The seven domains of Part A: a guided tour

Part A of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 is organised into seven domains. Titles below are quoted from the instrument; the summaries are ours.

Domain 1 - Student Participation and Attainment

The student lifecycle: fair and documented admission (1.1), credit and recognition of prior learning consistent with the AQF (1.2), orientation and monitoring of progression (1.3), learning outcomes and assessment that actually confirm attainment (1.4), and qualifications certified securely and consistently with the AQF (1.5).

Domain 2 - Learning Environment

Where study happens: fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure (2.1), equity and genuine opportunity for diverse cohorts - with specific consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (2.2), wellbeing and safety including a critical-incident policy (2.3), and grievance and complaints processes that work without reprisal (2.4).

Domain 3 - Teaching

The academic core: specified course design engaging advanced knowledge (3.1), staffing that is sufficient and qualified, holding a qualification at least one level higher than the course taught or equivalent experience (3.2), and current, accessible learning resources and support (3.3).

Domain 4 - Research and Research Training

For providers that do research: a policy framework for ethical and responsible research (4.1) and an institutional framework for research training, including continuing supervision arrangements for each candidate (4.2).

Domain 5 - Institutional Quality Assurance

The self-checking machinery: course approval and accreditation overseen by peak academic governance (5.1), academic and research integrity (5.2), comprehensive review of each accredited course at least every seven years with external referencing (5.3), and continued accountability when courses are delivered with other parties (5.4).

Domain 6 - Governance and Accountability

Who answers for it all: a formally constituted governing body exercising competent oversight and upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom (6.1), demonstrated viability and accountability including audited financial statements (6.2), and effective academic governance of teaching and research (6.3).

Domain 7 - Representation, Information and Information Management

Telling the truth in public: representation that is accurate and not misleading - courses must not be described as accredited before they are (7.1), accurate and timely information for students (7.2), and information management including a current public repository of provider information (7.3).