Schedule overview
1 Purpose
To provide the criteria for awarding academic medals and Awards.
2 Scope
This schedule must be read in conjunction with the Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy and is subordinate to it.
3 Schedule
The University recognises outstanding academic achievement through the presentation of academic medals and awards to graduating Students who meet the criteria for these Awards.
Students who meet the criteria for outstanding academic achievement medals and Awards are identified by the relevant student administration team as part of the graduation confirmation process. Students do not need to apply for these Awards.
Exceptions to this Procedure are approved by the Provost, or nominee, for Coursework Awards and to the Dean (Graduate Research School), or nominee, for Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research.
3.1 Criteria for a University medal
University medals are awarded to the most outstanding Students who have completed the requirements of an Academic Program at honours level.
To meet the criteria for a University medal, a Student must have:
- completed at the University at least 16 Units that contributed to one of the following Academic Programs:
- a 24 Unit bachelor degree plus an 8 Unit end-on bachelor honours degree at the University; or
- a 32 or more Unit bachelor degree (including combined degrees) with embedded honours; or
- a double degree of 32 or more Units where one component of the degree is a bachelor honours degree; and
- achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.6, calculated in accordance with the Class of Honours Schedule; and
- achieved First Class Honours.
A Student may receive no more than one University Medal in a single Field of Education, as listed on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.
3.2 Criteria for an Academic Excellence Award
Academic Excellence Awards are presented to Students who have performed with academic excellence in a bachelor degree.
To meet the criteria for an Academic Excellence Award, a Student must have:
- completed at the University one of the following:
- at least 12 Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to their 24 Unit bachelor degree; or
- at least 16 Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to their 32 or more Unit bachelor degree where there is no honours component; and
- achieved a minimum GPA of 6.6. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.
A Student may receive no more than one Academic Excellence Award in a single Field of Education, as listed on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.
3.3 Criteria for an Award with Distinction
3.3.1 Associate and bachelor degree
Awards 'with distinction' are presented to Students who have performed with academic distinction in an associate degree or bachelor degree. Undergraduate honours programs are not eligible for Awards 'with distinction'.
To meet the criteria for an Award 'with distinction' for an associate or bachelor degree (excluding those awarded with honours), a Student must have:
- completed at the University at least eight Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to the Student's eligibility to receive an Award of an associate degree or a bachelor's degree; and
- achieved a minimum GPA of 6.0. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.
3.3.2 Coursework masters degree
Awards 'with distinction' are presented to Students who have performed with academic distinction in a postgraduate Coursework masters degree.
To meet the criteria for an Award 'with distinction' for a Coursework masters degree, a Student must have:
- completed at the University at least eight Units, graded using the stratified grading system, that contributed to the Student's eligibility to receive an Award of a postgraduate Coursework masters degree; and
- achieved a minimum GPA of 6.2. The GPA for each Student must be calculated from all Courses completed at the University and which contributed to the Student's Academic Program.
3.4 Award for Excellence in Doctoral Research
Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research are awarded to outstanding Students. To meet the criteria for an Award for Excellence in Doctoral Research, a Student must have achieved a straight pass from all examiners which is the highest possible result for a doctoral dissertation examination.
4 References
Nil.
5 Schedule Information
| Accountable Officer | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) |
| Responsible Officer | Associate Provost |
| Policy Type | University Procedure |
| Policy Suite | |
| Approved Date | 2/12/2024 |
| Effective Date | 19/9/2025 |
| Review Date | 19/9/2030 |
| Relevant Legislation | |
| Policy Exceptions | |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Procedures | |
| Related forms, publications and websites | |
| Definitions | Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary |
| An approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award....moreAn approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award. The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule ....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule . A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade....moreA discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade. A method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge and does not include a major research component....moreA method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge and does not include a major research component. A classification of programs, specialisations and courses of study, with the same or similar vocational emphasis or principal subject matter....moreA classification of programs, specialisations and courses of study, with the same or similar vocational emphasis or principal subject matter. A GPA is the sum, for all relevant Courses, of the Unit value for each Course, multiplied by the numerical value of the Grades achieved in those Courses, divided by the sum of the Unit values for all the relevant Courses....moreA GPA is the sum, for all relevant Courses, of the Unit value for each Course, multiplied by the numerical value of the Grades achieved in those Courses, divided by the sum of the Unit values for all the relevant Courses. Higher Degree by Research (HDR) A Research Doctorate or Research Masters program for which at least two-thirds of the Student load for the program is required as research work....moreA Research Doctorate or Research Masters program for which at least two-thirds of the Student load for the program is required as research work. A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled. This is an indicator of the value of a Course. Most Courses are valued at one Unit. Units are used to track progress towards completing a program. (The term used prior to 2002 to describe a Course)...moreThis is an indicator of the value of a Course. Most Courses are valued at one Unit. Units are used to track progress towards completing a program. (The term used prior to 2002 to describe a Course) The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland. | |
| Definitions that relate to this schedule only | |
| Keywords | Excellence, achievement, University medal, academic excellence award, award with distinction |
| Record No | 14/591PL |