Teaching in a Language Other than English Policy

Please note that this policy has not yet been revised or converted to the new format.

There shall be three options in the provision of Monash courses overseas:

• Courses taught and assessed in English.
• Courses taught and assessed in both English and another specified language (with students choosing to be assessed in either English or the language other than English when enrolling.)
• Courses taught and assessed in a language other than English.

The minimum language requirements upon admission for all courses of the University shall be maintained as at present for courses assessed in English and be set at the equivalent level for courses assessed in languages other than English: ie secondary or tertiary education in the language of assessment or a minimum of 6.0 IELTS (undergraduate) and 6.5 IELTS (postgraduate) or equivalent scores on tests conducted in the language of assessment.

All courses taught and assessed in languages other than English must be considered using the University's usual course approval and amendment procedures. Any proposals to establish such courses must be submitted in English, to all committees/channels usually concerned with the approval of courses. In addition, such proposals must also include statements justifying the course in educational, cultural and economic terms and demonstrating that proposals for off-shore courses will have adequate and regular monitoring of the course and the overseas staff responsible for its teaching and assessment.

All courses taught and assessed in languages other than English must appoint External Examiners for each unit and for the course as a whole, who would assess the quality of teaching, the translation of teaching materials, and the appropriateness of assessment materials. These external examiners must be fluent in both English and the language of teaching and assessment as well as be competent in the discipline area of the course or unit. The external examiners would then be able to assist in the process of regular review of courses conducted throughout the University.

All appointments of academic staff to teach in programs conducted off-shore must be made using similar criteria for appointments to a similar academic level in the discipline area in Australia. In addition, academic staff appointed to assess student work in a language other than English must be fluent in both English and the language of teaching and assessment.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the standard and quality of Monash qualifications taught and assessed in languages other than English, particularly where taught overseas.

Scope

This policy applies to all teaching and assessment in a language other than English.

Related Documents

• Admissions Policy 
• Assessment of Coursework Policy and Procedures
• Collaborative Coursework Arrangments Policy
• Transcripts and Testamurs Policy and Procedures
• Integrated Academic and Resource Planning Approach

Governing Documents

• Monash University Act 1958

Responsibilities for Implementation

• Faculty wide – Deans, Associate Deans (Teaching), Associate Deans (International/External)
• University Wide – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)

Review Schedule

Academic Board shall consider this policy for review three years after approval, or earlier if required.

Approved

Approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Planning) on 2 December 2002