Policy 

Academic Credit Arrangements Policy

OVERVIEW

The University acknowledges the need for clear and effective credit arrangements to increase opportunities for students to access education, improve student mobility between sectors and institutions, and increase the pathways into and between qualifications through recognition of prior learning.

This policy sets out the principles for credit arrangements in coursework academic programs within the World University of Bangladesh.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This policy applies to current and prospective students seeking credit towards coursework academic programs.

POLICY PRINCIPLES

Statement of commitment

• The University will recognise prior learning, and grant credit for that learning, provided it is relevant, current and equivalent to the learning required for the University’s academic programs and courses, and in accordance with this policy.
• Determining equivalence requires academic judgement based on appropriate evidence provided by the student of the prior learning.
• Giving credit should not compromise the integrity of qualification outcomes and discipline requirements.
• This policy and any related procedures will be consistent with the University Grants Commission, Bangladesh and Institutional Quality and Assurance Committee (IQAC).

Types of prior learning

The University may grant credit for the following types of prior learning upon receiving evidence of such learning:

• Formal learning, which includes successfully completed units of learning that take

  place during a structured academic program which would lead to either:

• Non-formal learning including successfully completed units of learning that take place through a structured program but does not lead to a formally recognised qualification; and
• Informal learning including but not limited to learning gained in work experience, volunteering, internships or workplace training. The University may require a student to undertake tasks to enable their learning outcomes to be assessed.

Specified and Unspecified Credit

• When granted Specified Credit a student will receive the appropriate unit value in credit towards the completion of their program and be excused from the relevant course.
• When granted Unspecified Credit a student will receive an appropriate unit value in credit towards the completion of their program but will not be excused from completing a course.

Credit Limits

Subject to 5 below the maximum amount of credit for prior learning is fifty per cent (50%) of the total units of the program.

Credit Rules

• The Faculty Dean may reduce the maximum amount of credit allowed into a program from time to time. The Executive Dean shall report such changes to the University Learning Committee and shall ensure that the maximum credit amount is noted on Degree Finder.
• Students who have completed a Diploma (or equivalent) will be awarded credit at University, however subject to the availability of academic pathways in the students program.
• No more than 24 units of credit may be given towards a Bachelor degree for prior learning which is equivalent to University level I courses.
• No credit will be granted where the total units required to complete an award are 6 units or less.
• Credit will not be granted towards the thesis component of an Honours award or the dissertation component of a postgraduate coursework award, which shall be wholly completed as World University of Bangladesh courses.
• Credit will not be granted for prior learning completed more than ten years before the application for credit unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by the relevant Faculty Dean or the prior learning is for unspecified credit for an unrestricted elective course.

Study Abroad and Student Exchange, Articulation and Cross-institutional

• Learning completed during approved overseas study programs, including student exchange and other pre-defined international study pathways, is considered to be academically equivalent to study completed at the University and World University of Bangladesh credit will automatically be given on receipt of a transcript or other satisfactory confirmation of completion. International programs with which we have no formal agreement will only be recognised for academic credit transfer or fulfilment of a required degree component if they have been previously approved by the relevant faculty.
• Credit will be given in accordance with the articulation arrangement when learning has been completed with a University approved articulation pathway provider.
• Credit for cross institutional study (study at another institution that is concurrent with the student’s enrolment at the University) will not be granted unless prior approval was obtained for the cross-institutional study from the relevant Associate Dean (Academic) or equivalent. Approval for cross-institutional study will only be given if:
  1. the content in the selected course or courses is not provided by the University at any time during the relevant academic year, or
  2. there are, in the opinion of the relevant Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) (or equivalent), sound educational or personal reasons; or
  3. there is a formal cross-institutional agreement between the University and the selected course provider, or
  4. in other circumstances approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

Grading of Credit

Credit will not be given a mark or grade and will not be included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average unless it forms part of a formal agreement between the University and another provider, and the other provider’s courses and results are available.

Transferring Credit

If a student transfers from one program at the University to another, any credit approved for the original program will not be transferred to the new program and the student must re-apply for credit under the new program.

Admission

The availability or granting of credit for prior learning does not guarantee admission to any World University of Bangladesh program. The University may have requirements about the level of performance in a prior learning program or course for the purposes of admission, even where that learning may otherwise be given credit.

DEFINITIONS

Specified credit: Specified credit is awarded when prior learning achieves expected learning outcomes equivalent to those achieved in a course offered at the University and the integrity of the program in which it is offered is maintained.

Unspecified credit: Unspecified credit is awarded for work from another institution that is of a similar standard to work at the University, but for which there is no direct course equivalent.