Page 89 - FSTE A5 Handbook

Yet, the fundamental curriculum difference between an associate degree and higher diploma
would sometimes be considered by some universities when it comes to granting a block
transfer, since an associate degree programme is required to have 60% of the curriculum as
GE, which is not the case for a higher diploma programme. This makes block transfer different,
particularly for GE courses. It is, therefore, not surprising to find graduates of the higher
diploma programme to study more GE courses in their articulation programmes. Be that as
it may, we should realize that credit transfer can never reach the graduation requirement
stated in all programmes, since there is usually an explicit regulation that forbids sub-degree
students from getting more than 50% of programme credits transferred from their sub-degree
studies.

Facilitating Quality Learning Experience

Positive experiences in a wide range of activities help students practise, achieve and
demonstrate the outcomes of the programme of studies. To motivate students to participate
enthusiastically, experiences should encourage personal challenge, experimentation and real
life application. They should be planned in alignment with the intended learning outcomes
that are formulated based on the framework of the generic level descriptors of competency.
The higher the level of descriptors is, the more thinking is demanded. To foster a student’s
development in a higher level of competency, quality learning experiences are essential. The
experiences should be planned according to the intended learning outcomes. It is therefore
not unusual to find more complex learning activities are incorporated in the articulation
programmes. Two courses with the same title, one in a sub-degree programme while another
in the degree programme, should be run differently. Students’ learning experiences in both
courses should be vastly different. In some cases, however, the one at a higher level should be
seen as continuation of the lower level one.

Maximizing Students’ Articulation Opportunities

Generally, it is understood that an AD is not a terminal award while a HD is. Graduates of the
former are expected to continue their studies in an articulation programme of their choice.
For the latter, many of these programmes are profession or para-profession based and,
therefore, graduates can apply for a position in an industry where their knowledge and skills
can be used. However, with the advancement of many professions such as those related to
healthcare, the practitioners are expected to have an undergraduate qualification. Therefore,
it is not uncommon to see higher diploma graduates also applying for a place in an articulation
programme. This trend is further pushed by students’ parents who firmly believe education at
degree level is the minimum qualification their children should have.

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