3. Program design

3.1 Program design principles

Double counting of courses is allowed without restriction, but does not reduce the total unit value requirement of a program or plan. Where a course is double counted it must be substituted with another course of equivalent value. Substitute courses are taken from free electives unless a specific course is required to satisfy professional accreditation requirements.
The program design principles specific to each award type are detailed in Table 1: ANU Academic Program Design Principles. [HESF 3.1.1]
Exit Only programs will list in their admission requirements all programs from which transfer will be accepted. Exit only programs must not list any sub-plans or courses in their admission requirements, with the only exceptions being the Diploma of Studies, Graduate Certificate of Studies, Graduate Diploma of Studies, and Master of Studies.

Table 1: ANU Academic program design principles [HESF 3.1.1]

Table 1a: Diploma [pathway]

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Diploma [pathway]	5	High
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
1 Year	48
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission quality floor
Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	N/A	Selection Rank 70
Structural Requirements
Must be structured to provide a pathway program for particular cohorts who do not have a senior secondary certificate or equivalent. The Diploma is available as an exit option for the Bachelor Degree where the Diploma admission requirements have been met in full. For clarity, to be eligible for adjustment factors, an applicant must have a minimum ASA Year 11 Rank of 70 or a minimum ATAR of 70. Therefore where the selection rank is 70, an applicant is not eligible for any adjustment factors.

Table 1b: Diploma [concurrent]

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Diploma [concurrent]	5	High
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
1 year	48
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission quality floor
Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	N/A	Selection Rank 80
Structural Requirements
A concurrent diploma is designed to be taken concurrently with other study. It is designed to be taken part time, although it may be technically possible to complete full time. It must not be CRICOS registered as CRICOS-registered programs must be designed to be taken full-time. The Diploma is available as an exit option for the Bachelor Degree where the Diploma admission requirements have been met in full.

Table 1c: Associate Degree

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Associate Degree	6	High
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
2 Years	96
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission quality floor
Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	Diploma	Selection Rank 75
Structural Requirements
Must be structured to provide a pathway program for particular cohorts who do not have a senior secondary certificate or equivalent.

Table 1d: Bachelor Degree

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Bachelor Degree	7	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
3 Years	144
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Completion of Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	Diploma	Selection Rank 80
Structural Requirements
A 3-year (144 unit) Bachelor degree requires completion of a total of 144 units including: A maximum of 96 units of specified discipline/area studies, which includes: Discipline depth (minimum 48 units, which may be identified through majors) Development of minimum volume of Graduate Attributes Meet the Design Principles (below) for Bachelor Degrees A minimum of 48 units of electives, expressed as “[a minimum of ] [insert value] units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU”, unless prevented by professional accreditation A Bachelor degree must permit a maximum of 60 units at 1000-level, unless professional accreditation requirements mean a different maximum is required. Design Principles for Bachelor degrees Distinctiveness Principle: Programs of study are distinct from other programs and are self-contained. Developmental Principle: Programs of study incrementally scaffold development of discipline/area knowledge. Depth Principle: Programs of study contain discipline/area depth, including a minimum of 18u at 3000-level. Broader Context Principle: Programs of study embed opportunities for applying discipline knowledge in broader contexts, including: a minimum of 12 units that meet the TD-GA a maximum of 12 units other forms of experiential learning Flexibility Principle: In Flexible Double Degrees, programs of study provide flexibility between programs through identifying 24 units that can come from either degree Sub-plans A sub-plan cannot be listed in program orders or included on a transcript unless it requires a minimum of 12u of courses that are not compulsory at program level. Minors are available but elective only and, other than language minors, cannot be included in program orders. A list of minors that is not part of the program orders can be given in a further information section of programs and courses for a program.

Table 1e: Bachelor Degree (+ 1 year immersion component)

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Bachelor Degree (+ 1 year immersion component)	7	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
4 Years	192
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Completion of Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	Diploma Bachelor Degree	GPA 5.0 (Transfer only)
Structural Requirements
Admission by internal transfer only from an ANU AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree following completion of 48 units at ANU. Must align with the requirements of standard (144 unit) Bachelor degrees, plus a 48 unit immersion component.

