Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of the University of Tasmania

On 25 September 2019 TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of the University of Tasmania in the category of Australian University, for a period of seven years until 25 September 2026.
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, two (2) conditions on the registration of the University of Tasmania.

Condition 1: Student Performance Reporting

By 30 June of each year of registration from 2020, the University of Tasmania must provide to TEQSA a copy of the approved minutes of each meeting of the Academic Senate for the previous 12 months. The minutes must demonstrate that the Academic Senate:

1. receives a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of rates and trends in student performance data, including progression rates, attrition rates and completion times and rates. The diagnostic analysis must include (but is not limited to) calculations for these rates as defined in the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework, and include analysis of student performance by:
1. course of study
2. study periods
3. entry pathway (comparing students admitted under each entry pathway including through third party arrangements), including the means by which English language proficiency is assessed
4. study mode
5. location of study (including sites operated by third parties and offshore)
6. education agent
7. country of origin
8. comparative student achievement in similar courses at other Australian universities
2. ensures the development of comprehensive action plans to address any issues identified through the diagnostic analysis done in accordance with Condition 1a, and undertakes periodic monitoring of the effectiveness of any interventions
3. reports outcomes of Condition 1a and 1b to the Council for consideration and action.

Condition 2: Policy Framework

By 30 June of each year of registration from 2020, the University of Tasmania must provide to TEQSA evidence of implementation of a program of reviews of the University's full suite of policies and procedures to ensure that the University's policy framework is current and effective.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA found that the University of Tasmania has demonstrated:

1. a commitment to access and social equity for Tasmanians, consistent with its social mission as a university of and for Tasmania
2. extensive student support offering numerous initiatives such as the University College model to support students from non-traditional backgrounds to succeed in higher education
3. a sound commitment to continuous improvement of its learning, teaching and research activities

However, TEQSA made the decision to impose two conditions in light of risks that the University of Tasmania may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015:

1. Section 5.3 of Part A, in relation to course monitoring and review
2. Section 6.2 of Part A, in relation to corporate monitoring and accountability
3. Section 6.3 of Part A, in relation to academic governance.

Application to withdraw conditions

In accordance with section 32 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Torrens University Australia Ltd

On 25 September 2019 TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Torrens University Australia Ltd in the category of Australian University, for a period of five years until 25 September 2024.
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, four conditions on the registration of Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Condition 1. Student Performance Reporting

By 28 February of each year of registration, Torrens must provide TEQSA with a copy of the approved minutes of each meeting of the Academic Board for the previous 12 months. The meeting minutes must demonstrate that the Academic Board:

1. receives and considers a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of rates and trends in student performance including attrition, progression, course completion times, and variations in the attainment of course learning outcomes and grade distributions. The diagnostic analysis must include (but not be limited to) calculations for attrition and progression rates as defined in the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework, and include analysis of student performance by:
1. course of study
2. study periods
3. entry pathway, including the means by which English language proficiency is assessed
4. study mode
5. location of study
6. education agent
7. country of origin
8. student achievement in similar courses at other Australian universities
2. ensures the development of comprehensive action plans, including any necessary investment in infrastructure and learning resources to address the needs of a growing student body and any issues identified through the diagnostic analysis carried out in accordance with Condition 1a, and undertakes periodic monitoring of the effectiveness of any interventions undertaken in accordance with the action plans
3. reports outcomes of Condition 1a and 1b to the Council for consideration and action.

Condition 2. Growth and Quality

By 28 February of each year of registration, Torrens must submit a report providing forecasts of student recruitment and growth and the rationale and basis for this forecast, with evidence of review and approval by the Academic and Governing Boards. The report must show evidence of how academic quality is to be ensured in line with the forecast growth and must address:

1. monitoring of admission decisions to ensure that all admitted students have the academic preparation and proficiency in English needed to participate in their intended study
2. building the staff complement to meet the educational, research, academic support and administrative needs of students
3. maintenance of academic and research integrity, and
4. assurance of the quality of teaching, learning, research and research training.

Condition 3. Monitoring, Review and Improvement

By 28 February of each year of registration, Torrens must submit to TEQSA reports on all comprehensive course reviews, showing that the courses have been reviewed in accordance with the five-year schedule and with evidence of review by the Academic Board. The reviews must:

1. show evidence of significant input from qualified internal and external academic experts in the field of the course being reviewed
2. show evidence of external benchmarking
3. confirm the basis on which the courses (as amended in accordance with the reviews) engage with advanced knowledge and inquiry consistent with the level of study and the expected learning outcomes.

Condition 4. Research and Scholarship

By 28 February of each year of registration, Torrens must submit annual reports on research and scholarly outputs, showing progress against the Research Strategic Plan and each of the recommendations of the external review report A Review of Research at Torrens, and showing progressive increases towards achieving proposed targets in the Research Strategic Plan.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA has found that Torrens University Australia Ltd has demonstrated:

1. an emphasis on student retention which includes plans for targeted support appropriate to the varying needs of its students
2. an emergent commitment to and investment in increasing research performance, and
3. a focus on engagement with industry and other stakeholder groups in course development.

However, TEQSA made the decision to impose four conditions in light of risks that Torrens University Australia Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015:

1. Section 3.2 of Part A, in relation to the academic staffing profile
2. Sections 5.1 and 5.3 of Part A, in relation to:
1. consistent and mature course approval processes
2. course monitoring, review and improvement
3. Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of Part A, in relation to
1. corporate governance
2. corporate monitoring and accountability
3. academic governance
4. Section 6.2.1b in conjunction with Section 1.2 of Part B, in relation to
1. the ability to set realistic targets to achieve the volume of research expected of an Australian University
2. the volume of sustained scholarship which informs teaching and learning in all fields in which courses of study are offered
3. the maturity of internal processes for quality assurance and the maintenance of academic standards and academic integrity.

