Articulation

Purpose of the policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for the development of articulated arrangements at Victoria University with the aim of addressing key areas in the university strategic plan. These include:

• increasing student movement within and across the vet, further and higher education sectors
• providing equitable access to learning for prospective and existing onshore and offshore Victoria University students
• extending staff understanding about the vet, further and higher education sectors
• supporting staff learning and development relating to articulation
• developing linkages with industries and professional bodies in the region
• expanding linkages with community agencies and organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Articulation?

 At VU, Articulation is a broad generic term to discuss student movement along pathways. The University develops and approves pathways on behalf of students . A pathway can be established in two ways

•  linking existing courses/qualifications

•  developing cross sectoral awards.

These pathways will be listed on the Articulation database.

2. How is Recognition/credit transfer different to Articulation?

If a University approved pathway DOES NOT exist on the Articulation database a student must go through the Credit Transfer/Recognition process to have their previous studies/work/life experience recognised by the University. For further information see the Recognition Policy at http://wcf.vu.edu.au/LegalPolicy/.

3. Is there a Policy that I can refer to regarding Articulation?

Yes, a copy of the policy and procedures can be located at http://wcf.vu.edu.au/LegalPolicy/

4. Is there a database that I can check for Articulation arrangements at VU?

Staff Learning and Educational Development (SLED) are in the process of developing an Articulation database that will identify and explain all Articulation arrangements involving VU Courses. This includes International and local articulation arrangements involving VU Courses. This will be operational in September 2005. Should you need advice before that time please contact the University Articulation Officer Maria De Sensi on 9919 8395 or e-mail Maria.desensi@vu.edu.au

5. Do Articulation Arrangements always identify credits between courses?

 Most articulation arrangements will identify credits negotiated between courses. In some instances, articulation arrangements will only specify the completion of one course as a consideration for entry into another course.

6. How do I go about negotiating an Articulation arrangement between my course and another? How long will it take?

In the first instance it is recommended you read the information contained in the Articulation Policy and related Procedures. You may then contact the Articulation Officer to discuss further. The process does involve approval by a number of University Boards so it is important to allow sufficient time for this to occur.

7. If an Articulation arrangement exists between course A and Course B does that give a student guaranteed entry to Course B?

No. Guarantee of entry does not exist where an articulation arrangement exists. The student would be required to apply for a place in the destination course in the usual manner.

8. I have been contacted by another institution/organisation to discuss the possibility of negotiating an articulation arrangement with a VU course. Can an articulation arrangement be negotiated with VU courses and other organisations?

Yes, this is possible. In the first instance speak with the Articulation Officer to discuss the proposal and to ensure such an existing arrangement (or very similar to it) does not already exist.

9. Where can I get further help in the University regarding Articulation?

It is recommended that you contact the University Articulation Officer in the first instance, and the most appropriate strategy can be agreed to.

Further references

Smoother Pathways from TAFE to Higher Education 
This project investigated the reasons for the diversity in student experiences of articulation at VU, with a view to providing students with the best possible support for this transition. The project focused upon one particular pathway involving areas where certain students were known to have difficulty.  View abstract - The university-VET Transition        (Golding and Vallence, Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE). This paper summarises what is known about University to TAFE movement and discusses implications of that movement for the VET sector.

Useful links

Higher Education at the crossroads
Link to Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training Publications

Department of Education and Training Reports and Papers

Including links to Ministerial Statements on the Future Directions for Victorian Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training.

Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee Website

Information and reports on credit transfer, pathways and qualification linkages between VET and Higher Education.

Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) http:www.dest.gov.au

This site provides useful information on VET, Training Packages the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and provides access to a series of publications. It has taken over the functions of the former Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).

National Training Information Service

The National Training Information Service (NTIS) site provides access to current and emerging training market information and products in vocational education and training. The NTIS database includes comprehensive detail of VET accredited courses, competency standards, Training Packages and training providers and text information on a range of complementary issues.

Victorian Department of Education and Training http://www.det.vic.gov.au/det

Education Portal http://www.education.gov.au

To obtain an overview of currently approved teaching and learning policies, follow the links in the Diagram.