Table 1f: Bachelor Honours Degree (+ 1 year Honours)

Award		AQF Level		Risk Level
Bachelor Honours Degree (+ 1 year Honours)		8		Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement		ANU Volume of Learning in Units
Minimum 48 units at AQF Level 8 (4000-level) as one year following a Bachelor degree.		192, as 144+48
Pathways	Exit Program		Admission Quality Floor
Admission into a ‘+ 1’ Bachelor Honours program requires completion of an ANU Bachelor program of the same name, or equivalent from another University; that is, admission to an ANU Bachelor of X (Honours) requires completion of an ANU Bachelor of X, or equivalent from another University.	Bachelor Degree		A weighted average mark equivalent to an ANU 70 per cent calculated from the 36 units (i.e. 0.75 EFTSL) of courses in the major cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses (i.e. introductory undergraduate courses), with the highest marks; completion of senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent for 192 unit programs.
Structural Requirements
Honours grading schema must be used for overall grade (H1, H2A, H2B, H3) using the HONS code. Must include a research training minimum equivalent to 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 8. Research training may be in courses dedicated solely to research training or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. Must include a research project equivalent to a minimum of 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 8. Research project/s may be in courses dedicated solely to a research project or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. All Honours components listed in program orders for 1 year Honours plans are coded at 4000-level. For 1 year Honours plans, the final Honours mark will include all courses taken towards the plan and be calculated as follows: Σ (mark x units) / Σ units, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero PhB (Hons) and Advanced programs may integrate research throughout the degree in line with agreed outcomes for these programs.

Table 1g: Bachelor Honours Degree (Embedded)

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Bachelor Honours Degree (Embedded)	8	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
Embedded in a bachelor degree that is longer than 3 years.	192
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Completion of Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	Bachelor Degree	Selection Rank 80
Structural Requirements
Must align with the requirements of standard (144 unit) Bachelor degrees Honours grading schema must be used for overall grade (H1, H2A, H2B, H3) Must include a research training minimum equivalent to 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 8. Research training may be in courses dedicated solely to research training or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. Must include a research project equivalent to a minimum of 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 8. Research project/s may be in courses dedicated solely to a research project or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. Honours components listed in program orders for embedded Honours are coded at 4000-level. For embedded Honours plans the WAM will be approved by Academic Board. NCN and WN will have a nominal mark of zero. PhB (Hons) and Advanced programs may integrate research throughout the degree in line with agreed outcomes for these programs.

Table 1h: Bachelor Honours Degree PhB or R&D

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (PhB); and Bachelor (Research and Development) (R&D)	8	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
4 years	192
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Completion of Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent.	Bachelor Degree	Selection Rank 98
Structural Requirements
The structure of ANU undergraduate research programs includes clearly identifiable components that provide the research experience. These components are advanced study courses (ASC) that are stand-alone research projects, and advanced study extension (ASE) courses that are standard courses with an additional module for PhB or R&D cohorts. For PhB programs that typically follow the 3+1 Honours model, the program includes a minimum of: Years 1-3: 18u ASC plus 18u ASE or ASC Year 4: minimum 24u Honours research project For R&D or other programs that typically follow the embedded Honours model, the program includes a minimum of: Years 1-2: 24u ASE or ASC Year 3: 12u ASC Year 4: 12u ASC

Table 1i: Graduate Certificate

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Graduate Certificate	8	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
0.5 - 1 year	24
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Bachelor Degree	None.	GPA 4.0
Structural Requirements
A graduate certificate must consist of 6000-, 7000-, and/or 8000-level courses. The only exception is that 1000, 2000 and 3000 level courses for learning a language other than English may be included in the orders, up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the global requirement.

