Academic Requirements

Academic Requirements
Rights and Responsibilities of Students
Resources and Facilities
Prizes and Scholarships

Admission

Admission Requirements

The University requires that all applicants for courses meet the University's admission requirements.

To qualify for admission, applicants must attain a prescribed level of performance in the Tertiary Entrance Examination or its interstate or overseas equivalents. Other qualifications may also be acceptable but the University reserves the right to determine the appropriate level of acceptability. Qualification of admission does not guarantee a place, particularly in courses for which there is competition for the number of places available.

More information on qualifications that can be used to meet course entry requirements and course prerequisites is available from: http://prospective.curtin.edu.au/study/index.cfm

International Applicants

For further information please refer to: http://international.curtin.edu.au/applying/

Alternative Entry

Curtin offers a range of alternative entry pathways. These include bridging and enabling programs for selected students who narrowly fail to satisfy normal admission requirements for selected courses. Application for these courses is made directly to the University. Not all courses have alternative entry programs. For more information on bridging and enabling programs, and other alternative entry pathways, please refer to: http://prospective.curtin.edu.au/study/pathways.cfm

Special Consideration Entry

Applicants who believe they warrant special consideration due to extraordinary circumstances may contact the University Admission Centre for Special Consideration Application guidelines. Applicants can contact the University Admission Centre on +61 8 9266 7805 or email: admissions@curtin.edu.au. It is recommended that applicants have details of their special circumstances prepared at the time of enquiry, as it is useful when seeking advice from staff. The details of every conversation regarding special consideration will be treated respectfully and confidentially

Applications

Applications for admission to Curtin at undergraduate level are to be made to the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC). The only exceptions to this requirement are for international fee-paying students, applicants who have previously studied at Curtin and mid-year entry applicants. For further information about the TISC application process please refer to: http://www.tisc.edu.au. For further information about other application processes at Curtin please refer to: http://prospective.curtin.edu.au/admission/index.cfm.

Admission into Honours Degree Programs

It is possible to undertake honours study in a number of areas at Curtin. Students in the University’s own programs may be invited to undertake honours within their existing program or a separate honours degree program if their semester weighted average is above 65 per cent in at least the previous two study periods of full-time study.

Pass level degree graduates from other recognised higher education institutions may be considered for admission by the respective areas provided their academic record is equivalent or better than that required for Curtin students. Prospective applicants should write to the head of school of the discipline in which they wish to study providing detailed information on academic performance.

Each school has its own deadline and criteria for selection of honours-year students. In general, however, graduates from other institutions should write to the head of school before the end of October for selection for the following academic year. The head of school will advise prospective students on the status of their application including dates for enrolment in the event of being successful. For more information, please refer to: http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/honours_degrees_and_degrees_with_honours.doc

Postgraduate Admission and Selection

Prospective students should consult the head of school in which they wish to study regarding eligibility for admission. It should be noted that while they might meet eligibility requirements for admission, entry into a postgraduate program may not be possible in a particular year because appropriate staff members are not available to supervise specialist areas of research, and/or suitable facilities are not available. For more information, please refer to: http://postgrad.curtin.edu.au

Contact

For more information on admission to Curtin University of Technology, contact the University Admission Centre.
Phone: +61 8 9266 7805
Email: admissions@curtin.edu.au
Website: http://prospective.curtin.edu.au

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Higher Degrees by Research

Prospective higher degree by research students should refer to the Regulations for Doctoral and Master by Research Degrees at the website (this also includes doctorate by coursework): http://research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/index.cfm

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Expenses

Student Fees and Expenses

Fees, charges and levies are approved by the Council of the University or in the case of the minimum Commonwealth Supported rates (previously HECS rates) annually by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).For information on these and other fees, please refer to: http://fees.curtin.edu.au

Amenities and Services Fee

All enrolled students are required to pay an Amenities and Services Fee (unless in a category of student specifically exempted from payment). Different rates apply for full-time and part-time students and for different locations. For more information, please refer to: http://fees.curtin.edu.au/amenities.cfm

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Enrolment

Deadlines for Enrolment

Failure to meet deadlines may result in the loss of place or the application of late fees. Students will receive enrolment advice confirming their enrolment. It is the responsibility of each student to confirm that these details are correct.

