Course and program learning-outcome mapping
A structured, evidence-based comparison of what learners were taught and assessed against what your institution requires, documented so the findings can be checked, reused and defended.
What mapping answers
Mapping makes the basis for an academic decision explicit. Depending on the purpose, it can answer questions such as:
- Does this external course meet the outcomes of ours, in full or in part?
- Which outcomes of a diploma are addressed by a partner degree's first two years?
- Where does a program leave required outcomes unaddressed or under-assessed?
- Which elements of a prior-learning portfolio correspond to course outcomes?
- How consistently have past equivalency decisions been made?
How alignment is classified
Every comparison uses the same four classifications, defined and agreed with you before work begins. Thresholds such as level, depth, assessment and hours are documented, not left to individual interpretation.
The matrix shows where outcomes align. The evidence trail shows why.
- AlignedThe receiving outcome is demonstrably addressed in breadth and depth, with the evidence cited.
- PartialSome elements correspond; the specific difference (scope, level, assessment, hours) is recorded.
- No matchNo supporting evidence was found in the materials provided. A gap is a finding, not a judgement of quality.
- Expert reviewThe evidence is ambiguous or depends on disciplinary judgement, so it is referred to a qualified reviewer.
How a mapping project runs
Agree scope and criteria
Confirm the purpose, the courses or programs involved, the decision owner and the definitions of alignment, partial alignment and gap.
Review source materials
Check outlines, outcomes, assessment information and calendars for completeness and currency. Missing or outdated material is flagged early rather than worked around.
Structure and compare outcomes
Normalize outcomes into comparable statements and compare them systematically, with AI assistance where it has been agreed and is appropriate.
Classify and record evidence
Assign each comparison a classification, cite the supporting text and note the reasoning.
Quality assurance and expert review
Consistency checks, sampling and qualified review of every finding, including all items referred for expert judgement.
Report and hand over
Deliver the matrix, evidence trail, review log and summary report, and walk your team through the findings.
Mapping deliverables
Formats are agreed at the outset and can follow your institution’s existing templates.
- Mapping matrix
- Sending outcomes against receiving outcomes, with classifications and notes, in spreadsheet and report-ready formats.
- Evidence trail
- Source excerpts, rationale and reviewer confirmation for each finding.
- Gap and partial-match analysis
- What is missing or different, and options such as conditions, bridging or further review.
- Expert-review register
- Items referred for disciplinary judgement, with the question to be answered and the outcome.
- Summary report
- Findings, limitations of the source material and recommended next steps.
Quality controls
Rigour comes from the method, not from any single tool or reviewer.
- Written definitions and thresholds agreed before analysis begins
- Consistent classification applied across every comparison
- Source text cited for every finding
- Qualified human review of all findings before reporting
- Sampling and consistency checks across the full set
- Limitations and open questions recorded, not hidden
Where mapping is used
Transfer credit
Course-to-course equivalency and unassigned credit decisions.
Articulation and pathways
Block transfer, laddering and partner agreements.
Program review
Outcome coverage, progression and assessment alignment.
Curriculum redesign
Testing a revised curriculum against required outcomes.
PLAR criteria
Defining what evidence would demonstrate each outcome.
Framework alignment
Mapping programs to institutional or sector outcome frameworks.
Discuss a mapping project
Tell us about the courses or programs involved, the decision the mapping will support and your timeline.