Table 1j: Graduate Diploma

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Graduate Diploma	8	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
1 - 2 year	48
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Bachelor Degree; or Graduate Certificate	Graduate Certificate	GPA 4.0
Structural Requirements
A Graduate Diploma must consist of 6000-, 7000-, and/or 8000-level courses. The only exception is that 1000, 2000 and 3000 level courses for learning a language other than English may be included in the orders, up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the global requirement.

Table 1k: Masters Degree (excluding Master (Extended) and Master (Research))

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Masters Degree (Coursework) Masters Degree (Advanced)	9	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
1 - 2 years	Cognate entry: 48, 72, or 96 Non-cognate entry: 72 or 96
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Bachelor Degree Bachelor Honours Degree Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma	Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma	GPA 5.0 GPA 6.0 (Advanced)
Structural Requirements
Masters degrees (coursework): are constituted by 6000-, 7000-, and 8000-level courses. The only exception is that 1000, 2000 and 3000 level courses for learning a language other than English may be included in the orders, up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the global requirement. must require completion of at least 24 units (non-Advanced) or 48 units (advanced) of courses that are not co-taught with 1000-, 2000-, or 3000-level courses (to meet this requirement, all standard teaching events must be separate, but special events including guest lectures may be co-taught). must include a research training minimum equivalent to 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 9. Research training may be in courses dedicated solely to research training or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. A sub-plan cannot be listed in program orders or included on a transcript unless it requires a minimum of 12u of courses that are not compulsory at program level. A Masters degree must require students, amongst other things, to “demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship” (Australian Qualifications Framework: Addendum to the Second Edition January 2013, p. 6): The purpose of the assessment is to demonstrate that the student can design and implement a project in the workplace and/or produce an output that demonstrates potential to undertake a coursework thesis. The assessment of this requirement is to constitute at a minimum either 100% of the assessment of a 6-unit course, or equivalent if the course is a multiple of 6 units; or 50% of the assessment of two 6-unit courses. This can be met by either a single assessment item or, nested assessment that results in the production of a final single assessment item. The assessment must demonstrate both planning and execution of that plan. The assessment design should allow for either a written output of publishable quality; or an output appropriate for dissemination to the public or senior management in written, oral, or other format appropriate to the discipline. A Masters (Advanced) degree includes a thesis of at least 24 units. Where both an Advanced and a non-Advanced version of a program exist, the only difference in the names of the two programs should be that the advanced version includes “(Advanced)”.

Table 1l: Masters Degree (Extended)

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Masters Degree (Extended)	9	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
3 - 4 years	144 or 192
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Bachelor Degree Bachelor Honours Degree	Graduate Diploma	Master programs excluding MChD: 5.0 MChD: as approved by Academic Board
Structural Requirements
Masters degrees (extended): are constituted by 6000-, 7000-, and 8000-level courses, and a maximum of 24 units of 4000-level courses only. The only exception is that 1000, 2000 and 3000 level courses for learning a language other than English may be included in the orders, up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the global requirement. must require completion of at least 24 units (non-Advanced) or 48 units (advanced) of courses that are not co-taught with 1000-, 2000-, or 3000-level courses (to meet this requirement, all standard teaching events must be separate, but special events including guest lectures may be co-taught). must include a research training minimum equivalent to 12 units of summative assessment tasks at a minimum of AQF Level 9. Research training may be in courses dedicated solely to research training or may be embedded as one component in each of one or more courses. A sub-plan cannot be listed in program orders or included on a transcript unless it requires a minimum of 12u of courses that are not compulsory at program level. The use of the title ‘Juris Doctor’ is permitted for a Masters Degree (Extended) for legal practice. The use of the title ‘Doctor of ...’ is permitted for a Masters Degree (Extended) for medical practice. Where both an Advanced and a non-Advanced version of a program exist, the only difference in the names of the two programs should be that the advanced version includes “(Advanced)”. A Master (Extended) degree must require students, amongst other things, to “demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship” (Australian Qualifications Framework: Addendum to the Second Edition January 2013, p. 6): The purpose of the assessment is to demonstrate that the student can design and implement a project in the workplace and/or produce an output that demonstrates potential to undertake a coursework thesis. The assessment of this requirement is to constitute at a minimum either 100% of the assessment of a 6-unit course, or equivalent if the course is a multiple of 6 units; or 50% of the assessment of two 6-unit courses. This can be met by either a single assessment item or, nested assessment that results in the production of a final single assessment item. The assessment must demonstrate both planning and execution of that plan. The assessment design should allow for either a written output of publishable quality; or an output appropriate for dissemination to the public or senior management in written, oral, or other format appropriate to the discipline.

Table 1m: Masters Degree (Research)

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Masters Degree (Research)	9	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
1.5 - 2 years	96
Pathways	Exit Program
Bachelor Degree Bachelor Honours Degree
Structural Requirements
A Masters Degree (Research): Is a combination of supervised research and Masters level coursework where the research component is two-thirds or more of the qualification. Is constituted of 8000- and 8900R-level courses. Enrolment into lower level courses requires approval by the Delegated Authority. Must include a thesis of up to up to 60,000 words. All Masters Degree (Research) must be titled Master of Philosophy [with augmentation], unless an exception is approved by Academic Board.

Table 1n: Doctoral Degree

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Doctoral Degree (including professional doctorates)	10	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
3-4 years	96-192
Pathways	Exit Program
Bachelor Honours Degree Masters Degree including successful completion of a Thesis of at least 24 units	Master of Philosophy
Structural Requirements
Doctoral degrees: are constituted of 9000- and 8000-level courses. Enrolment into 6000- and 7000- level courses require approval by the Delegated Authority. are a combination of supervised research and/or professional practice, doctoral level coursework and skills training. must not have more than one third coursework and/or skills training. must require students, amongst other things, to “demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.” (AQF level criteria). must include a thesis of up to 100,000 words unless the thesis is by compilation or another alternative format (see 'Procedure: Higher degree by research - thesis by compilation and thesis by creative works').

3.2 Double programs

The design principles for double programs are detailed in Table 2: ANU Double program design principles.
In order to graduate with two awards from a double degree program the core requirements of both individual awards must be met in their entirety. A student may graduate from a single award that is one of the two awards in their FDD if they have met the requirements for the single award in full.
The minimum length of an undergraduate double degree program must be at least as long as the longest of the two component award courses plus 48 units. The minimum length of a double Masters program must be at least as long as the longest of the two component degree courses plus 24 units, or at least 96 units, whichever is longer. No degree in a double Masters program will be shorter than 48 units.
Double counting of courses is allowed without restriction, but does not reduce the total unit value requirement of a program or plan. Where a course is double counted it must be substituted with another course of equivalent value. Substitute courses are taken from free electives unless a specific course is required to satisfy professional accreditation requirements.

Table 2: ANU Double degree design principles

Table 2a: ANU Double Bachelor degree design principles

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Double Bachelor Degree (two testamurs)	7 - 8	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
4–6 years	Longest degree + 48 units
Pathways	Exit Program	Admission Quality Floor
Completion of Senior Secondary Certificate of education or equivalent Associate Bachelor Degree Bachelor Degree	Bachelor Degree Bachelor Degree (Honours)	For study commencing before 1 January 2027: As per each of the applicant’s selected programs For study commencing on or after 1 January 2027: Selection Rank 80
Structural Requirements
Students must complete the core requirements of both degrees. Typically structured as 96:96 units or 96:144 (for combinations with embedded Honours degrees). The maximum number of 1000-level courses that may be permitted in a single component of a Double Bachelor degree is 48 units. Maximums of less than this amount are permitted. Courses can be counted to either degree, noting limitations in professionally accredited programs, but double counting does not reduce the total unit value required for completion. Flexible double degrees allow majors and minors across programs. A degree does not have to be available in a FDD combination.

