Course accreditation
Report on accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd
On 12 September 2022, the TEQSA Commission:
- accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following course offered by Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd, for a period of five years until 12 September 2027:
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary).
- imposed, under section 53 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the accreditation of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary).
Condition 1: Staffing
Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd (SCEI HE) is not to commence delivery of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) until such time as TEQSA notifies SCEI HE that TEQSA is satisfied SCEI HE has appointed suitably qualified academic staff to teach and provide academic leadership in the course.
For this to be assessed by TEQSA, SCEI HE must provide TEQSA the CVs of all teaching and academic leadership staff appointed for the course, including details of SCEI HE's assessment of professional equivalency for those who do not meet the requirements of Standard 3.2.3, prior to the commencement of delivery.
Condition 2: Delivery with Other Parties
Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd (SCEI HE) is not to commence delivery of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) until such time as TEQSA notifies SCEI HE that TEQSA is satisfied SCEI HE has obtained professional accreditation from the relevant state bodies and has secured professional placements at primary schools.
For these to be assessed by TEQSA, SCEI HE must provide TEQSA with evidence of professional accreditation and agreements that demonstrate professional placements for students have been secured, prior to the commencement of delivery.
Main reasons for the decision
TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that the course submitted by Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:
- Standards 3.2.1, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 in relation to the adequacy of staffing.
- Standards 5.4.1 and 3.1.5 in relation to the securing of professional accreditation and primary school professional placements.
TEQSA's decision to impose conditions on the accreditation of the course is a reviewable decision under section 183 of the TEQSA Act.
Application to withdraw conditions
In accordance with section 53 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the accreditation of a higher education course of study, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.
