Credit and Recognition for Prior Learning Policy

This policy sets out the principles guiding Leaders Institute’s (LI) granting of credit and recognition of prior or concurrent learning that contributes towards satisfying the requirements for an LI course.

PRINCIPLES

LI adheres to the following principles regarding granting credit for previous learning through articulation, credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning (RPL):

·     students granted RPL are not disadvantaged in achieving the course learning outcomes;

·     the integrity of the course is maintained;

·     RPL requires evidence that the student has achieved learning outcomes equivalent to the learning outcomes of that component;

·     RPL may be granted for micro-credentials awarded by the Institute or other accredited institutions where the micro-credentials evidence achievement of clearly articulated learning outcomes and standards and the identity of the person receiving the micro-credential is verified. Any two Professional Practice Credentials achieved at an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level will attract one unit of specified or unspecified credit at the same AQF level, where the course rules allow, up to a maximum of two credit points;

·     the maximum credit available is usually two thirds of the course;

·     where a preclusion is approved and credit is not awarded, the student will be required to replace the precluded unit(s) with an equivalent number of credit points from elective units.

·     conditionally on a student meeting additional requirements;

·     where credit has been granted towards an institute course and the award has been received;

·     for formal learning assessed as a ‘fail’, ‘pass conceded’ or equivalent grade;

·     for a unit, a student has already attempted and received a finalised grade;

·     for formal learning undertaken while the student is excluded from a course at the Institute, except where such formal learning is undertaken with the prior approval of the Program Director (or delegated representative);

·     for prior learning acquired more than 10 years before the RPL credit.

·     specified credit: granted towards specific components of a course.

·     unspecified credit: granted towards components of a course as block credit, rather than specific units.

·     credit for concurrent formal learning: granted for relevant concurrent learning which, on successful completion, will be credited towards an LI course.

·     Professional Practice Credential: micro-credential that warrants learning acquired through professional practice.

·     Recognition of Prior Learning: process used to assess an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal, and non-formal learning) to determine the credit that may be granted.

·     Exemption: type of specified credit where the student is waived the requirement to complete a core unit but is required to complete another unit of the same credit point value.

·     Students who wish to apply for full academic credit or RPL must indicate this on the LI enrolment form and provide certified evidence of completed qualifications along with other relevant documentation (e.g. unit outlines).

·     Students must substantiate completion of studies or work experience cognate to the unit(s) for which exemption is sought.

·     Applications for credit must be made to the relevant Program Director of the course who will undertake the credit assessment and determine the credit to be granted. Credit is assessed based on at least 80% equivalence of content and learning outcomes between the previous learning and an Institute unit.

·     The applicant will be advised within 20 working days in writing of the results of their application for credit.

·     If  the duration of the course has been changed for an accepted international student because of the application decision, such as granting RPL, it must be reported in accordance with section 19 of the ESOS Act, and in accordance with Standard 2 of the National Code 2018 as follows: