5.3 and will include the logo of all partner institutions.

Awards of Honours, Distinction and Examiners’ Commendation

• 14. Where Honours has been awarded, the word “Honours” shall appear at the end of the Course Name and the class of Honours shall be displayed on the Testamur beneath the Course Name, but above any Major(s).
• 15. Where a degree is awarded with distinction, the words “With Distinction” shall appear on the Testamur, beneath the Course name, but above any Major(s).With Distinction awards shall not appear in the course name itself.
• 16. Where a Higher Degree by Research course is awarded with Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis, the words “Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis” shall appear on the Testamur beneath the Course Name.

Major Studies

• 17. Where a Major Study has been completed, the name of the major(s) shall appear beneath the course name in a smaller font size. Where there are two majors, they shall be joined by the word “and”. The major(s) shall not be included in the course name itself.

Minor Studies

• 18. Minor studies shall not appear on the Testamur.

Advanced Degree Programs

• 19. For Advanced degrees, the word “Advanced” shall appear after the course name, but before the award of Honours (if applicable), without parentheses or other punctuation and must display as “Bachelor of [Field of Study] Advanced” or “Master of [Field of Study] Advanced”. For example “Master of Computer Science Advanced”, “Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours”

Dean’s Scholar and Scholar Programs

• 20. Bachelor degrees that are part of a Dean’s Scholars or Scholars Program shall have the words “Dean’s Scholar” or “Scholar” (as appropriate) at the end of the course name, in parentheses. If Honours is also awarded, it will appear at the end of the course name. For example
• a. Bachelor of Commerce (Dean’s Scholar)
• b. Bachelor of Engineering (Scholar) Honours
• 21. While these programs are collectively referred to as “Dean’s Scholars” or “Scholars Program”, the title of each relevant course is “Dean’s Scholar” or “Scholar”, singular.

Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement

• 22. The Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement shall be prepared in accordance with guidelines issued by the Australian Government for that purpose.

10 Documentation of Completion for Non-Award Courses

• 1. Documentation issued on completion of a Non-Award Course shall be determined in accordance with the following considerations:
• a. where the course has no assessment(s), only a letter of completion or a Certificate of Participation should be issued;
• b. if a course has formal assessment(s) to determine whether a stated minimum standard or level of achievement is met, then on successful completion a Certificate of Achievement or Statement of Attainment should be issued;
• c. certificates and statements should:
• i. contain the University’s logo and the heading “The University of Wollongong”;
• ii. include the name of the Unit of the University offering the course,
• iii. be signed by the Secretary to the University Council and countersigned by the head of the Unit of the University offering the course,
• iv. not contain the seal of the University; and
• v. otherwise be in a form and include content approved by the Delegated Authority.

11 Style Guide

• 1. Academic qualifications shall be represented in official publications of the University (such as the Annual Report and the Graduation Program Booklet) in conformity with the style guide set out in Appendix 6 of this Standard.

12 Roles & Responsibilities

• 1. The Academic Registrar’s Division is primarily responsible for the administration of this Standard, and is responsible for administering student systems in accordance with this Standard.
• 2. The Course Management Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this Standard.
• 3. The Course Approval Management Group is responsible for overseeing the development of course proposals.
• 4. Faculties are responsible for developing and offering courses and non-award study in accordance with this Standard.

13 Version Control and Change History

Version Control	Date Effective	Approved By	Amendment
1	11 June 2010	University Council	New Standard Integration of Policy Guidelines for Double Degree with exception of the Entry Requirements which were transferred to the Admissions and Advance Standing Policy.
2	March 2011	Snr Mgr, Policy & Governance	Updated to reflect titles changes and rename to International Alliances Policy.
3	22 June 2011	Vice-Principal (Administration)	Updated to reflect change of name from Wollongong College Australia to UOW College.
4	16 January 2012	Vice-Principal (Administration)	Updated to reflect change of name from Buildings and Grounds to Facilities Management Division.

