Course reviews are a core requirement of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Thresholds Standards) 2021 (HESF standards) as determined by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). As per Domain 5: Institutional Quality Assurance of the HESF standards, each course must undertake a review of the quality of its learning and teaching within a seven-year cycle.
The purpose of the course review process is to provide an opportunity to consider, review, evaluate and enhance the academic quality of a course and ensure continued alignment with regulatory frameworks, alongside fulfilling the University’s reporting requirements. As such, it is important to ensure the review panel (where applicable) and the final report adopts a reflective, evaluative tone. Panels are encouraged to use evidence to honestly identify the strengths and weaknesses of a course, and solutions to further enhance quality.
As a self-accrediting institution, the course review process is also the mechanism to re-accredit (academically) existing courses as required by the HESF standards.
A course review must be completed at the award level and assesses the academic course’s quality and includes an evaluation of the course structure, learning outcomes, graduate attributes, assessment methods, and the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
This comprehensive evaluation utilises data-driven insights and is informed by detailed benchmarking analysis, threshold and accreditation standards, results from student surveys, feedback from students and professionals, as well as tailored course market analysis provided by Sydney Future Students.
The course review analysis and findings must be presented in a report which includes:
The University conducts three types of course reviews:
The new Academic Quality Assurance Procedures 2026 launched on 1 January. They have been developed to strengthen the University’s commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with the HESF standards, in particular Domain 5: Institutional Quality Assurance.
The Procedures represent the single source of truth which sets out the process for the academic quality assurance for course re-accreditation, monitoring and professional accreditation across the University. They define the purpose and scope of course reviews, specifying the process as the mechanism for the University to re-accredit courses and re-iterating the focus on academic quality and regulatory alignment. They provide operational guidance, including further defining roles and responsibilities, for managing the process, supporting standardised approaches to the reviews.
A companion document, the Academic Quality Assurance Protocol, has been designed to provide additional detailed guidance on roles and responsibilities for stakeholders involved in course reviews.
The procedures have been informed by extensive feedback from Program Directors, faculty leadership, and other stakeholders, to ensure these procedures work effectively in practice.
Program Directors and faculty stakeholders are strongly encouraged to read the new procedures and protocol to familiarize themselves with the requirements as these apply to all course reviews from the 01 January 2026.
Curriculum and Policy Team,
Division of the Academic Registrar,
DVC (Education and Students)
Curriculum and Policy Team,
Division of the Academic Registrar,
DVC (Education and Students)