The Australian College of Kuwait has a unique arrangement that enables graduates of its Diploma and Degree programs to receive two testamurs – one from ACK and one from its auspicing partner in Australia or Canada. The ACK Diploma and Degree testamurs are endorsed by the Private Universities Council and enable graduates to have their qualification recognized by government and businesses in Kuwait. The Diploma and Degree testamurs from the Australian or Canadian auspicing partner are the same as the ones received by graduates in Australia and Canada and are recognized worldwide. Such qualifications will be valuable to graduates who wish to work or go on to postgraduate study outside Kuwait. ACK is currently the only licensed, private-sector higher education institution offering dual qualifications to all its students enrolled in the Diploma and Degree programs.
o How Diploma students learn at ACK?
It is very important that, as a student at ACK, you attend all your learning sessions on time, every time.
Your studying and learning at ACK may be different from your earlier experiences. Learning at ACK will be student-centered, not instructor-centered. Success in your studies will be measured in three important areas:
The diploma programs at ACK are delivered using a competency based training model.
Competency Based Training is all about the development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students need to be well prepared for the workforce.
Learning occurs through a variety of different mediums including:
• Instructor-led theory and practical sessions
• Small group problem solving
• Individual and group research assignments
• Practical exercises that require students to apply the theory they have learnt to a real task such as organizing and running an event or giving a presentation
• Simulations and role plays
• Project work
• Group discussions
• Practice activities
• Presentations
The focus of learning is very much on a hands-on approach which involves ‘doing’ rather than telling and ‘showing’ rather than describing.
You will become a more independent learner at ACK, taking direct personal responsibility for your studies including:
• Your attendance and punctuality at classes
• Your participation and attitude in class
• Completing assignments on task and on time
• Attending lessons properly equipped to study
o How Diploma students are assessed at ACK?
Assessment is a very important part of your studies at ACK. Remember that you are studying within a system of Competency Based Training. Your educational program is designed to give you competence in a range of important areas, but your competency in any given module/unit of your education has to be proved before you can be assessed as being competent. This proof of your competency is obtained through assessment.
Remember: competency means you must prove you have the skills and knowledge at the required standard as well as the interpersonal skills to work as part of a team and be a valuable employee.
There are different ways in which you may be assessed as being 'competent' in a module or unit of your Diploma program.
Formal assessments may be in the form of:
• Instructor observation of you performing a specific task
• Oral or written tests
• Practical demonstrations
• Interviews or discussions
• Student presentations
• Role-plays and simulations
• Written assignments
• Other assessments as appropriate
Instructors can gather evidence of your competency through:
• Your general performance, participation and attitude in class
• Class quizzes and classroom activities
• Written work in class
• Discussions and interviews
• Homework assignments and project work
Assessment Results
There are only two results in any assessment:
If you are assessed as Competent for a unit then that means you have successfully completed that unit.
If you are assessed as Not Yet Competent then you may have the opportunity to be assessed again at a future time provided you meet the conditions for re-assessment.
Assessment Grades
At the end of each unit of the Diploma course, if you have been assessed as Competent you will be given a Grade A, B, or C which will reflect your performance in that module against a set of defined performance criteria related to future employment and/or further study.
o How Degree students learn at ACK?
Learning in the Bachelor of Business program occurs through two distinct but complimentary avenues.
Each unit or subject studied involves a lecture and a tutorial. At each lecture, your lecturer will provide you with the theory (knowledge) about a particular topic. You are required to listen carefully and take notes.
In the tutorial for each unit, the tutor will lead discussions on the theory covered in the lecture and give you learning activities related to the theory. These learning activities may include practical exercises, team activities, presentations, research tasks, short answer questions or short projects.
o How Degree students are accessed at ACK?
Assessment for students enrolled in the ACK Degree Program follows a more traditional approach than that used in the Diploma Program.
Assessment may be in the form of:
• Short written tests
• End of semester examinations
• Student assignments or projects
Final results are provided using a grading system. For students enrolled in Degree subjects, the following grades can be awarded:
• High distinction when the percentage achieved is > 80%
• Distinction when the percentage achieved is between 70% and 79%
• Credit when the percentage achieved is between 60% and 69%
• Pass when the percentage achieved is between 50% and 59%
• Fail when the percentage achieved is less than 50%