Appendix 1 Course Approval Management Group (CAMG) Terms of Reference and Membership

Terms of Reference

Aim

• To consult and advise on course management at the University of Wollongong.

Objectives

• To assess the viability of course proposals from the perspective of each of the member’s units
• To provide advice to the DVC (A), DVC (O), and Deans on course offerings at UOW.
• To share information and resolve issues relating to course development at UOW.
• To keep a whole of institution strategic view of the courses at UOW.
• To support the curriculum review process as per the UOW Academic Review Policy

Outcomes

• Produce concise reports on the viability of proposals received.
• Provide constructive feedback on course issues to enable course development to move forward.
• Develop an integrated planning process for courses

Membership

• 1. The following are the core members of the CAMG:
• a. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) - Chair
• b. Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• c. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)
• d. Director, Planning Services
• e. Director, Marketing, Recruitment & Partnerships, UniAdvice
• f. Chair of Academic Senate
• g. Academic Registrar
• 2. The following are the advisory members of the CAMG:
• a. Course Management Coordinator, Policy and Governance Unit - Executive Officer
• b. Associate Librarian Access Services, University Library
• c. Dean of Students
• d. Director of Learning and Teaching
• e. Director of Facilities Management Division
• f. Head of Student Services
• g. Manager, Financial Analysis and Systems, Financial Services
• h. Information Services Coordinator, UniAdvice
• 3. The group also includes all Deans and FEC Chairs as part of the consultation process. Deans and FEC Chairs may also invite other relevant staff to speak to their proposals. Staff from other units may be invited.
• 4. The Chair will be responsible for communication with members, notification of meetings, follow through of action items (with the support of the Executive Officer)
• 5. Core members of the group are responsible for:
• a. making decisions on the viability of course concept proposals submitted to the group, taking into consideration the advice of other members; and
• b. consulting with Faculties and other units on an ongoing basis regarding course management.
• 6. All members of the group are responsible for:
• a. provision of expert advice (as representatives of their respective constituents);
• b. communicating issues to the group; and
• c. consulting with colleagues as required.
• 7. A quorum comprises not less than four core members of the group.
• 8. The group will hold three scheduled meetings each year, in November and January to consider course concept proposals and in June/July to consider full course proposals. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the Chair.
• 9. Outside of scheduled meetings, the members of the group are responsible for assessing course proposals submitted online and providing feedback within the published commentary period. An absence of comment will be regarded as having no significant issues with the proposal.

Appendix 2 - Course Abbreviations

Full Name	Abbreviation
Advanced Diploma	AdvDip
Associate Degree	Assoc
Associate Diploma	AssocDip
Bachelor	B
Certificate	Cert
Diploma	Dip
Doctor	D
Graduate Certificate	GCert
Graduate Diploma	GDip
Honours	(Hons)
Master	M

Appendix 3 - Field of Study Abbreviations

If no abbreviation is listed, a commonly accepted abbreviation may be used or if no commonly accepted abbreviation is available, the full word shall be used. When selecting an abbreviation, consideration should be given to whether the abbreviation is likely to have meaning outside of the University.

