Unit rationale, description and aim
The aim of this unit is to enable students to integrate their knowledge and skills into professional practice by managing a client case from start to finish in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards.
Research has shown that capstone subjects not only bring together the knowledge and skills that students have gained during their coursework or previous employment, they also play a key role in creating expertise and closing the gap between students and professionals by providing an opportunity for students to build a professional identity. Students will construct a client file from meeting the client through to notifying the client of grant of the visa via an online virtual office. Students will evidence the skills required to manage a client's case.
Students will also learn how to deal with issues throughout the visa application process. Particular emphasis will also be placed on ensuring that students appropriately manage ethical considerations and issues professionally and according to the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) Code of Conduct.
In this unit, a strong focus is not only placed on knowledge acquired throughout the course, but also the implementation of that theory into practice.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of migration agents’ obligat...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legislative proc...
Learning Outcome 02
Organise and facilitate professional and effective...
Learning Outcome 03
Reflect critically upon their professional develop...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Austlii http://www.austlii.edu.au
Legendcom http:// http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/LEGE
Australian Guide to Legal Citations, Third Edition
Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth)
Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (Cth)
Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
Migration Regulations 1994
Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997
Department of Home Affairs Procedural Instructions and Policy
Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority http://www.mara.gov.au
Occupational Competency Standards, Department of Home Affairs
Assessment strategy and rationale
This graduate course is the prescribed qualification for registration with OMARA to provide migration advice. On completion of all units, students who wish to apply for registration will also sit an independent capstone examination regulated by OMARA.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each of the learning outcomes listed. Occupational Competency Standards have been produced by the Department of Home Affairs and have guided our assessment as the underpinning knowledge and skills required by a migration law practitioner.
At the completion of this unit, students will have produced a portfolio of learning that they will be able to utilise in the professional practice.
To pass the unit, students must achieve at least 50% of the total marks, including all three assessment items.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task 1: Discussion Forum and Reflecti...
Assessment task 1: Discussion Forum and Reflection
Details: This assessment comprises weekly discussion forum posts, which directly align with the learning outcomes, and a reflective submission.
Purpose: this task contributes specifically to the development of students’ understanding of unit material.
Format: Weekly discussion forum posts and written reflection.
10%
Assessment task 2: Client Interview and File Note...
Assessment task 2: Client Interview and File Note
Details: this assessment requires students to demonstrate their ability to identify and interpret relevant Migration legislation, basic aspects of the visa system and migration policy.
Purpose: assist students contextualise their learning and use theoretical knowledge in a practical and real-life situation. This task requires students to critically analyse an element of Australian Migration Law and provide conclusions informed by legislation and policy.
Format: Oral Presentation
40%
Assessment task 3: Completed Client File Portfoli...
Assessment task 3: Completed Client File Portfolio
Details: this assessment requires students to demonstrate their ability to identify and interpret relevant Migration legislation, basic aspects of the visa system and migration policy. Students will begin working on this client file from their initial interaction with a ‘mock client’ and will conduct a simulated client interview to gather information and provide preliminary advice. The information obtained in a secure online assessment environment will form part of the client file for this assessment. Students will then be required to communicate with the ‘mock client’ to ensure the matter progresses from initial consultation to visa lodgement. All this material will form part of the client file.
Purpose: assist students contextualise their learning and use theoretical knowledge in a practical and real-life situation. This task requires students to critically analyse an element of Australian Migration Law and provide conclusions informed by legislation and policy.
Format: Students will be required to provide the entire client file portfolio for marking.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This is the final unit in the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice. It is the prescribed qualification for initial registration with OMARA as per s289A of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
Our strategy is to encourage students to actively engage with unit content and their peers. Up to 80% of graduates will be in practice as sole practitioners. It is envisaged that developing a community of practice within each unit of learning will encourage students to maintain connections with peers into their professional careers.
This subject will be delivered in multi-mode – online and face to face. We have taken a multimodal learning approach to provide accessibility and flexibility to our post graduate students and a student-focused approach that increases depth of learning and engagement through actively utilising Canvas.
By adopting innovative online assessment strategies, we are enhancing the student learning experience and demonstrating that students can thrive and feel well-supported in an online environment.