Amendment to Enrolment

Students may add or withdraw from units by specified deadlines. Withdrawal after the relevant census date will not remove the fee liability for that unit(s). For more information, please refer to: http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/enrolment/amendment.cfm

Cross-Institutional Enrolment

Cross-institutional enrolment is when a student already enrolled in one university wishes to enrol in unit(s) at another institution and have that study credited towards their degree. Formal arrangements exist with other universities in Australia. Students interstate and overseas interested in this scheme should contact Student Central or email: customer-service@vccurtin.edu.au

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), previously known as Advanced Standing, is the recognition of relevant prior study, experience or skills that a student has before undertaking the course.

Students who believe that they should not be required to study some units in a course, either because they have covered the work in other academic areas or because they have undertaken relevant employment activities, may apply for exemption from specified units. Refer to the University Policy and Procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning at: http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/enrolment/rpl.cfm

Guild Membership

Students automatically become members of the Student Guild on enrolment unless they elect at the time of enrolment not to become members. Students can subsequently resign from Guild membership at any time. For more information, please refer to: http://guild.curtin.edu.au

Leave of Absence (Non-Research Students)

Students may apply for specified periods of absence from their studies. For more information please refer to: http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/enrolment/loa.cfm

Placements and Exclusion from Clinical and Practical Units

Where completion of satisfactory clinical/practical experience is a compulsory part of the course, the University will make every endeavour to arrange a placement but accepts no responsibility should agencies refuse to accept any student.

Where there is concern that a student may be a danger to others when carrying out required practical or clinical training, eg health reasons, the student may be excluded from further study. For further information on possible exclusion contact the relevant head of school.

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Assessment

Students will be assessed, and given results only in those units for which they have enrolled. Centrally scheduled end of semester examinations are conducted during the official examination period as outlined in the academic calendar.

Students enrolled in units externally will be informed early in each semester of arrangements for external examinations. Depending on location, some external students may be responsible for organising the examination venue. Further information for external examinations is contained in the Distance Education Handbook.

Deferred and Supplementary Examinations

Information on deferred and supplementary examinations is available at: http://students.curtin.edu.au/administration/examinations/exam_supplementary.cfm

Student Status

The Board of Examiners ratifies the results of each student at the end of each study period. The Board of Examiners also determines a course status for each student of Good Standing, Conditional or Course Terminated.

To retain a status of Good Standing, students must achieve a satisfactory level of performance in their studies. A student who does not perform satisfactorily may be placed on Conditional status for which conditions may apply.

Students whose performance indicates to the Board of Examiners that they are unlikely to complete their course satisfactorily will be advised that their studies are terminated.

For information on appeals against status refer to the Appeals section.

Notification of Results

Results will be made available at the completion of each study period. On conferral of their award, students will receive a Statement of Academic Record (SAR), free of charge.

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Results Grading System

Results will be made available at the completion of each study period. On conferral of their award, students will receive a Statement of Academic Record (SAR), free of charge.

Grade Descriptor	AVCC Descriptor
5	50 - 59 Pass
6	60 - 69 Credit
7	70 - 79 Distinction
8	80 - 89 High Distinction
9	90 - 99 High Distinction
10	100 High Distinction
F	Fail
PA	Pass grade only
PC	Conceded pass
PX	Pass after supplementary examination
X	Outstanding supplementary
DNA	Did not attend
GNS	Grade not submitted
ANN	Result annulled due to misconduct
DNC	Did not complete
D	Deferred

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Graduation

To be eligible to graduate, students must have satisfied all the requirements of their course. Graduation is the date on which the University approves the conferral of an award on a graduand, and this date appears on the award and Statement of Academic Record. On conferral of their award, students will receive a Statement of Academic Record (SAR), free of charge. For more information please refer to: http://graduations.curtin.edu.au.

Intermediate Awards

The intermediate award provides a student with the opportunity to obtain an interim award where, owing to exceptional circumstances they are unable to complete the course for which they are enrolled. For further information refer to:
http://www.policies.curtin.edu.au/documents/intermediate_awards.doc

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Appeals

Students have a right of appeal against academic or administrative decisions affecting them.

