New policy supports and assures student learning

UNSW’s Assessment and Progression Policy transforms how we deliver assessment and feedback.

Following endorsement by the Academic Board and approval from the Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs, the Assessment and Progression Policy was published on 1 June 2026. 

The policy supports and assures student learning. It brings together assessment, feedback and academic progression requirements into one streamlined document, supported by detailed instructions.

The assessment and feedback requirements were developed from the ground up, with a dedicated approach to:

• address gaps in current assessment policy and procedures
• align with evolving assessment practices across the higher education sector, particularly as the rapid emergence of generative AI fundamentally challenges the validity and security of traditional assessment approaches
• transform how assessment and feedback are delivered at UNSW.

The policy was developed through extensive consultation with Deputy and Associate Deans (Education), subject-matter experts, advisory committees and student representative groups. Close to 1200 pieces of feedback were considered through the University-wide consultation process. This unprecedented level of engagement reflects the strong involvement of the UNSW community, whose feedback informed the final requirements in the policy.

A staged rollout will give faculties and schools time to redesign programs and courses to align with the new policy. 

Read this information sheet which outlines the key changes and provides details on the staged effective dates.

Policy Transformation Program

The Assessment and Progression Policy was developed through the University’s Policy Transformation Program (PTP). The first academic policy developed by the PTP, it marks a significant milestone for the program. Using PTP’s policy transformation methodology, the new policy consolidates and replaces the:

• Assessment Policy 
• Assessment Design Procedure 
• Assessment Implementation Procedure 
• Academic Progression and Enrolment Policy (progression content)
• Academic Progression Procedure.

If you have questions on how to apply the new policy to programs and courses, please email: curriculum.pvce@unsw.edu.au.