Higher Education Professional Entry Criteria Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline professional entry criteria for Alphacrucis University College (AC) postgraduate and Higher Degree Research (HDR) awards.

Scope

This policy applies to all postgraduate and HDR courses at AC.

Policy

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply: 

1. Professional entry: Professional entry is an option which recognises that many aspects of a person’s life experience may result in the development of skills, abilities and knowledge that relate directly to the ability to undertake tertiary study successfully. 
2. Professional entry applicants: Professional entry applicants are those who are applying for a postgraduate coursework (Levels 8 or 9) or HDR (Level 9 or 10) course of study without having a prior required degree but can demonstrate an appropriate level of professional experience. 
3. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): FTE is a measurement of workload that equates to a full-time workload. 
4. Statement of Service: An official document provided by an employer confirming the applicant’s employment history, including role(s), responsibilities, duration, and relevance to the proposed course of study. 
5. Bridging Subject: An academic subject that may be required for HDR applicants entering via professional entry to demonstrate research readiness if prior research experience or training is lacking. 
6. AQF Levels: The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) categorises qualifications from Level 1 (Certificate I) to Level 10 (Doctoral Degree). This policy refers specifically to Level 8 (Graduate Certificate/Diploma), Level 9 (Masters), and Level 10 (Doctorate). 

Policy Statement

Minimum criteria for professional entry: 

1. Professional experience must be within five years and relevant to the course of study being undertaken. 
2. A CV demonstrating relevant experience 
3. Statement of service or reference from current or previous employer; or, where the student is self-employed, a statutory declaration confirming work experience 
4. A candidate suitability statement 
5. In exceptional circumstances, a case may be made for assessing broader skills or qualifications, such as:  

• research and/or creative projects at an advanced level;  
• publications, presentations and conference participation;  
• experience outside tertiary education in industry, business or government employment; and 
• professional experience in local, state or national organisations. 

6. Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place. 

Guidelines for assessing criteria 

1. Level 8 and 9 – Honours, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by coursework: Three years FTE relevant professional experience. 
2. Level 9 – Masters by Research: Three years FTE relevant professional experience. 
3. Level 10 – Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Philosophy: Five years FTE relevant professional experience with at least five years of those years at a senior level. This timeframe may be disregarded if the applicant can demonstrate equivalent experience through outputs such as: 

• Work published in peer-reviewed journals 
• Published professional work (e.g. policy papers, reports, creative works) 
• Industry leadership or innovation 
• Professional certifications or fellowships 
• Portfolio of creative or practice-based outputs. 

5. Roles and Responsibilities 

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply: 

1. Registrar: The Registrar is responsible for overseeing the implementation, review, and alignment of this policy with institutional standards and regulatory frameworks. The Registrar is also responsible for coordinating communication of policy revisions to stakeholders. 
2. Admissions Committee: The Admissions Committee approves applications for professional entry into postgraduate and HDR programs. The Admissions Committee also assesses supporting documentation to determine whether applicants meet the criteria for professional entry. 
3. Program Directors (or equivalent): Program Directors (or equivalent) may be required to be involved in reviewing submitted documentation (e.g. CVs, Statements of Service, Personal Competence Assessments) for alignment with course requirements. 

 

Responsible for implementation

Registrar

Related legislation

Higher Education Standards Framework: 1.2
Higher Education Support Amendment (2023)

---

Procedures

Professional Entry Criteria Procedure

---