What is Assurance of Learning?

The UTS Business School has a set of Graduate Attributes, which outline the knowledge and skills we want you to possess at the end of your studies.

  • Intellectual rigour and innovative problem-solving - have the ability to apply analytical, critical, and creative thinking to provide innovative solutions to complex real-world problems
  • Communication and collaboration - possess effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills and a capacity to operate independently and in teams in professional and community settings
  • Social responsibility, economic justice and equality - be equipped to make socially responsible decisions which create positive outcomes for society and for the environment
  • Professional and technological expertise - be an effective business professional demonstrating expertise in their chosen field, critical engagement with technology and digital literacy
  • Work for and with Indigenous Australians - have knowledge of Indigenous Australian contexts to inform their capability to work effectively for and with Indigenous Australians within their profession

Within each program, Graduate Attributes are translated into measurable Program Learning Objectives (PLOs), also known as Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs). PLOs are program-specific and describe what we want you to know and to be able to do by the time you graduate.

We recognise that achieving these PLOs takes time and requires solid foundations, as well as plenty of practice and feedback, before ‘mastery’ is possible. To support this cumulative building of knowledge and skills, the Business School maps PLOs to different stages of learning in your degree. This map will be specific to your field of study and your program's length and level (i.e., undergraduate or postgraduate).

Assurance of Learning Achievement Levels

Our achievement levels for PLOs are:

  • Exceeds Expectations – You have demonstrated achievement of the PLO at a very high standard. This is equivalent to receiving a Distinction or High Distinction in the assessment criterion aligned to the PLO
  • Meets Expectations – You have demonstrated achievement of the PLO at a good standard. This is equivalent to receiving a Pass or Credit in the assessment criterion aligned to the PLO

  • Below Expectations – You did not sufficiently demonstrate achievement of the PLO. This is equivalent to a fail in the assessment criterion aligned to the PLO

    Note: Your achievement level in the PLO may not match your overall grade in the subject. In addition to the PLO, subjects will also have learning objectives which are specific to the content and context of that subject. You could therefore receive a credit in the subject overall but exceed expectations for a PLO in which you demonstrate particular aptitude. 

Using Assurance of Learning data

The UTS Business School aims to use assurance of learning and other program and subject data to enhance our teaching and improve student achievement. We aggregate PLO achievement data to help us pinpoint areas of our curriculum, assessments, and class practices that may need enhancement. This helps us to ensure you are well supported in achieving your program’s learning objectives.

Check your Assurance of Learning information

Our PLOs represent important knowledge, skills, and attributes needed in post-graduation contexts. You may wish to review your PLO achievement and reflect on potential professional and academic development opportunities. To view your PLO achievement data, visit the Learning Mastery grades in the Canvas sites of your relevant subjects.