Application to withdraw conditions

In accordance with section 32 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

Revocation and variation of accreditation conditions

Report on the revocation and variation of conditions imposed on the accreditation of two higher education course of study offered by JMC Pty Ltd

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA revoked, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 4 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA varied, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 4 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Master of Creative Industries

Condition 4 (as varied)

Within 2 weeks following the commencement of each teaching period for the Creative Industries (MCI), in relation to each student admitted into the MCI, JMC must provide TEQSA with information which describes:

1. the qualifications or experience that formed the basis for the student's admission, and
2. how the assessment rubric within the Admission Procedure has been applied to each admission decision on the basis of industry experience alone.

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA varied, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 3 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
• Master of Creative Industries

Condition 3 (as varied)

By 31 March 2018, JMC must provide TEQSA with:

1. a revised version of the Academic Staff Qualifications and Experience Policy which JMC uses to ensure that all teaching staff are qualified to at least one AQF qualification level higher than the course of study being taught by them or have equivalent professional experience. The revised Policy must explicitly state that professional experience must give those staff the skills, knowledge and capacity to apply skills and knowledge equivalent to an AQF qualification one level above the AQF qualification level being taught and the basis upon which that decision will be made, and
2. minutes of its Academic Board meeting and (if applicable) Governing Council meeting which record the consideration, discussion and approval of the revised policy prior to its submission to TEQSA

Main reasons for the revocation decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the condition was no longer necessary.

Revocation and variation of accreditation conditions

Report on the revocation and variation of conditions imposed on the accreditation of two higher education course of study offered by JMC Pty Ltd

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA revoked, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 4 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA varied, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 4 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Master of Creative Industries

Condition 4 (as varied)

Within 2 weeks following the commencement of each teaching period for the Creative Industries (MCI), in relation to each student admitted into the MCI, JMC must provide TEQSA with information which describes:

1. the qualifications or experience that formed the basis for the student's admission, and
2. how the assessment rubric within the Admission Procedure has been applied to each admission decision on the basis of industry experience alone.

On 10 January 2018 a delegate of TEQSA varied, under section 53 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Condition 3 imposed on the accreditation of the following course offered by JMC Pty Ltd (refer public report of 20 October 2017):

• Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
• Master of Creative Industries

Condition 3 (as varied)

By 31 March 2018, JMC must provide TEQSA with:

1. a revised version of the Academic Staff Qualifications and Experience Policy which JMC uses to ensure that all teaching staff are qualified to at least one AQF qualification level higher than the course of study being taught by them or have equivalent professional experience. The revised Policy must explicitly state that professional experience must give those staff the skills, knowledge and capacity to apply skills and knowledge equivalent to an AQF qualification one level above the AQF qualification level being taught and the basis upon which that decision will be made, and
2. minutes of its Academic Board meeting and (if applicable) Governing Council meeting which record the consideration, discussion and approval of the revised policy prior to its submission to TEQSA

Main reasons for the revocation decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the condition was no longer necessary.

Registration

Report on registration of Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd

On 23 October 2019, TEQSA:

• granted, under section 21 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the application by Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd for registration in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of five years until 23 October 2024
• accredited, under section 49 of the TEQSA Act, the following three courses of study offered by Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd for a period of five years until 23 October 2024:
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Diploma of Information Technology
  • Diploma of Business Information Systems.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions on the basis that it was satisfied that Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd meets the Provider Registration Standards and Provider Course Accreditation Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

Registration

Report on registration of Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd

On 23 October 2019, TEQSA:

• granted, under section 21 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the application by Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd for registration in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of five years until 23 October 2024
• accredited, under section 49 of the TEQSA Act, the following three courses of study offered by Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd for a period of five years until 23 October 2024:
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Diploma of Information Technology
  • Diploma of Business Information Systems.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions on the basis that it was satisfied that Australia Advance Education Group Pty Ltd meets the Provider Registration Standards and Provider Course Accreditation Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

Extension of accreditation period

Report on extension of accreditation of 20 higher education courses of study offered by Box Hill Institute

On 6 March 2020, a delegate of TEQSA extended, under section 57A of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses offered by Box Hill Institute:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Bachelor of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Music from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Diploma of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security from 6 December 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Biosecurity Science from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Community Services from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Audio Production) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Master of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 16 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision consistent with the principles set out in TEQSA's policy on extensions to the period of provider registration or course accreditation, including an assessment of risks associated with the extension.

Extension of accreditation period

Report on extension of accreditation of 20 higher education courses of study offered by Box Hill Institute

On 6 March 2020, a delegate of TEQSA extended, under section 57A of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses offered by Box Hill Institute:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Bachelor of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Music from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Diploma of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security from 6 December 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Biosecurity Science from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Community Services from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Audio Production) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Master of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 16 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision consistent with the principles set out in TEQSA's policy on extensions to the period of provider registration or course accreditation, including an assessment of risks associated with the extension.

Extension of accreditation period

Report on extension of accreditation of 20 higher education courses of study offered by Box Hill Institute

On 6 March 2020, a delegate of TEQSA extended, under section 57A of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses offered by Box Hill Institute:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Associate Degree of Commerce (Applied) from 9 September 2022 to 22 April 2023.
• Bachelor of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Music from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion from 29 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Diploma of Computer Systems from 14 August 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising from 5 September 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security from 6 December 2020 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Biosecurity Science from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Community Services from 26 February 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Audio Production) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Graduate Diploma of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 23 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.
• Master of Music (Contemporary Practice) from 16 October 2021 to 28 December 2021.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision consistent with the principles set out in TEQSA's policy on extensions to the period of provider registration or course accreditation, including an assessment of risks associated with the extension.