ASCED Codes

The Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) is a statistical classification for use in the collection and analysis of data on educational activity and attainment. ASCED has been developed as part of a national framework for the storage, exchange and dissemination of statistical and administrative data on educational activity in Australia. The ASCED was developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

ASCED has a three-tiered structure:-

Broad Discipline group: There are twelve categories of Broad Discipline group. Each has a two-digit numeric code.
Narrow Discipline group: Each Broad Discipline group is subdivided into Narrow Discipline groups, the number of which varies from one Broad group to another. Narrow Discipline groups have a four-digit numeric code. The first two digits are the code for the Broad Discipline group in which the Narrow Discipline group is located.
Detailed Discipline group: Each Narrow Discipline group is subdivided into Detailed Discipline groups. the number of which varies from one Narrow group to another. Detailed Discipline groups have a six-digit numeric code. The first four digits are the code for the Narrow Discipline group in which the Detailed discipline group is located.

Every subject must be assigned to as detailed a level of Discipline group as possible. This must be at least the Narrow Discipline group, but preferably the Detailed group should be used for all courses.

The following CQUniversity policies should be adhered to when using ASCED codes:-

ASCED Classification Principles

ASCED Classification Procedures

The following documents must be used when applying ASCED codes to programs and courses:-

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) ASCED Manual (2001) - 344 pages

ABS ASCED Codes list - Broad, Narrow, Detailed

When applying ASCED codes to courses, the actual content of the course must be analysed and applied to the corresponding code in the ASCED Manual. Codes should not be applied to the general discipline that the course falls in to.
eg. Pharmacology for Nurses. The ASCED code would be 019907 - Pharmacology NOT 060301 - General Nursing.

For any assistance on ASCED coding, contact Michael Neaton on #2894.