Programs and plans (degrees)

On this page you will find detailed instructions on how to initiate a program proposal in the CMS and how to complete each field in the CMS template.
If in doubt about where to start, please email science.curriculum@anu.edu.au

Related policies and procedures

*This policy document is effective until 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025, the University Accreditation Handbook will supersede this webpage.

How-to guides and supporting documents

RelevanceDocument nameContents
AmendClick through guide on how to amend an existing program in CMS
Amend and New
Pending
Detailed information on how to complete each section of the form, including formatting restrictions and links to associated policy and procedure
Amend and New (UGRD)Principles for the structure of undergraduate degrees offered by the College of Science from 2024, and their associated majors, minors and specialisations
Amend and New (PGRD - MSc) Principles for the structure of the Master of Science suite of programs - pass and advanced structures
DisestablishClick through guide on how to disestablish an existing subplan in CMS
Disestablish Protocols and consideration to work through before initiating a proposal to disestablish the program. Includes communication strategy to students\
New Click through guide on how to create a new subplan in CMS

General information

A program is an award conferred by the University and certified by a testamur, in one of the following categories:

  • Bachelor degree (coursework - AQF 7)
  • Bachelor (Hons) degree (coursework - AQF 8)
  • Graduate certificate/graduate diploma (coursework AQF 8)
  • Masters degree (coursework or research - AQF 9)
  • Doctoral degree (Higher Degree Research - AQF 10)

Published example

Workflow

  1. Proposal initiated by program convener or school administrator (CMS state: Draft)
  2. Proposal finalised by program convener and progressed to school administrator for review (CMS state: Submitted for review)
  3. Proposal reviewed by school administrator and progressed to Associate Director (Education) for approval: CMS state: School/Centre endorse pending)
  4. Proposal reviewed by Associate Director (Education) (CMS state: CEC Endorse Pending or *Pending Feedback Resolution
  5. CEC Endorsed Pending proposals are progressed to the College Education Sub Committee.
  6. College Education Committee considers proposal. If no issues are identified, proposal is tabled at the next College Education Committee. If issues are identified the proposal is returned to the school with feedback in the consultation record (CMS state: *Pending Feedback Resolution"
  7. If the College Education Committee approves, the Education Governance Officer progress the amendment through the CMS for AQAC and AB approval (CMS state: ASQO endorse pending)

*Proposals that are Pending Feedback Resolution return to step 2

Deadline to submit to College

First Wednesday in June.

Publication deadline

After Academic Board 5 (end October)

Important considerations

A program is a significant curriculum object. Its creation or disestablishment has broader ramifications and impacts other divisions and processes within the ANU such as Admissions, reporting and compliance, marketing and outreach as well as students.