Disclaimer: The information below is for information purposes only and in no way represents a legal obligation. While TU Dublin is committed to ensuring accuracy of its public information it is inevitable that information about RPL will be updated from time to time.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a means of acknowledging and giving value to learning achieved prior to registering for a TU Dublin programme or prior to seeking a TU Dublin award.
Prior learning may be a result of successful participation in a formal learning programme for which you were awarded certification. If you use your prior certificated learning in relation to a TU Dublin programme, the process is called: Accreditation of Prior Formal Learning (APCL).
Prior learning may also be an outcome of non-formal or informal learning achieved through work, voluntary activities or private study, for which you may not have a certificate. The process of using this type of learning for higher education purposes is called: Accreditation of non-formal and informal learning (APEL).
It is not uncommon for both APCL and APEL to be considered together in an RPL process.
RPL can be used for a number of purposes in TU Dublin including the following:
- for entry to programme at the initial stage where the applicant may not meet the stated academic entry requirements
- for advanced entry to a programme at a stage beyond the first stage or year
- for transfer from one programme to another
- for exemption from modules
- for entry to postgraduate programmes where the applicant may not have the stated honours primary degree requirement
- for application towards a full award, such as a doctorate.
Words of caution: Not all TU Dublin programmes offer RPL for entry, for transfer, for module exemptions or for full award currently. Where RPL is available there may be specific conditions, limitations and application procedures.
TU Dublin’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy is available here.
There are different processes for RPL depending on the purpose for which it is used. However, all RPL processes require the applicant to provide evidence of appropriate past learning, whether that is certificated or experiential learning. In some cases it may be sufficient for the applicant to provide copies of appropriate certificates. In other cases there will be a self-assessment exercise, preparation of a file or ‘portfolio’ of appropriate evidence of learning, an interview, and perhaps a demonstration or assessment task.
It is likely that applications for RPL will be from mature students or holders of third level awards. It is likely that applicants already know the particular programme or set of programmes that they wish to apply for. Therefore, it is wise to find out if those particular programmes permit RPL. Usually this information is available under the information section related to entry requirements. It is generally good advice to enquire about the precise availability of RPL with the School offering the programme, or programmes, of your choice. Contact email addresses and phone numbers are available on the TU Dublin website and usually in the programme prospectus. The School or Programme website and/or Student Handbooks should also provide information on the availability of module exemptions.
If you cannot locate the programme personnel for a response to your query, please contact Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@tudublin.ie) or Recruitment, Admissions & Participation (admissions@tudublin.ie)
Recognition of Prior Learning Policy is available here.