Frequently asked questions | DeakinPrime

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Frequently asked questions

Higher Education

Who is eligible to participate in DeakinPrime’s higher education programs?
Who are programs aimed at?
Are there any admission criteria?
I already have a degree. Can I elect to do postgraduate study?
Can I just take one subject on its own and go no further?
What is advanced standing?
Can I get advanced standing (credit) for other tertiary courses I have completed?
Are there exams for the undergraduate programs?
Do I have to attend lectures for the units I have undertaken?
What assistance is available during my studies?
Will I have to conduct research at the library in my own time?
What are the differences between Undergraduate Level 1, 2 and 3 subjects?
How are the programs paid for?
What happens if I fail a subject?
What happens if I need an extension?
What happens if I need to intermit or withdraw from a subject for personal or work-related reasons?

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

What are VET and the National Training System?
What is Nationally Recognised Training?
What are Registered Training Organisations?
What is the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQF)?
What Qualifications are available in VET?
How do I access Deakin University Policies and Procedures?
Who is eligible to participate in DeakinPrime’s VET Programs?
How is my program structured?
What are Competency Standards?
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
What is Mutual Recognition?
What assistance is available during my studies?
What happens if I do not achieve competency for a unit of competency?
What happens if I need an extension?
What happens if I need to withdraw from a unit of competency, module, or program?
What happens when I need to change my personal details?

Higher Education

Who is eligible to participate in DeakinPrime’s higher education programs?
There are specific entry requirements all prospective participants must meet if they wish to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, DeakinPrime is only able to provide programs to groups of students who are sponsored by their employer and with whom DeakinPrime has an existing contractual arrangement. Our advice to any prospective applicant is to check with their Human Resources or Training Department to see if such arrangements exist.

Who are programs aimed at?

Undergraduate
The University Certificate and Diploma of Management programs are designed to meet the needs of people in (or aspiring to) frontline and middle management roles. They provide participants with leadership, organisational and technical skills and knowledge.
Postgraduate
The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma programs are aimed at middle and senior managers who wish to consolidate their knowledge in key management areas. These programs also offer a pathway towards an MBA.

Are there any admission criteria?

Undergraduate
This is open to all applicants who demonstrate the relevant professional or industrial experience, are motivated and committed to study and are supported by their employer.
Postgraduate
Applicants must have completed a first degree and have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, or, if they do not have a first degree, applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of seven years relevant work experience.

I already have a degree. Can I elect to do postgraduate study?
Yes. You may undertake postgraduate study through DeakinPrime if you already have a degree and two years of management experience. For those without a degree, at least seven years supervisory and/or managerial work experience is required.

Can I just take one subject on its own and go no further?
Yes you can. Subjects can be undertaken individually to meet a specific developmental need, or as part of a sequence of subjects leading to a University award. Any subjects taken, however, still include assessment.

What is advanced standing?
Advanced standing refers to the granting of credit points towards a Deakin award. It may be achieved in one of two ways:

Credit Transfer
Credit points toward a Deakin course of study are granted on the basis of previous accredited or credentialed formal study gained at a university, TAFE college or equivalent institution.
Credit for Prior Learning
A process at the undergraduate level which matches a student’s knowledge, skills and experience against the aims and learning objectives of a Deakin unit of study. If the prior learning matches the content of a Deakin unit or module, the student may be given credit for that unit or module. CPL takes into account any completed formal study and any relevant learning achieved though work or life experience. Note – the Faculty of Business and Law generally does not award CPL at the postgraduate level.

Can I get advanced standing (credit) for other tertiary courses I have completed?
Advanced standing for studies taken at other tertiary institutions may be available. Once enrolled in a program, you can apply for advanced standing. DeakinPrime processes applications on their individual merit in accordance with the policies and procedures of Deakin University. Further information on this may be found in the relevant Student Guide.

Are there exams for the undergraduate programs?
There are no exams in either the University Certificate or the Diploma of Management programs. Assessment is purely through work-based projects and assignments. However, there are exams for subjects studied at levels beyond the Diploma, i.e. once a participant chooses to progress to the Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree courses.

