Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

To identify units for which credit might be sought:

• Choose your Southern Cross course;
• In the ‘Course structure’ section, read the Course requirements to become familiar with the blend of units that form the course.
• Scroll down to the Advanced Standing information (if applicable), as it will guide you regarding any course-specific credit limits;
• View the list of units, known as the Schedule of Units. The schedule contains a list of compulsory or core units of study, for example in Part A. Some courses also have major, specialisation or elective unit options shown in other parts;
• Click on any unit link, or perform a Unit Search to view the unit’s content (topics), learning outcomes and graduate attributes.

You should apply for Advanced Standing if you are able to provide a range of supporting documents that verify you have already learnt similar content, can consistently perform unit learning outcome requirements and show the qualities described by the graduate attributes.

The following case studies demonstrate how the highest level of learning attained influences the amount of credit awarded. Normally, aggregated credit amounts do not apply.

Case Study 1: If a person has completed two cognate (AQF level 4) Certificate IV qualifications, any credit awarded will not be the sum (or aggregate) of the two. For example:

In Case study 1, Certificate IV is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of 4 units are awarded.

Case Study 2: If a person has completed a cognate (AQF level 4) Certificate IV qualification and progressed to a cognate (AQF level 5) Diploma qualification, any credit awarded will not be the sum (aggregate) of the two. For example:

In Case Study 2 the Diploma is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of 8 units are awarded.

Case Study 3: If a person has applied to study the Bachelor of Business and they hold an (AQF level 4) Certificate IV in Business and (AQF level 5) Diploma of Massage Therapy (AQF level 5), the lower Certificate IV qualification is considered cognate in determining the amount of credit awarded for prior learning, as the field of learning in the Certificate IV qualification aligns with that of the Bachelor of Business. Any credit awarded will not be the sum (aggregate) of the two. For example:

In Case Study 3, the Certificate IV in Business is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of 4 units are awarded.

Case Study 4: If a person has completed an (AQF level 4) Certificate IV in Business and has worked full-time as an Operations Manager (at ANZSCO Skill Level 1) for 2 years, which substitutes for holding an (AQF level 6) Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management, any credit awarded will not normally be the sum (aggregate) of the two. Credit will be awarded for the highest cognate learning. For example:

In Case Study 4, the 2 years of informal learning attained on-the-job as an Operations Manager, provides the highest level of cognate learning, equivalent to an Advanced Diploma. A total of 12 units are awarded.

The amount and form of credit awarded will determine a student's study plan. Wherever possible, submit an application for Advanced Standing at the same time as applying for admission into your preferred course.

Students wishing to apply for Advanced Standing at a later stage during their studies should lodge an application at least one month before the start of a session for course work units and four months prior for industry placement units. This will ensure that your application is assessed and adjustments are made to the study plan in time for enrolling in units.

All applications must be submitted before the commencement of a student's final session so that course completion and graduation are not unnecessarily delayed.

Australian or New Zealand citizens and humanitarian visa holders should:

• Choose your Southern Cross course, and campus, or opt to study online;
• Apply for Advanced Standing when you Apply for Admission into the course;
• Accept your Offer to study; and
• attend Orientation, or participate online.

International citizens planning to study in Australia on a student visa should:

• Choose your Southern Cross course and campus;
• Apply for Advanced Standing when you Apply for Admission into the course;
• Accept your Offer Package; and
• attend Orientation.

Applications will be acknowledged by the University upon receipt. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in writing via email or post within 20 working days, depending on the level of assessment complexity and whether sufficient supporting documents have been supplied.

Regularly check personal or Southern Cross student email accounts for notification and maintain up-to-date contact details in ‘My Enrolment’.

Some Southern Cross courses may be externally recognised or accredited. The University cannot advise on how the granting of credit might impact on your ability to apply for professional recognition or accreditation with professional bodies, organisations or associations. Please view the information about how credit may be overturned (rescinded).

Only international students studying in Australia on a student visa, who have applied for Advanced Standing and been granted credit after the commencement date of the course, are required by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act to acknowledge, in writing, acceptance of the amount of credit granted.

The Advanced Standing Acceptance Declaration, supplied with the notification of Advanced Standing, must be signed, dated and returned to SCU International within 14 working days of the date of the 'Advanced Standing Notification'.

Accordingly, SCU International will vary the period of study on the 'Confirmation of Enrolment' (CoE). International students should contact the Department of Home Affairs for information on any impact this may have on a post-study work visa.

Credit value is the number of credit points awarded towards the successful completion of a unit (or course). For example:

Credit awarded is the total credit value resulting from the Advanced Standing assessment to determine a student’s prior learning achievement (what they already know, understand and are able to do) in relation to Southern Cross unit learning outcomes within a course.

Credit decisions are evidence-based, equitable and transparent, resulting in forms of credit that emulate the course structure and is either:

• unspecified units (elective credit points) or block credit points);
• specified units where the units are named;
• block credit (usually granted towards whole stages or components of qualification through articulation); or 
• a combination of the above.

If credit has been awarded, you may apply in writing to rescind (withdraw, overturn or cancel) part or all of this credit.

Requests to Rescind will only be approved for sound academic reasons (e.g. you wish to undertake the unit (subject), to change direction in your degree, qualify for professional recognition or accreditation, or undertake an approved exchange or study abroad program.

Once credit has been rescinded you will not automatically be re-granted that credit.

If you are an International student studying in Australia, please consult your Fee Acceptance Agreement about any refund impacts.

Any credit granted or rescinded (withdrawn, overturned or cancelled) will affect study plan preparation, unit selection and online enrolment.

View the Course Progressions to find out which units you should enrol in for each study period. If credit has been awarded for a particular unit or units, do not enrol in these units.

Seek personal study plan advice and assistance by contacting 02 6620 3666 OR 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357 (free call within Australia).

View the:

• Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy;
• Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures; and
• Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures - Schedule 1.