Table 2b: ANU Double Masters degree design principles

Award	AQF Level	Risk Level
Double Masters Degree (coursework)	9	Standard
AQF Volume of Learning Requirement	ANU Volume of Learning in Units
2-3 years	Longest degree + 24 units, or at least 96 units, whichever is longer.
Pathways	Exit Program
Bachelor Degree Bachelor Honours Degree Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma	Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma Master of Studies (MSTD)
Structural Requirements
Students must complete the core requirements of both degrees.

3.3 Specification of program requirements

A program requirement is an Order of the University and is written in a format appropriate for a legislative instrument.
Program requirements govern a program’s completion. Requirements refer to only prescribed and standard elements.
Program requirements are not used to explain choices and are not open to ambiguity or interpretation. Exceptional options requiring permission, or other such variations are not included.
Program requirements are self-contained and:

do not reference external materials including other programs;
do not advise of the need to seek further advice from University staff or other sources;
do not require enrolment in additional, non-specified courses in order to complete compulsory courses; and
do not contain compulsory sub-plans, that is, where sub-plans are listed there must be a choice between at least two sub-plans.

The language used is plain, concise, and formal.
Requirements are expressed in the terms of a unit value. Requirements are not expressed in number of courses, semesters of study etc.
“Program or Sub-Plan Total Unit Value” is the number of units required for completion of the Program, Major, Minor, or Specialisation. It is the first stated requirement. Minimum total unit value for each program type is specified in Table 1: Academic program design principles, and Tables 3a, 3b & 3c for Majors, Minors, and Specialisations.
“Global requirements” are requirements at program or sub-plan level that specify total unit values for the program or sub-plan by course level (1000-level, etc) or by subject areas as specified by alpha codes. Global requirements do not reference specific course/s. Global requirements are specified immediately after the “Program or Sub-Plan Total Unit Value”. Certain “Global requirements” are specified in Table 3b: Program orders requirements.
“Detailed Requirements” list the program requirements within the constraints imposed by the “Program or Sub-Plan Total Unit Value” and the “Global Requirements”. Detailed requirements are specified immediately after the “Global requirements”.
All unit values are expressed as an exact number or as a minimum/maximum.
Referencing broad grouping of courses is done by catalogue number; 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, or 9000-level. References to ‘first year’, ‘second year’, ‘third year’, ‘later year’, ‘fourth year Honours’ are not used as study patterns and intensities differ.
Requirements for coursework programs do not refer to organisational units other than ANU.
Program requirements utilise the templates provided in Table 3: Program orders requirements.
Subject Areas using course alpha codes are used only where a review of all courses with the relevant alpha code has confirmed they are appropriate for the relevant program and consideration of similar courses assigned to other alpha codes is demonstrated.
Proposals for program requirements that do not follow the requirements specified in section 3.3 of this procedure, including Table 3: Program orders requirements, require endorsement of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) before consideration by the relevant College Education Committee(s).

Table 3: Program orders requirements

Table 3a: Program orders requirements: total unit value

Total Unit Value – Programs, Majors, Minors and Specialisations
Requirement type	Structure
Total Unit Value Used to specify the number of units required for completion of the Program or Sub-plan (Major, Minor, or Specialisation). It is the first stated requirement.	The Award name [with Augmentation name] requires the completion of XXX units, of which: The Sub-plan name requires the completion of XXX units, which include:

Table 3b: Program orders requirements: global requirements

Global Requirements – Programs, Majors, Minors and Specialisations
Requirement type	Structure
Global unit values Used where there are global unit values required. Global unit values apply across all other requirements.	The Award name [with Augmentation name] or Sub-plan name requires the completion of XXX units, of which: List global unit values by level or Subject Area here The XXX units must consist of: List Detailed requirements here
No global unit values Used where there are no global unit values required.	The Award name or Sub-plan name requires the completion of XXX units, which must consist of: List Detailed requirements here
Global unit values required by level The word “may” is used for maximum values and “must” is used for minimum and exact values. The word “and” is used to indicate that the limit applies to the sum of units where more than one level is listed.	[A maximum of / A minimum of] XX units [may / must] come from completion of XXXX-level [and YYYY-level] courses

Table 3c: Program orders requirements: detailed requirements

Detailed requirements – Programs, Majors, Minors and Specialisations

Requirement type

Structure

Use where there is exactly one compulsory course

XX units from completion of ABCD2001 Course Title

Use where all courses listed must be completed

The number of units required are equal to the sum of units from all listed courses.