Do I have to attend lectures for the units I have undertaken?
No, there is no requirement to attend on-campus lectures. The units in the program are delivered by self-directed learning (distance education) with tutor support available via email and/or phone. Postgraduate students also use an internet-based teaching and learning environment to access course material and assessment tasks and communicate with their tutors and other students.

What assistance is available during my studies?
A tutor for each subject is available to all participants. Tutors are in contact with participants on a regular basis throughout each subject of study to pass on study tips and to ensure that they are on track. Participants are also encouraged to maintain regular contact with their tutor. Any participant having trouble meeting their study deadlines can contact their tutor or their Program Coordinator at DeakinPrime to seek advice.

Will I have to conduct research at the library in my own time?
DeakinPrime encourages all participants to be innovative and resourceful. As an enrolled student, you can access the Deakin University library facilities. It is always a good idea to get in contact with your tutor at the beginning of the semester to find out their specific assessment requirements.

The learning materials for each subject are extensive and contain much of the information needed to complete the assessment. However, as the nature of the assessments is often workplace-based, participants will need to access other resources to help in their assignments, whether this be from materials available at the workplace or sourced from other places such as the University or local libraries.

All participants must also be aware of how to reference and cite source material in assessments. Further information on this is outlined in the relevant Student Guide.

What are the differences between Undergraduate Level 1, 2 and 3 subjects?

Level 1 subjects are introductory or initial stage units, pitched at the first year of a full-time University degree.
Level 2 subjects are more complex and would normally be undertaken in the second year of a full-time degree. This level assumes more knowledge about the topic area as a result of cumulative learning.
Level 3 is the advanced level when a participant would begin to specialise and be able to demonstrate specialised knowledge in a narrower field. (Note: not available as part of the University Certificate or Diploma of Management programs).

How are the programs paid for?
DeakinPrime only admits students who are sponsored by their employer. Invoices are sent to the relevant person/office at the sponsoring employer at specific times each semester. DeakinPrime cannot accept students who wish to sponsor their own studies. Any such applicants are referred to Deakin University to apply for admission to a study program.

What happens if I fail a subject?
Participants who are selected to commence University study give an undertaking that they will commit themselves to the unit and the required study. If a participant fails to complete, they are given a fail grade. Regardless of any financial arrangements participants may have with their employer, the sponsoring employer is still liable for the unit fees.

If a participant elects to recommence their study with DeakinPrime, their employer will be required to pay the full tuition fee for the next enrolment. It will be up to your organisation as to whether they will support the re-enrolment.

What happens if I need an extension?
Please refer to Extension of Time. The relevant study guides also cover this issue in detail.

What happens if I need to intermit or withdraw from a subject for personal or work-related reasons?
Issues regarding intermission and/or withdrawal from a course of study of study are covered in detail in the relevant Student Guide.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

What are VET and the National Training System?
Vocational education and training, often called VET, is an important part of the modern workplace. As the world of work, and the technology that supports it, becomes increasingly complex, employees need higher levels of skills to be effective, and to contribute to Australia’s economic growth and prosperity. Training and learning is no longer something you do between school and work. Now employees will train, retrain and continue to develop new and higher levels of skills throughout their lives. This ongoing learning is critical to the individual employee, the employer and the economy. VET also provides general education to help people to move into work, further study or work in the community. Many people also choose VET for personal development.

Australia’s national training system is a set of organisational arrangements between the Australian Government, state and territory governments working with industry, employers and training providers to deliver VET.

What is Nationally Recognised Training?
The Nationally Recognised Training logo is used to signify that the associated training has met nationally agreed standards. The logo may be displayed in association with a training organisation that has been formally recognised by the relevant State Training Authority to deliver training or it may be displayed in association with an accredited course or a Training Package and/or one of the components.

What are Registered Training Organisations?
A training organisation is registered by State/Territory Training Authorities as nationally recognised for the provision of training products and services. Through the registration process, training organisations will be registered to deliver a range of training products and services.

