Non-Award Studies Policy

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PREAMBLE

Non-award studies include programs for professional development, educational development, general interest and preparation for study offered by the University. Non-award studies cater for a range of educational requirements outside of the University's award courses (award courses are specified in the Council Register of Degrees, Diplomas and Other Academic Awards). Fees charged for non-award studies must be established in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation and guidelines issued by the Commonwealth.

1	Policy
	The University will facilitate, through the provision of non-award studies, opportunities for members of the University and members of the public to further their education.
	1.1	Non-award studies will be offered in accordance with the provisions outlined below.
	1.2	Administrative procedures pursuant to this policy will be subject to approval by the Executive Director of Administration.
2	Single Topic Studies
	Single topic studies comprise study in a topic or topics normally offered within an award course, but for which the student is not enrolled in an award course, or the topics are excess to the student's approved course load.
	2.1	The following admission requirements will apply:
		• An applicant must be able to meet academic standards and other eligibility criteria as specified by the faculty.
		• An applicant will be admitted only if the faculty is willing to accept the applicant and places are available in the topic concerned.
	2.2	A tuition fee will be payable for single topic studies. Normally, the standard rate will be equal to the highest student contribution amount or the tuition fee charged for that topic. Faculties must apply to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for permission to charge a fee greater than the standard rate.
	2.3	A student who has successfully completed single topic studies will be eligible to apply for credit for relevant studies in an award course, in accordance with the University's Credit Transfer Policy.
	2.4	Certification of completion of single topic studies will be a transcript of academic record.
	2.5	A student may not qualify for admission to a course of study solely on the basis of the completion of single topic studies.
3	Cross-Institutional Studies
	Cross-institutional studies are offered by arrangement between two institutions, in cases where a student is enrolled in an award course or an enabling course at one institution, and opts to undertake a unit or units offered by another institution. Subject to the policies or requirements of the relevant institutions, such studies can normally be counted towards completion of the award course in which the student is enrolled.
	3.1	Where the applicant is enrolled at another institution and applies to undertake cross-institutional studies at Flinders University he or she will only be admitted if a place is available in the topic concerned and the relevant faculty accepts the student.
	3.2	Normally students undertaking cross-institutional studies will incur liability for payment of fees and charges appropriate to the student load taken in the host institutions as follows:
		• the student contribution amount;
		• the relevant tuition fee if applicable;
		• incidental fees.
	3.3	Certification of completion of cross-institutional studies will be a transcript of academic record.
	3.4	A student may not qualify for admission to an award course solely on the basis of completion of cross-institutional studies.
4	Continuing Education Programs
	Continuing education programs are those which cater for professional development, educational development or personal interest. The following provisions apply to continuing education programs offered by the University, or offered jointly with another institution, except where the student is informed that alternative provisions will apply for a particular program. Where the University is offering a program jointly with another institution, alternative provisions may apply for that particular program, as agreed by the two institutions.
	4.1	Faculties will publish details of continuing education programs from time to time, and fees which will apply for such courses.
	4.2	Admission requirements for continuing education programs will be determined by the faculty offering the program.
	4.3	A student who has successfully completed a continuing education program may be eligible to apply for credit for relevant studies in an award course, in accordance with the University’s Credit Transfer Policy.
	4.4	A student may not qualify for admission to an award course solely on the basis of the completion of studies within a continuing education program.
	4.5	A student completing a continuing education program will be issued with a certificate by the faculty offering the program. The certificate will be of a design approved by the Executive Dean of the Faculty and the Executive Director of Administration.
5	Foundation Course
	The Foundation Course is a short preparatory and orientation course for students who may wish to apply to study at Flinders University.
	5.1	The aims, objectives, structure, content and assessment of the Foundation Course will be determined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
	5.2	No specific admission requirements will apply to the Foundation Course. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available preference will be given to educationally disadvantaged applicants. Applicants will be ranked in accordance with procedures approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
	5.3	A certificate of completion signed by the Executive Director of Administration will be issued to students completing the Foundation Course. The certificate will be of a design approved by the Executive Director of Administration.
	5.4	Applicants for places in University undergraduate degree and diploma courses may be admitted on the basis of completion of the Foundation Course in accordance with University entry requirements. No credit towards the completion of University degree and diploma programs may be granted on the basis of completion of the Foundation Course.
	5.5	Fees for the Foundation Course will be published each year by the Executive Director of Administration.
6	Auditing of Topics
	Auditing is the attendance by a person at lectures in a topic from an award course, for general interest.
	6.1	A student will normally be entitled to attend lectures only. No assessment of student work will occur.
	6.2	A student may not qualify for admission to an award course on the basis of completing audited topics.
	6.3	A student may not gain credit within a University degree or diploma program on the basis of completing audited topics.
	6.4	No certification will be provided for participation in or completion of audited topics.
	6.5	Fees for auditing will be published by the Executive Director of Administration each year.