Remember that disputes can frequently be resolved without going to a formal appeal. Before using a formal appeal procedure, students should discuss any disputed decision with their course coordinator or head of school.

A student may seek assistance and advice from the Student Guild in preparing an appeal.

If a student considers that they have been unfairly or improperly treated in the appeals process, they have the right to lodge a grievance with the Grievance Resolution Officer as outlined in the University Grievance policy.

For information on all appeals refer to: http://students.curtin.edu.au/rights/appeals/index.cfm

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Penalties (for Plagiarism)

Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty. It occurs when the work of another person, or persons, is used and presented as one's own, without proper acknowledgement of the work quoted or reference made.

A person who encourages a student to commit an act of plagiarism, or who assists a student to commit such an act is guilty of colluding in the act of plagiarism. A student who is guilty of such collusion may be subject to the same penalties as the student who actually commits the plagiarism.

The University takes a very serious view of plagiarism. There is a range of penalties, which may be imposed on a student for acts of plagiarism. Depending on the seriousness of the act(s) of plagiarism, and/or the number of other previous similar offences, a student may have one or a combination of the following penalties imposed by the University:

cancellation or deprivation of credit for any examination or other assessment item, which will entail an ANN* grade (an annulled result due to misconduct) being assigned to the relevant unit, in a student's academic record
suspension from attendance at lectures, seminars, tutorials or other classes
suspension from the use of, or exclusion from, laboratories or other facilities or any part of such facilities
suspension from attendance at, or exclusion from, any examination or other assessable activity
exclusion from a particular course, the courses within a particular Division, or from the University in its entirety, for any specified period not exceeding the remainder of the calendar year
refusal for re-enrolment as a student
a fine, up to the maximum approved by the Council
expulsion from the University.

*(Curtin University of Technology Act, 1966 – Statute 10 Student Disciplinary Statute)

Staff are required to make students aware of the University’s expectations with respect to academic honesty. All unit outlines distributed by the University are required to contain reference to the University Statement on Plagiarism. Staff are required to report incidences of plagiarism immediately upon discovery to facilitate appropriate action being taken.

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Miscellaneous

Criminal Record Screening and Clearance

Many Curtin courses require students to undertake an external clinical placement, practicum or other fieldwork. Hospitals, schools, welfare agencies and other organisations, which have substantial dealings with people, now require that employees and associates be subject to criminal record checks. Students who are enrolled in courses in education, community and public health and human service areas, or where stipulated in the Curtin Courses Handbook, are required to undergo Criminal Record Screening and obtain a clearance prior to undertaking their placements or practicums. Clearance is obtained through the CrimTrak Agency, for a cost of around $30.

A criminal record does not necessarily preclude a student from participating in an external placement, clinical practice or practicum. However, external agencies have advised that convictions leading to 12 months imprisonment or more for crimes:

of a violent or sexual nature, or
where the victim was under 18 years of age or elderly, or
for dealing or trafficking in drugs, or
involving fraud

are likely to lead to a refusal to provide any placement involving contact with the public.

Further details about the Criminal Record Screening and Clearance will be issued to successful applicants in appropriate courses upon enrolment or may be included with an offer of a student place. Students undertaking double degrees in Education (especially with Health Sciences) should ensure that their type of Clearance is acceptable to the Department of Education and Training (WA). Appropriate forms are available at: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/ or http://www.health.wa.gov.au

Applicants should be aware that if they apply for a clearance and do have a conviction relating to offences such as (1) or (2) above, then this information will be placed on a national database and made available to other authorities. Applicants can obtain confidential advice from the following agencies:

Head of University Counselling Services at Curtin on +61 8 9266 7850
Department of Health (WA) on +61 8 9222 4308
Department of Education and Training (WA) on +61 8 9264 4111

Communicable Diseases

Prospective students who are carriers of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis B or C, HIV or Tuberculosis who are seeking admission to specific programs at Curtin are strongly advised to seek advice on the University policies and procedures in this area from the relevant course coordinator or the University Health Service before making application for the course.

