Australian Regulatory Framework

Regulation

A number of regulatory bodies and frameworks impact on the courses that AMC offers:

Both higher education and vocational and technical training (VET) are administered by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) provides descriptors for qualifications accredited through the higher education sector, as well as those accredited by the VET sector and the schools sector. All accredited higher education providers are listed on the AQF register.
AMC/UTAS is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that delivers vocational and technical education (VTE) programs. RTOs are required to meet the standards specified in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).
Depending upon the level and focus (ocean or coastal), AMC seafarer training and education programs are also approved by either the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)

Promotion of teaching and learning

Learning and Teaching Performance Fund

The Learning and Teaching Performance Fund was announced by DEST in 2003 as part of the Federal government’s Our Universities: Backing Australia’s future initiative. Funds are allocated to higher education institutions based on performance against set criteria (which have changed since the program was first introduced). Institutions are placed/ranked in bands (A1-C) by discipline group:

Science, Computing, Engineering, Architecture and Agriculture
Business, Law and Economics
Humanities, Arts and Education
Health

They are then funded accordingly (with Band C institutions receiving no funding).

Within UTAS, funds are allocated according to a formula and principles agreed to by Senior management.

Australian Learning and Teaching Council

The Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) - formerly the Carrick Institute for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education - was established to promote learning and teaching across the Australian higher education sector. The Institute has a program of awards, grants and fellowships, and AMC staff are encouraged to apply. Assistance with applications is strongly advised - and available through the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor (Teaching & Learning).

Last updated: March 2009