Your Learning Counts

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that allows you to gain admission to a programme of study or to gain exemptions/credit from some parts of a programme, based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study, or through work or other learning (where applicable).

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.
2. Non-formal learning is planned, structured learning not leading to credits on a framework. Examples of this include in-house company training, and MOOCs.  
3. Informal/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.

The benefit of RPL to Employers

• Helps to identify employee’s skills and competencies through a process of self-reflection
• Improved identification of training needs
• More efficient use of education and training resources
• A professional development strategy can help to attract, motivate, and retain staff
• Validation of an employee’s skills and experience may in some instances help with regulatory compliance
• As well as supporting individuals’ career development, it can be a useful tool to address national economic and societal challenges relating to the green transition, digitalisation, automation, and the skills mismatch.
• Along with work-based learning, RPL is a key part of HEIs’ relationship with employers and external stakeholders and supports all forms of innovative course development as well as cohort and individual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) pathways.