Accreditation 21 August 2013 updated 06 February 2014

Course accreditation

Report on the accreditation of a higher education course of study offered by West Coast Institute

TEQSA has determined, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), to grant accreditation of the following higher education course of study offered by West Coast Institute for a period of seven years until 21 August 2020:

• Associate Degree in Education (Early Childhood)

On 21 August 2013, TEQSA imposed five conditions on the accreditation of the West Coast Institute Associate Degree in Education (Early Childhood).

On 19 January and 6 February 2014, TEQSA revoked the conditions, on the basis that West Coast Institute had met each of the requirements.

Refer to the Addendum of this report for information relating to the revocation of the five previously imposed conditions.

Background to Decision

West Coast Institute submitted an application for the accreditation of a course of study under Part 4 of the TEQSA Act. Subsection 45(4) of the TEQSA Act requires a registered higher education provider who is not authorised to self-accredit the course of study to apply to TEQSA for accreditation. Subsection 49(6) enables TEQSA to grant accreditation of a course of study for a period not exceeding seven years.

Main Reasons for the Decision

TEQSA has determined that the higher education course of study submitted by West Coast Institute for accreditation complies with the Provider Course Accreditation and Qualification Standards. The course accreditation covers delivery at all Australian sites in addition to delivery.

Addendum to Public Report on 6 February 2014: Conditions Revoked

In accordance with subsections 53(2) and 53(3) of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the accreditation of a course, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

On 21 August 2013, TEQSA imposed five conditions on the Associate Degree in Education (Early Childhood). TEQSA's decision to impose conditions was related to a deficiency in the coverage, currency and range of the relevant research and theoretical frameworks in early childhood. Additionally, there was insufficient course coherence in terms of the alignment of course content and assessment with learning outcomes and graduate attributes.

On 19 January 2014 TEQSA revoked Conditions 1, 4 and 5; and on 6 February 2014 TEQSA revoked Conditions 2 and 3. TEQSA's decision to revoke the conditions was on the basis that West Coast Institute had met each of the requirements.

Previously imposed conditions:

Condition 1: West Coast Institute must not market or offer the course to students until the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) accredits the course; and that by 31 December 2013, West Coast Institute must:

Condition 2: Strengthen the course design to adequately cover the range of relevant and current theoretical frameworks and research in early childhood, and better align course content and assessment with learning outcomes and graduate attributes to improve overall course coherence, with particular attention to improving the units ADEC 2402 Society and its Environment and Technology, ADEC 2401 ICT in Early Childhood and ADEC 1103 Health and Physical Education;

Condition 3: Revise assessment in accordance with the West Coast Institute Higher Education Assessment Policy;

Condition 4: Ensure information to students makes clear that the award is not a teaching qualification; and

Condition 5: Provide evidence of a formal teach out plan.