What is the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQF)?
The Australian Qualifications Framework (commonly known as the AQF) is a unified system of national qualifications in schools, VET (TAFEs and private providers) and the higher education sector (mainly universities).

What qualifications are available in VET?
National qualifications are defined in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework which provides a single, coherent framework for all recognised qualifications from Senior Secondary Certification to PhD. Within the vocational education and training sector the following nationally recognised qualifications may be issued:

Graduate Vocational Diploma
Graduate Vocational Certificate
Diploma
Advanced Diploma Diploma
Certificate IV
Certificate III
Certificate II
Certificate I

How do I access Deakin University Policies and Procedures?
Deakin University Policies and Procedures can be accessed via the DeakinPrime Project Manager or the Deakin University System website at http://theguide.deakin.edu.au

Relevant policies and procedures are detailed in the VET Participant Handbook.

Who is eligible to participate in DeakinPrime’s VET Programs?
Participant’s eligibility to enrol into selected DeakinPrime VET Programs is determined via a selection process conducted by their employer.

How is my program structured?
The program structure is detailed in the participant’s enrolment form. In some instances, a separate document may be supplied by the DeakinPrime Project Manager containing program specifics in more detail.

What are Competency Standards?
National standards define the competencies required for effective performance in the workplace. A competency comprises the specification of knowledge and skill and the application of that knowledge and skill at an industry level, to the standard of performance required in employment. Competency standards can be either industry- or enterprise-based. Included on the NTIS are details of Competency Standards developed by industry. The standards are linked to industry sectors and courses, where the course has been based on the standards. Competency standards can be downloaded from the database or can be purchased from the relevant Industry Training Advisory Body.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is a form of assessment that acknowledges skills and knowledge gained through:

formal training conducted by industry or education
work experience
life experience.

Throughout our working and social lives we acquire and develop many skills. The concept of RPL acknowledges an individual’s experience gained through past and present employment, training and education. The main principle of RPL focuses on the outcomes rather than how, when or where the learning occurred. RPL recognises existing skills, knowledge and experience, improving the effectiveness of the training process.

What is Mutual Recognition?
RTOs can accept and recognise statements of attainment and qualifications issued by any other RTO. DeakinPrime recognises the qualifications and the statements of attainment, relevant to competencies in the program, issued by other RTOs.

What assistance is available during my studies?
Consultant support is provided to all VET participants. Consultants are in contact with participants on a regular basis throughout each unit or module to provide support and to ensure that they are on track. Participants are also encouraged to maintain regular contact with their facilitator. Any participant having trouble meeting their assessment deadlines can contact their facilitator or their Project Manager at DeakinPrime to seek advice.

What happens if I do not achieve competency for a unit of competency?
Participants deemed Not Competent (NC) are required to re-enrol into the unit of competency if they wish to reattempt (fees apply).

What happens if I need an extension?
Participants are required to contact their DeakinPrime facilitator prior to the assessment due date to discuss their options in relation to extensions. Issues regarding extensions are covered in more detail in the VET Participant Handbook.

What happens if I need to withdraw from a unit of competency, module, or program?
Participants wishing to withdraw from their enrolled program, unit of competency or module must notify their DeakinPrime Project Manager in writing.

Withdrawal is a serious consideration. Participants are encouraged to discuss this choice with their supervisor/manager, facilitator and DeakinPrime Program Manager before taking this step.

Fees may be associated with withdrawing from a unit, module or program.

What happens when I need to change my personal details?
If a participant moves or changes their name, they are required to notify DeakinPrime of the changes. It is crucial that participants keep their address details up-to-date so that course materials and important mailings reach them, and their facilitator is able to make contact with them. This is done via a Change of Details Form which can be accessed from the DeakinPrime Project Manager or the DeakinPrime student website.

In the case of a name change, a certified copy of documentation (for example, Marriage Certificate or Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Change of Name Form) must be submitted with the Change of Details form.