The list should not have additional description.

Compulsory courses are listed together in the orders.

Prerequisite / Co-requisite courses of compulsory courses are also compulsory.

Courses incompatible with compulsory courses are not listed in the Orders

Do not give alternatives to compulsory courses: in such instances there must be a list from which students choose, e.g. 12 units from completion of one of the following courses:

XX units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

XXXX2001 Course Title

YYYY4002 Course Title

ZZZZ6003 Course Title

Use where there are progression requirements

By default, units from completion of courses must be used to satisfy exactly one Detailed Requirement.

Detailed Requirement or Global Unit Value here, which may contribute to meeting any other requirements

Detailed Requirement or Global Unit Value here, which may contribute to meeting the [description] course requirement above

Subject areas using course alpha codes for lists of courses

The total units available from completion of courses in the listed subject area/s are greater than total units required.

Subject areas can only be used where a review of all courses with the relevant alpha code has confirmed they are appropriate for the relevant program and consideration of similar courses assigned to other alpha codes is demonstrated.

Sufficient prerequisites and co-requisites to meet these requirements must be available in the Principal requirements of the plan for students to complete without needing to undertake additional courses.

Single Subject Area

[A minimum of / A maximum of] XX units from completion of courses from the subject area XXXX Subject Area X

Multiple Subject Areas

[A minimum of / A maximum of] XX units from completion of courses from the following subject areas:

XXXX Subject Area X

YYYY Subject Area Y

ZZZZ Subject Area Z

Lists using a list description

Where a list description is used, it identifies a content topic or pedagogical function, e.g. “Regolith geology” or “Project courses”.

The words “core”, “elective” (other than “ANU elective”, “component”, and “advanced” must not be used in the list description.

Multiple lists may be used as part of a single requirement

Single list description

A minimum of XX units from completion of [description] courses from the following list:

XXXX2001 Course Title

YYYY4002 Course Title

ZZZZ6003 Course Title

Multiple list description

XX units from completion of courses from [one / N / any] of the following lists:

List A description

XXXX2001 Course Title

XXXX6003 Course Title

List B description

YYYY2001 Course Title

YYYY6003 Course Title

Use a list description where there are multiple majors/ minors/ Specialisations

Majors are for Undergraduate programs only

Language Minors are for all programs

Non-language minors are not listed in program orders

The words “core”, “elective” (other than “ANU elective”), “component”, and “advanced” must not be used in the list description.

[48/24] units from completion of one of the following [description] [majors / minors/ specialisations]:

Major A

Major B

Major C

Use of Electives as descriptor for a list

Use only where students’ choice of courses is restricted only by ‘Global requirements’.

These are the only lists of courses which may be identified as electives (see Principal requirements)

XX units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Use where a course may/must be completed more than once

[A minimum of / A maximum of] XX units from completion of ABCD1234 Course Title, which [may/must] be completed more than once [, in a different Topic each in instance][, in consecutive semesters]

Undergraduate specialisation co-requisite

Undergraduate specialisations must be undertaken in conjunction with one or more majors unless all prerequisite and co-requisite requirements are compulsory at program level.

This specialisation must be taken in conjunction with the co-requisite name major

This specialisation must be taken in conjunction with a major from the following list:

Major A

Major B

Major C

Table 3d: Program orders requirements: progression principles

Progression Principles – Programs, Majors, Minors and Specialisations

Requirement type

Structure

Either/or requirements

Where students may freely elect between two sets of Detailed requirements of different kinds, the words “Either” and “Or” must be used as specified over. To avoid ambiguity, no other words must be used.

