Renewal of course accreditation

Report on renewal of accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by Holmesglen Institute

On 31 January 2020, a delegate of TEQSA renewed, under section 56 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following course offered by Holmesglen Institute, for a period of seven years until 31 January 2027:

• Bachelor of Sports Media

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the course submitted by Holmesglen Institute for renewal of accreditation continues to meet the Provider Course Accreditation Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by Holmes Institute Pty Ltd

On 31 January 2020, a delegate of TEQSA:

• accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following course offered by Holmes Institute Pty Ltd, for a period of three years until 31 January 2023:
  • Graduate Certificate in Business.
• imposed, under section 53 of the TEQSA Act, three conditions on the accreditation of the course Graduate Certificate in Business.

Condition 1: Update Information and Learning Resources for Students

1.1 By 31 March 2020 Holmes Institute must update the following information for students and learning resources to address the deficiencies identified by paragraphs 12, 35, 37, 38, 54 and 55 of the Assessment Report: Course Admission Information, Offer Letter and Acceptance, Sequence of Study, its website, unit textbooks and recommended readings of each unit of the course.

1.2 By 31 March 2020, Holmes Institute must confirm these updates in a report to TEQSA that demonstrates Holmes Institute has satisfied the specified condition.

Condition 2: Align Assessments with Student Learning Outcomes

2.1 By 31 March 2020 Holmes Institute must revise the following documents to improve the alignment of assessments with course learning outcomes, and to state the academic coordinator and lecturers of each unit of study as well as the hours and contacts for timely feedback: Constructive Alignment and Unit Outlines, Course Learning Outcomes Constructive Alignment and Summary of Unit Assessment.

2.2 By 31 March 2020, Holmes Institute must confirm these revisions in a report to TEQSA that demonstrates Holmes Institute has satisfied the specified condition.

Condition 3: Staffing

By 31 March 2020 Holmes Institute must submit a document to clarify the availability and workload of academic staff who teach in the course on multiple campuses.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that the course submitted by Holmes Institute Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015: Standards 1.1.1 and 1.3.3 of Part A, in relation to admissions policies, requirements and procedures

1. Standards 1.4.3, 1.4.4 and 1.5.3 of Part A, in relation to methods of assessment and expected learning outcomes
2. Standards 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 and 3.3.1 of Part A, in relation to course design, staffing and learning resources
3. Standard 5.1.3 of Part A, in relation to institutional course approval and review policies
4. Standard 6.2.1i of Part A, in relation to corporate accountability
5. Standards 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 of Part A, in relation to information for prospective and current students.

Application to withdraw conditions

In accordance with section 53 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the accreditation of a higher education course of study, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

Extension of accreditation period

Report on extension of accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by Macleay College Pty Limited

On 30 January 2020, 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 Macleay College Pty Limited:

• Diploma of Advertising & Media extended for a period of 10.4 months until 20 July 2022

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 two higher education courses of study offered by INSEARCH Limited

On 30 January 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 INSEARCH Limited:

• Diploma of Science from 17 March 2021 to 29 January 2022
• Diploma of Design and Architecture from 17 March 2021 to 29 January 2022

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.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of four higher education courses of study offered by Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd

On 01 February 2019, a delegate of TEQSA:

• accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following courses offered by Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd, for a period of seven years until 01 February 2026:
  • Master of Arts (Leadership Practice)
  • Master of Arts (Theology)
  • Graduate Certificate of Arts
  • Graduate Diploma of Arts
• imposed, under section 53 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the accreditation of the Master of Arts (Leadership Practice), Master of Arts (Theology), Graduate Certificate of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Arts.

Condition 1: Course Assurance

At least one month prior to commencing delivery of the Master of Arts (Leadership Practice), Master of Arts (Theology), Graduate Certificate of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Arts, Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd (ACCS) must provide TEQSA with evidence that it has course assurance safeguards to mitigate disadvantage to students who are unable to progress in a course of study due to unexpected changes to the higher education provider's operations. This evidence must include:

1. the mechanism by which ACCS will facilitate students to transfer to a comparable course of study, with full credit or (where this is not possible) with an explanation of why particular units are so specialised in nature that full credit is not possible. The replacement courses must meet the following requirements:
1. the course must lead to the same or comparable qualification as the original course
2. the mode of delivery of the replacement course must be the same as or, with the student's consent, similar to the mode of delivery for the original course
3. the location of the replacement course must be reasonable, having regard to the costs of, and the time required for, a student's travel
4. the student will not incur additional fees that are unreasonable and will be able to attend the replacement course without unreasonable impacts on the student's prior commitments.

Condition 2: Course Approval and Accreditation

Prior to the delivery of the Master of Arts (Leadership Practice), Master of Arts (Theology), Graduate Certificate of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Arts and to the satisfaction of TEQSA, Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd must provide TEQSA with evidence that processes are in place to monitor the continued accessibility and availability of the learning resources and educational support resources needed by student in order to achieve the learning outcomes of the course.

