Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Using Your Prior Learning Towards Your RGU Award

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

‘Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process for recognising learning that has come from experience and/or previous formal, non-formal and informal learning contexts. This includes knowledge and skills gained outside school, college and university and outside formal learning situations, such as through life and work experiences.’

Therefore, if, for example, you have credits from a previous institution or experience of working in a particular field then that prior learning might constitute RPL and you might be able to use it towards your degree.

In accordance with Academic Regulation A1, if you have already achieved credit for a module undertaken at RGU then you cannot undertake that same module again. Therefore, an RPL Claim is required to seek exemption from such module(s). 

Types of RPL

RGU recognises two types of prior learning:

• Recognition of prior certificated learning (RPCL); and
• Recognition of prior experiential learning (RPEL)

RPEL and/or RPCL can facilitate:

1. entry to the first stage of a course for which you might not possess the necessary entry qualifications;
2. advanced entry to a course;
3. exemption from specific modules/elements of a course, e.g. work placement. 

Applying for RPL

RPL should normally be applied for at the same time as the application process, as follows:

• Step One: Submit your application form;
• Step Two: Submit your Recognition of Prior Learning Claim Form no later than 24 hours of the submission of your application form.

Prior to submitting your Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Claim Form please review the ‘Detailed Module Information’ for your chosen course which can be accessed via the course page. You may also find it helpful to discuss your RPL Claim with a member of University staff. The course page will provide relevant contact details.

It is important that the University has sufficient information to allow it to assess your RPL Claim. Therefore, please ensure that you complete the RPL Claim form as fully as possible and attach all relevant evidence in support of your RPL Claim. Without the full supporting evidence, the University will be unable to assess your RPL Claim which may result in your RPL Claim being refused. 

Evidence in support of your RPL Claim may include: records/transcripts showing (?) credit achieved from previous certificated learning, module/course descriptors relating to the previous certificated learning, other qualifications, portfolio of evidence, reports from an employer to demonstrate your experiential learning.

Once you have completed your Recognition of Prior Learning Claim Form then the form and accompanying evidence should be submitted to admissions@rgu.ac.uk

When to apply for RPL

Normally any RPL Claim should be submitted no later than 24 hours of the submission of your Application Form. 

Remember to give yourself enough time to gather evidence in support of your RPL Claim. 

When will you know if your RPL Claim has been successful?

The University aims to provide a decision on your RPL Claim within four calendar weeks of receipt of your RPL Claim Form. During peak admission periods the decision might take slightly longer.

RPL Limitations

The University has a maximum amount of RPL which can be claimed against a qualification as detailed within Academic Regulation A2: Admission and Enrolment.

What happens if you start your course and realise that the module(s) you are undertaking is very similar to a module/course you achieved prior to applying to RGU?

Whilst RPL should normally be submitted at the time of application, it is recognised that occasionally a student might start a module and realise that they have achieved credit for a very similar module/course prior to joining RGU.

If you wish to apply for RPL for that module then you must complete and submit the Recognition of Prior Learning Claim Form, along with supporting evidence, normally no later than 10 working days following the start of the module. The RPL Claim should be submitted directly to your Course Leader.

If you are unsure who your Course Leader is then please contact a member of the School Administration Team.