Either:

Detailed Requirement A

Detailed Requirement B

Or:

Detailed Requirement C

Split requirements

Use for progression requirements before research components. Masters and embedded Honours Degrees only. Not available in Masters Degrees that may be in a vertical double degree.

XX units from completion of the following coursework component:

List Detailed requirements here

XX units from completion of the following research component:

List Detailed requirements here

Students must achieve a minimum XX% weighted average mark in the coursework component to continue to the research component.

Progression requirements: WAM over units

Use for progression requirements effective after a specified point. Not available in Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Not available in Masters Degrees that may be in a vertical double degree.

Students must achieve a minimum XX% weighted average mark in the first ZZ units of courses attempted in order to remain enrolled in the Award name.

If the total number of units attempted exceeds ZZ in the same teaching period in which the ZZth unit is attempted, exactly ZZ units will be used in the calculation of the weighted average mark with units from the course with the highest mark applied first followed by further units from courses in descending order of marks.

Progression requirements: WAM over periods

Use where students must maintain a specified level of academic performance. A clearly-defined subset of courses within the program may be specified as the object of the calculation.

Do not use GPA since it is based on academic career. Not available in Graduate Certificate of Graduate Diploma.

Students must achieve a minimum XX% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Award name.

Progression destination requirements

Use where students who do not meet progression requirements are transferred to a specific destination Award.

Students who do not achieve a minimum of XX% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Award name.

3.4 Modes of program delivery

Modes of delivery for programs are specified in Table 4: Modes of Delivery for ANU Programs.

Table 4: Modes of delivery for ANU programs [consistent with HESF 3.1.1.b]

Program: Fully on-campus	A program that may be completed entirely from on-campus courses. This does not preclude students from enrolling in online versions of courses where: (i) online versions of a course are available and are scheduled such that the program sequencing is not negatively impacted; and (ii) students on International Student Visas comply with limits on online and distance courses required by their visa.
Program: Fully online	A program that may be completed entirely from online courses. This does not preclude domestic students from enrolling in on campus versions of courses subject to on campus versions of a course being available and scheduled such that the program sequencing is not negatively impacted. Fully Online programs are not available to students in Australia on an International Student Visa, but are available to international students who do not enter Australia.
Program: Fully off-shore	A program that is taught fully outside of Australia, that is, a Transnational Program. As students do not enter Australia, an International Student Visa is not required for the program.
Program: Combination of on campus and online	A program designed so that some courses are taught on campus and some courses are taught online. The university makes no undertaking that the program can be completed either fully online or fully on campus. Students on international student visas must comply with limits on online and distance courses required by their visa. Where the University cannot guarantee that students on international student visas can comply with limits on online and distance courses required by their visa the program will not be CRICOS registered.
Program: combination of on campus and off campus in-person	A program designed to be taken fully in person, with at least 50% of the total unit value of the program on campus but with a compulsory component to be taken in-person off campus. Examples include the (With Year in Asia) and (With Year in Industry) tagged programs. If the off campus component is optional or elective, then the program can be completed fully on campus and so the mode of delivery is fully on campus. Owing to visa requirements, some of these programs are not available to students on an International Student Visa.
Program: Intensive	A program designed to be taught over a compressed timeframe either (i) by teaching all courses in intensive mode; and/or (ii) by significantly reducing the number of non-teaching weeks between commencement and completion of the program.

3.5 Graduate coursework admission requirements

Admission will normally be available directly into a 48 unit Masters degree that requires cognate entry, or into a 72 or 96 unit Masters degree that either does or does not require cognate entry.
The cognate requirement may be met by a Bachelor degree, Bachelor Honours degree, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma, Masters degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience. Cognate disciplines must be specified for each Masters degree at the time of accreditation.
Minimum requirements for admission to graduate coursework programs are specified in Tables 5 - 7. Exemptions in place with lower minimum GPA as at 01/01/2019, or a lower minimum professional experience as at 01/01/2021 are grandfathered until the next review.
Unless academically justified, admission requirements that include informal or non-formal learning are expressed as “full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program”, where the words ‘in a field related to the program’ may be replaced with a more program-specific reference.
Graduate coursework programs may specify higher or additional admission requirements.