TEQSA requests that prior to delivery of the courses and to the satisfaction of TEQSA, Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd (ACCS) provide evidence that ACCS has a subscription to EBSCO.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that the courses submitted by Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015:

1. Sections 5.1 and 6.2 of Part A, in relation to:
1. Course approval and accreditation
2. Corporate monitoring and accountability

TEQSA's assessment considered Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd's arrangements for delivery at all Australian sites.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Melbourne Polytechnic

On 6 February 2019 TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Ttertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Melbourne Polytechnic in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of four years until 6 February 2023
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, three conditions on the registration of Melbourne Polytechnic:

Condition 1.

By 30 June of each year, Melbourne Polytechnic must provide TEQSA with evidence that the scholarly activities of staff are increasing, including:

1. a report on Melbourne Polytechnic's arrangements for scholarly activity. The report must include:
1. details of how Melbourne Polytechnic's policies and frameworks for scholarship of its higher education staff have been implemented in the 12 months prior to the date of the report
2. a list of each staff member who taught one or more units in a Melbourne Polytechnic higher education course in the 12 months prior to the date of the report
3. the scholarly and research activities undertaken by each staff member, categorised in accordance with the Melbourne Polytechnic Research, Scholarship and Original Activity Model Schema
4. a review of Melbourne Polytechnic's policies and frameworks by its Academic Board, including any recommendations for amendments to those policies and frameworks.
2. a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Melbourne Polytechnic Board which record the Board's consideration and approval of the report at paragraph (a), as well as actions taken in response to any recommendations from the Academic Board.

Condition 2.

By 30 June 2019 and by 30 June of each subsequent year until further notice, Melbourne Polytechnic must provide TEQSA with evidence that student performance statistics are improving, including:

1. a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the probable causes for observed rates and trends for student attrition, progression, minimum time completion rates and absent failure rates, for each accredited higher education course it offers. The analysis must include accurate data on student attrition, completion, progression, grade distribution and absent failure rates and include analysis by:
1. onshore and offshore locations of delivery
2. entry path (comparing students admitted under each entry pathway);
3. credit awarded
2. a report on referral to and uptake of student support including participation in formal study support programs
3. a report containing analysis of external referencing of student achievement in similar courses at other higher education providers.
4. evidence that the Academic Board has reviewed the quality of teaching and learning at Melbourne Polytechnic in the light of the reports (a-c) and forwarded them to the Board with its recommendations
5. evidence that the Board has considered the quality of teaching and learning at Melbourne Polytechnic in the light of the Academic Board's recommendations and the reports (a-c), including minutes of a meeting showing active Board consideration of the reports and the Academic Board's recommendations.

Condition 3.

By 30 June 2019 and 30 June each year until further notice Melbourne Polytechnic must provide evidence verifying continuing compliance of the courses of study with the Standards that relate to the offshore delivery in Hong Kong and Fuzhou, China.

The evidence must include:

1. revised policy documentation, including the International Program Agreement, that accurately references the requirements of the higher education legislative framework
2. copies of reports to the Board, Academic Board and Joint Management Committee meetings which include an analysis of monitoring, review and any improvement activities, and which demonstrate that the offshore operations and delivery of accredited courses of study are consistent with the provider's institutional policies and operations and that course delivery arrangements enable achievement of expected learning outcomes regardless of a student's place of study.
3. copies of meeting minutes which record the consideration of the reports at 3b.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Melbourne Polytechnic 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 monitoring, review and improvement
2. Section 5.4 of Part A, in relation to delivery with other parties
3. Section 3.2 of Part A and Criteria 1.1.4 of Part B in relation to scholarship

TEQSA's assessment considered provider Melbourne Polytechnic's arrangements for delivery at its Australian and overseas sites in Fuzhou, China and Hong Kong.

Revocation of registration conditions

Report on revocation of conditions imposed on registration of Melbourne Polytechnic

On 6 February 2019 TEQSA revoked, under section 32 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 imposed on the registration of Melbourne Polytechnic (refer public report of 27 November 2014).

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the conditions have been met, or, where TEQSA had residual concerns, that these will be addressed by the imposition of new conditions on the registration.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Western Sydney University (formerly University of Western Sydney)

On 21 November 2018, TEQSA renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Western Sydney University in the category of Australian University, for a period of seven years until 21 November 2025.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that Western Sydney University continues to meet the Provider Registration and Course Accreditation Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

TEQSA's assessment considered Western Sydney University's arrangements for delivery at its Australian and overseas sites.

TEQSA found that Western Sydney University has demonstrated:

1. strong governance and accountability through robust structures and processes to attend to functions diligently and effectively
2. detailed and mature approaches to risk and finance management
3. a strong pledge to academic quality and research outcomes
4. a strong commitment to increasing participation of under-represented groups of students in higher education activities, evidenced by well-targeted support, appropriate to the varying needs of its students
5. a sound commitment to maintaining academic and research integrity at every level of governance, enacted through a comprehensive suite of policies, procedures, educational resources and interventions
6. a robust evaluative and innovative approach to teaching, learning and research through the extensive "21st Century Curriculum Project" aimed at providing resources to assist academics and academic leaders to design high quality assessment using the latest educational technologies.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by the Cairnmillar Institute

On 1 March 2019, a delegate of TEQSA accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following course offered by the Cairnmillar Institute, for a period of seven years until 1 March 2026:

• Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the course submitted by the Cairnmillar Institute for accreditation meets the Provider Course Accreditation Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

TEQSA's assessment considered the Cairnmillar Institute's arrangements for delivery at all Australian sites.