Your Learning Counts

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process by which prior learning is formally valued. It is a means by which prior learning is identified, assessed, and recognised by an educational institution as part of their programmes, courses, and/or modules in the National Framework of Qualifications.  This makes it possible for an individual to build on learning achieved and to be rewarded for it.

Types of RPL:

1. Prior formal learning is learning which has been acquired through a module or programme on a national framework of qualification and has earned ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.
2. Non-formal learning is planned, structured learning not leading to credits on a framework. Examples of this include in-house company training.
3. Informal (also know as Experiential) learning is knowledge, skill and competence acquired through day-to-day unplanned and unstructured activities, Examples include working, volunteering, and day-to-day activities.

A quick guide to RPL in UCD can be found in this UCD Learner Flyer

• Exemptions/Credits - Gain exemptions/credit for a module or number of modules so that learning is not duplicated.
• Admission - Gain admission to a programme where standard entry requirements are not met
• Advanced Entry - Gain admission to a programme beyond year 1.

Please note, that professional programmes that are externally accredited may be restricted in the use of RPL.  Other programmes may include elements that are not suitable for the purposes of RPL. Please contact your Programme Director or Programme Manager for full details on the application of RPL in your programme. 

1. Identification: The learner explores their prior learning (e.g. in relation to a programme’s entry requirements or the learning outcomes of a module) with a view to making an RPL application.
   
   
2. Documentation: The learner undertakes a reflective process, and gathers relevant materials to substantiate their application.
   
   
3. Assessment: The learner’s RPL application is assessed.
   
   A range of assessment mechanisms may be used (e.g. portfolios, interviews, essays, examinations, etc.).
   
   
4. If the application is successful, the learner will receive formal recognition or certification, which will lead to one or more of the following outcomes:

- Credit towards an award or exemption from some programme modules

- Advanced entry to a programme

- Entry to a programme

RPL can be used by a wide range of learners to access and/or continue their third level education:

• Employed and unemployed people seeking recognition for skills gained through informal learning 
• Individuals wishing to improve their existing qualifications or change careers
• People who have gained a range of skills and knowledge through experiential learning
• Individuals who require formal qualifications for career advancement
• Adult learners returning to higher education 

Applying for RPL at UCD is easy. 

RPL for Credit/Exemption for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

To apply for module credit/exemption for any previous study or work experience related to the modules covered in your chosen programme you must have either:

•  applied for a place on a UCD programme, or
•  have accepted a place on a UCD programme

There is an online RPL Credit/Exemption application form which is used by most Colleges and Schools. Details on other application forms employed by the Colleges and Schools not using the online form can be found here and in the UCD RPL Learner Guide Applications for credit/exemption should be made as early as possible and preferably no later than the third week of the semester in which the module is offered. Applications made after this date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Board governing your programme.

RPL for Credit/Exemption for PhD Students

The University recommends that students in PhD programmes do not apply for RPL during their first year of study and that an RPL application should be reviewed by the student’s Research Studies Panel (RSP) in advance of the application.

RPL for Concurrent Learning/External Credit-Modules at other Institutions - only appliable to Graduate Research Students.

With prior approval from their supervisor, research students may register to modules outside of UCD for credit. As with modules taken within UCD, supervisors must sign off on the module as being appropriate for the academic development of the student. The institution must also provide official confirmation of successful module completion. The School will then make a recommendation to the Governing Board that the student receives appropriate credit toward their mandatory 30-credit requirement. If a student or School is in any doubt about whether the Governing Board will sanction credit for a specific external module they must check in advance before proceeding with undertaking the module. Details of these modules will appear on your UCD record. 

RPL for Undergraduate Admission 

If you are an undergraduate student seeking admission and do not meet the required admission criteria as set down for a particular programme of study at UCD you may consider the following Alternative Admission Pathways and RPL will automatically be assessed with your course application. Admission to UCD is through the CAO process for the cohorts listed below.

Mature Applicants - A mature applicant is anyone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry and whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for entry.

QQI-FET Applicants - Applicants with appropriate QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) qualifications and modules, with a minimum of distinction in five modules, can be admitted on a competitive basis to programmes in Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Nursing, Nursing, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Commerce.

A full list of alternative pathways is available on the UCD Admissions webpage.

RPL for Taught Graduate Admission

All applications to Taught Graduate programmes are made directly to UCD though the https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/graduateapplicants/applying/.

Prospective graduate students wishing to use RPL as part of their application process use the same online application form but they must note they are applying under RPL and must append all relevant supporting documentation. Further information on this application process can be found in the  UCD RPL Learner Guide.

Please see the programme information for specific details pertaining to entry requirements and course contact details.   

RPL for Advanced Entry

RPL for advanced entry to UCD programmes is generally through the transfer application process (both internal and external). 

When you apply, you’ll need to provide supporting documents relevant to the type of previous study or experience you’d like assessed.

Supporting documents like transcripts a CV, official syllabus, an outline of education/training courses and references help provide the evidence to make an assessment. You will need to provide evidence that your prior learning supports your application for admission if programme "entry requirements" are not fully met and/or is equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module(s) for which you seek credit/exemption.

In addition to completing the RPL application form and providing relevant supporting documentation (e.g. references), you may be required to do one or more of the following:

• Complete a portfolio of evidence
• Attend an interview
• Undertake a simulation/practical exercise
• Undertake a diagnostic test(s)
• Complete a piece of work or special assignment
• Produce an artifact.

It is essential that you discuss the requirement with your School/College in advance of submitting an application.

Transferring from another 3rd level course to UCD.  Please visit our Transfer and Readmission page for details on the type of transfers available and the process for each.

All decisions on RPL applications are made by the Board governing your programme. The evidence of learning that you provide in your application will be assessed against the following:

• currency of knowledge
• equivalence of prior learning to the learning outcomes of the modules for which credit/exemption is sought and to the required "entry requirements" if admission onto a programme is sought.
• volume of learning 
• content and assessment approaches of your previous learning 
• Potential restrictions in the application of RPL for some professional programmes that are externally accredited 

The timeframe for a recognition of prior learning assessment may vary, depending on the complexity of the assessment of your prior learning or previous qualifications. However, we aim to contact you regarding your assessment within twenty working days of submitting your application.  

Further details on the assessment of RPL applications can be found  UCD RPL Learner Guide

A module is the smallest unit considered under RPL. Credit cannot be awarded for part of a module.

A Governing Board may approve recognition of prior or concurrent learning within the following limits:

UCD taught programmes:

• Not to exceed 60 credits, and
• Not to exceed 1/2 of the overall programme credits. This restriction does not apply to credit achieved for modules previously completed in UCD and have NOT previously counted towards an award. 

UCD research programmes:

• Not to exceed 2/3 of the taught credits of the programme.

Professional Accreditation:

• Professional programmes that are externally accredited may be restricted in the use of RPL.

Other programmes may include elements that are not suitable for the purposes of RPL.

For further information please contact your relevant Programme Director.