Table 5: Minimum admission requirements for Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas

For admission to …	Graduate Certificate	Graduate Diploma
Student has…
Bachelor	Bachelor Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Bachelor Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Bachelor (Honours)	Bachelor (Hons) Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Bachelor (Hons) Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Graduate Certificate	Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Graduate Diploma	Graduate Diploma with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Graduate Diploma with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Masters	Masters Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Masters Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7
48 units (equiv) of PG courses	Completion with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Completion with a minimum GPA of 4/7
PhD	PhD	PhD
No formal learning	5 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program	5 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program

Table 6: Minimum admissions requirements for 48 unit Masters programs

For admission to …	Masters (48u)
Student has…
Bachelor	Bachelor Degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 5/7* OR Bachelor Degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and 3 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program*
Bachelor (Honours)	Bachelor (Hons) Degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7*
Bachelor + Graduate Certificate	Bachelor Degree + Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7*
Graduate Certificate	Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and 3 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program*
Graduate Diploma	Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7*
Masters	Masters Degree in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7*
48 units (equiv) of PG courses	48 units of PG courses in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7*
PhD	PhD
No formal learning	10 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program*
*PLUS 5 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program for programs requiring professional experience.

Table 7: Minimum admissions requirements for 72/96 unit Masters, JD, MChD and Masters Advanced programs

For admission to …	Master (72u/96u, JD, MChD)	Masters Advanced
Student has…
Bachelor	Bachelor Degree with a minimum GPA of 5/7 OR Bachelor Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and 3 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program	Bachelor Degree with a minimum GPA of 6/7
Bachelor (Honours)	Bachelor (Hons) Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Bachelor (Hons) Degree with a minimum GPA of 5/7 or 2A Honours
Bachelor + Graduate Certificate	Bachelor Degree + Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Graduate Certificate	Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and 3 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program
Graduate Diploma	Graduate Diploma with a minimum GPA of 4/7
Masters	Masters Degree with a minimum GPA of 4/7	Masters Degree with a minimum GPA of 5/7 or 2A Honours
48 units (equiv) of PG courses	48 units of PG courses with a minimum GPA of 4/7	48 units of PG courses with a minimum GPA of 5/7
PhD	PhD	PhD
No formal learning	10 years full-time equivalent years of professional experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program

Information	Printable version (DOCX)
Title	Accreditation Handbook Part 3 - Program Design
Document Type	HandbookSection
Document Number	ANUP_8742735
Version
Purpose
Audience	Staff, Students
Category	Academic
Topic/ SubTopic	Teaching & Learning

Effective Date	19 Jan 2026
Next Review Date	19 Jan 2031

Responsible Officer:	Pro Vice Chancellor (Education and Digital)
Approved By:	Academic Board
Contact Area	Division of Student Administration and Academic Services
Authority:
Delegations	Is this policy a source policy for a delegation? - Does this update affect/impact any delegations created by this policy document? Delegations Created By this policy? Delegations relevant to this policy? 0

3. Program design

3.1 Program design principles

3.2 Double programs

Table 2: ANU Double degree design principles

Table 2a: ANU Double Bachelor degree design principles

Table 2b: ANU Double Masters degree design principles

3.3 Specification of program requirements

Table 3: Program orders requirements

Table 3a: Program orders requirements: total unit value

3.4 Modes of program delivery

Table 4: Modes of delivery for ANU programs [consistent with HESF 3.1.1.b]

3.5 Graduate coursework admission requirements

Table 5: Minimum admission requirements for Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas

Table 6: Minimum admissions requirements for 48 unit Masters programs

Table 7: Minimum admissions requirements for 72/96 unit Masters, JD, MChD and Masters Advanced programs

Information