Full Name	Abbreviation
Accounting	Accy
Advocacy	Advocacy
Adult	Adult
Applied	App
Arts	A
Asset	Asset
Biotechnology	Biotech
Business	Bus
Business Administration	BA
Change	Chg
Chemistry	Chem
Coaching	Coach
Commerce	Com
Communication	Comm
Computer	Comp
Creative Arts	CA
Crime	Crime
Development	Dev
Dietetics	Diet
Dementia Care	DementiaCare
Disability	Disability
Economics	Econ
Education	Ed
Engineering	E (if only word in degree) or Eng (if used with other words). E,g, BE or MEngMgmt
English	Engl
Environmental	Env
Exercise	Ex
Finance	Fin
Forensic	For
Gerontology and Rehabilitation Studies	G&RStud
Gifted	Gifted
Health	Hlth
Higher	Higher
Human Resource Management	HRM
HIV/AIDS	HIV/Aids
Indigenous	Indig
Industrial	Ind
Industry-Based	Ind-based
Informatics	Informatics
Information	Info
Information and Communication Technology	ICT
Information Systems	IS
Information Technology	IT
International	Int or Intl
Internet	Internet
Journalism	Jrnl
Law	LL or Law
Leadership	Lead
Learning	Lrng
Legal	Legal
Literacy or Literature	Lit
Logistics	Log
Management	Mgmt
Marine	Mar
Maritime	Maritime
Marketing	Mark
Materials	Mat
Mathematics	Math
Media	Media
Medical or Medicinal or Medicine	Med (or M in the context of the MBBS)
Mental	Mntl
Multicultural	Multi
Nanotechnology	Nanotech
Natural	Nat
Nursing	Nurse
Nutrition	Nutr
Quality	Qual
Occupational Health and Safety	OH&S
Occupational Hygiene Practice	OHP
Outdoor	Outdoor
Physical	Phy
Physics	Phys
Practice	Prac
Prevention	Prev
Primary	Prim
Policy or Politics	Pol
Professional	Prof
Project	Proj
Prosecutions	Pros
Psychology or Psychological	Psyc
Public	Pub
Radiation	Rad
Relations	Rel
Resources	Res
Rolling Stock	RollStock
Science	Sc
Social	Soc
Special	Spec
Statistics	Stat
Strategic	Strat
Studies	Stud or St
Surgery	Surg (or S in the context of the MBBS)
Systems	Sys
Technology	Tech
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages	TESOL
Transnational	Trans
Vocational Education and Training	VET
Welding and Joining	WeldJoin

Appendix 4 – Other Course Descriptor Abbreviations

Full Name	Abbreviation
Advanced e.g. Bachelor of X Advanced	Adv
Dean’s Scholar	(Dean’sSchol)
Scholar	(Schol)
With Distinction	(Dist)

Appendix 5 – Testamur Examples

Example 1: Testamur for a Bachelor Degree awarded with Honours

John Student

has this day been admitted by the Council to the Degree of

Bachelor of Engineering Honours

Class II, Division 2

Civil Engineering

The Common Seal of the University was affixed hereto on

18 December 2007

in the pursuance of a Resolution of the Council as witness the hands of

Example 2: Testamur for a Bachelor degree with two majors, awarded with Distinction

John Student

has this day been admitted by the Council to the Degree of

Bachelor of Commerce

with Distinction

Economics and Applied Finance (Planning)

The Common Seal of the University was affixed hereto on

18 December 2007

in the pursuance of a Resolution of the Council as witness the hands of

Appendix 6 - Style Guide for Displaying Academic Qualifications#

• 1. Course information for Alumni shall be featured in a standard format using the course name abbreviations outlined in Appendices 1 to 10.
• 2. The display of qualifications for publications, personal or business cards should be listed in the following order:
• a. National and Royal honours (AO, AM, AC, KCMG etc);
• b. Degrees before diplomas, in conferring order unless they are from the same institution in which case the degrees from the same institutions are listed in conferring order, followed by additional degrees;
• c. Fellowships then memberships (professional institutions and learned bodies, by election or for scholarship);
• d. Parliamentary designations (always last) – either MP (for members of the federal House of Representatives) or MP, MLC or MLA for members of state parliament (according to the preference of the person concerned);
• 3. The qualification display includes:
• a. No full stops, commas or other punctuation;
• b. No spaces between a single qualification title;
• c. Spaces between the qualification or multiple qualifications and the institution; and
• d. The institution is italicised.
• 4. For example, Dr Joe Bloggs is a Member of the Order of Australian, a Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours from the University of Wollongong, a Masters of Business Administration with Distinction from the University of New South Wales and a PhD from the University of Wollongong and would state the qualifications as
• Joe Bloggs AO BScAdv(Hons) PhD W’gong MBA (Dist) UNSW

# This Style Guide is based on information publicly available on the University of Sydney website regarding the reproduction of academic and other qualifications and awards.