Curriculum Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

Our curriculum is owned by Adelaide University and delivered in partnership with our Colleges and other teaching units. This policy outlines our principles for the design, approval and management of a contemporary and inclusive curriculum at Adelaide University. 

It provides authority for the following procedures within the Curriculum Policy:

• Curriculum Approval Procedure
• Curriculum Design Procedure
• Curriculum Management Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to 

Our policy applies to members of the Adelaide University community involved in the design, approval and management of our coursework curriculum.

3. Our curriculum policy principles

Adelaide University offers curriculum that is consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 (HESF), and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). We will meet relevant Australian legislative requirements and those of other countries where curriculum is offered.

The ten principles for our Curriculum Policy are:

1. Adelaide University’s coursework curriculum will be of the highest quality, shaped by a culture of continuous improvement. 
2. Our curriculum will be contemporary, digitally enabled, accessible, with a focus on transferable skills, embedded in learning experiences, and promoting lifelong learning. It will be supported by advanced learning technologies and designed to deliver a flexible, richly interactive and highly personalised learning experience.
3. Our curriculum will be aligned with the needs of our industry and community partners, ensuring relevance to current and emerging professional contexts. 
4. Our curriculum will be designed to enable students to develop Adelaide University’s Graduate Qualities.
5. Curriculum will be developed, reviewed and managed to provide students with opportunities for scaffolded academic and professional development, informed by the principles of constructive alignment.
6. Wherever possible, our curriculum will offer students a suite of common courses providing shared learning experiences and building relevant and transferable skills. 
7. Our curriculum will respectfully incorporate and acknowledge First Nations Knowledges or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges.
8. Our approach to curriculum design and delivery fosters excellence with integrity, and considered risk-taking and innovation to offer our students curriculum of the highest standard.
9. Our curriculum will be designed to facilitate the inclusion of diverse cohorts.
10. Focused practices will reflect and sustain Adelaide University’s global standing and reputation as a top-ranked university. 
    

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

5. How our policy is governed

Our Policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to this policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes