New Course Structures: The UWA Future Framework

1. What is the UWA course restructure about?
2. What is the general aim of the changes?
3. What will happen now?
4. When will changes come into effect?
5. Will this affect students starting at UWA in 2009?
6. Why does UWA want to change?
7. What are the key features?

What is the UWA course restructure about?

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a high quality teaching and learning environment, the University undertook a major two-year review of its course structures.

The review considered issues including degree structures, the balance between breadth and depth of learning within UWA courses, core course elements, and the relevance of courses in the local, national and international context.

The review recommendations have been endorsed by the Senate for implementation. The UWA Future Framework will ensure that the University provides the best possible student learning experience now and in the future.

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What is the general aim of the changes?

The University's aim is to develop UWA graduates who are:

• Educated: provided not only with expertise in a chosen field but also with broader understandings
• Enquiring: able to bring to new challenges an open but critical mind, trained in research methods
• Eloquent: equipped with outstanding capability as clear, logical and powerful communicators
• Engaged: linked responsibly to the wider community through service learning experiences

What will happen now?

Following acceptance of the report by The University's governing body, the Senate, we have now begun an implementation phase that will run over the next three years. This phase will ensure a smooth transition to the UWA Future Framework.

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When will changes come into effect?

Changes that affect future students will not be introduced for some years; there will be no effect on entry for 2009, 2010 or 2011.

The implementation phase will allow sufficient time for students to select their senior secondary courses and subjects with relevant knowledge of planned changes.

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Will this affect students starting at UWA in 2009?

No. All changes are some years off and will not affect decisions or outcomes for enrolling in 2009, nor those who have deferred their 2009 offer and are looking to commence studies in 2010.

Why does UWA want to change?

On a national and international level, tertiary study is changing rapidly. Things that worked well for many years may not be as appropriate in the future. Employers are looking for graduates with a wide range of skills. Many current students will have multiple careers through their working life. Their needs, interests and opportunities will keep developing, and their education must equip them accordingly. For instance, adaptable research skills will not only be essential for many different kinds of employment, they will also be important for any properly educated citizen.

We want to make sure that UWA graduates continue to be well prepared to contribute to society as it undergoes further transformation. The recommendations that have been endorsed are designed to ensure that UWA graduates will have an excellent foundation for meeting future challenges.

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What are the key features?

The key features are:

• A simple and flexible framework for undergraduate students with an emphasis on the development of a broader knowledge base as well as research and communication skills.
• The introduction of a community engagement component with a not-for-profit organisation for all undergraduate students.
• A reshaping of the relationship between undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with professional courses (such as Law, Medicine and Architecture) offered at a postgraduate level.
• Replacement of the current complex structure of multiple, different degree choices with a streamlined structure of just four three-year undergraduate courses, with a fourth (Honours) year available to suitably qualified students. All fields of study that UWA currently covers will continue to be offered under the new structure, though in different forms. The degrees available will be:
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Design
  • Bachelor of Science
    

• The introduction of a new four-year Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree, available to outstanding students in any discipline. It will include an especially intensive research focus, and provide support arrangements for a Study Abroad experience.
• Combined Bachelor courses (double degrees) will be replaced by sequential undergraduate and postgraduate pathways.
• Greater scope for choosing majors from varied fields of study within the standard three-year program structure.

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