Unit rationale, description and aim

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.

2025 10

Campus offering

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  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Online Scheduled
  • Semester 2Online Scheduled

Prerequisites

Nil

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 knowledge of migration agents’ obligations under the Code of Conduct through ethical practice and decision making when offering migration advice and advocating on behalf of clients
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC4

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legislative proc...

Learning Outcome 02

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legislative procedures in migration law and the ability to locate, navigate and interpret Migration legislation and policy to produce a positive outcome for client
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC7, GC8

Organise and facilitate professional and effective...

Learning Outcome 03

Organise and facilitate professional and effective migration services in practice through the analysis of complex case scenarios in order to formulate and implement appropriate strategies and advise clients
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC7, GC11, GC12

Reflect critically upon their professional develop...

Learning Outcome 04

Reflect critically upon their professional development and learning throughout their coursework
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC11

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: Reflective Journal and Forum P...

Assessment task 1: Reflective Journal and Forum Participation

Details: reflective journal and engagement in designated online activities. This assessment involves participation in weekly discussion forum activities and a reflective submission.  

 Purpose: this task contributes specifically to the development of students’ understanding of unit material.  

Format: weekly forum participation and written reflection.  

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC4, GC11

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

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC7, GC12

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. 

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: written assessment. 

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC4, GC7, GC11

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.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Austlii http://www.austlii.edu.au  

Legendcom http:// http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/LEGE  

Australian Guide to Legal Citations

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 

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