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.
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.

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 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 help them to reskill and upskill

• 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 

• Admission-Gain admission to a programme where standard entry requirements are not met or where you want to enter a programme beyond year 1.

• Exemptions/Credits-Gain exemptions/credit for a module or number of modules so that learning is not duplicated.

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

Applying for RPL at UCD is easy. 

Undergraduate Admission or Advanced Entry

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.

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.

Postgraduate Admission

Please see the programme information for specific details pertaining to entry requirements or contact the course coordinator listed.  

RPL for Credit

To apply for credit 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

 An application for RPL should be made as early as possible and preferably before you commence the relevant module/stage/programme.

1. Register for the modules including the modules you intend to achieve by means of RPL
2. Locate the learning outcomes for the module.
3. Contact your school or programme office to discuss and to confirm the application process.  
4. Gather the evidence which forms the basis of your case, this might be transcripts of results and syllabus. Make the evidence digital so that it can be submitted electronically.
5. Submit the application form.

When should I apply?

An application for RPL relating to a particular module should be submitted before the third week of the semester in which it is offered. Applications made after this date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Board governing your programme.

If you submit an RPL application relating to a particular module(s) after the module(s) has commenced you should register for, attend and participate in the module(s) until you are informed of the decision of the Board governing your programme. If your application is not successful, you are responsible for all assessments associated with the module(s).

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.

Concurrent Learning/External Credit-Modules at other Institutions

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. 

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 is equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module(s) for which you seek RPL.

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.

You should also attach any additional information that you feel does not fall within the areas requested on the application form, and attach all relevant supporting documentation. This would include a CV, references, an official syllabus or outline of education/training courses undertaken, etc.

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.

The amount of credit based on prior learning that you may have recognised towards your UCD programme is determined by the Board governing your programme. The evidence of learning that you provide in your application will be compared to the (opens in a new window)published learning outcomes for the programme/modules for which you seek to have learning recognised.

This assessment will take into account each of the following:

• currency of knowledge
• equivalence of learning to the UCD credit to be granted 
• learning outcomes 
• volume of learning 
• content and assessment approaches of your previous learning 
• Professional programmes that are externally accredited may be restricted in the use of RPL

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.  

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.

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 see the UCD RPL Policy