Youth Allowance and Austudy Payments

Youth Allowance (for students 16-24 years) and Austudy (for students 25 years of age and over) payments are available to eligible students who are undertaking at least 75 per cent of the full-time workload of their course.

Students need to be residentially qualified and need to meet either the parental income and assets means test or the independence criteria. To assess your entitlement to payments, contact 132 490, visit the Centrelink Student Services Centre at the Bentley Campus (Building 106), or go to: http://www.centrelink.gov.au

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Higher Education Reforms in 2006

This information is meant only as a brief introduction to the Higher Education Reforms – students should refer to the website http://www.goingtouni.gov.au for more detailed information.

Overview

In 2005, the Australian Government introduced a package of Higher Education Reforms, affecting domestic students. Domestic students belong to one of the following categories:

Australian citizen;
New Zealand citizen; or
Holder of an Australian permanent visa

The more significant changes are detailed below.

Types of Students

Domestic students can either be a 'Commonwealth supported student' or a 'fee-paying student'. The vast majority of domestic undergraduate students at Curtin are in Commonwealth supported places.

Postgraduate students at Curtin will continue to be fee-paying.

Student Contributions and Tuition Fees

Each year the University determines the student contribution for Commonwealth supported students for each unit within ranges set by the Australian Government. Tuition fees for fee-paying students are also determined each year. All fees are published at: http://fees.curtin.edu.au

Higher Education Loan Program

If a student is an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa, they may pay their student contribution or tuition fee up-front, or may request a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan.

HECS-HELP is for eligible Commonwealth supported students (predominantly undergraduate) to pay their student contributions.

FEE-HELPis for eligible fee-paying students to contribute towards their tuition fees (predominantly postgraduate students at Curtin). Students are able to borrow up to $50,950. A loan fee of 20 per cent applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study.

Repayments for all HELP loans are based on income. Students do not have to start repaying their HELP debt until their income reaches a certain level ($36,184 in 2005-2006).

If a student commencing a course after 1 January 2005 is a New Zealand citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa other than a humanitarian visa they will not have access to a HELP loan. They must pay their student contribution or tuition fee up-front without a discount.

Transitional Arrangements for Students Who Commenced their Course Prior to 2005

Students who commenced their course in a HECS place prior to 1 January 2005 and have not discontinued their course nor completed it will have access to HECS-HELP based on the eligibility criteria that applied under HECS unless they discontinue or complete their course or no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

The maximum student contributions that a university can charge a pre-2005 HECS student are less than the maximum that can be charged to a student who commences their course in 2005.

Students who prior to 1 January 2005 commenced a postgraduate course that was eligible for PELS and who incurred a PELS debt for that course and have not discontinued their course nor completed it will have access to FEE- HELP based on the eligibility criteria that applied under PELS unless they discontinue or complete their course or no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

These transitional arrangements will remain in place for study up to and including 31 December 2008.

Student Learning Entitlement

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent visa have a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE), giving them access to seven years equivalent full-time study as a Commonwealth supported student. Additional SLE is allocated in specific circumstances (for example, if a student enrols in an undergraduate course that is longer than six years).

Request for Commonwealth Assistance Form

All students who are in a Commonwealth supported place must complete and sign a request for Commonwealth assistance form and provide it to the University upon entry to the course.

Students who are requesting HELP assistance must complete a request for Commonwealth assistance form and provide it to the University on or before the census date.

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

Students receiving Commonwealth higher education assistance (for example, studying as a Commonwealth supported student, or accessing a HELP loan) are given a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN). This number will stay with them throughout their academic life, allowing their entitlements to be maintained, even if they transfer to another university.

The Department of Science, Education and Training (DEST) is responsible for allocating CHESSNs. Students will be advised of their CHESSN.

"Going To Uni" Website – Department of Science, Education and Training

To assist in the management of the reforms and provide information to students, the Australian Government has established a website at: http://goingtouni.gov.au.

Students are able to access the HEIMS Student Private Portal from this site for a summary of their personal details regarding the Commonwealth assistance they are entitled to.

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