Recognition of Prior Learning or Experience
Introduction
Warnborough College acknowledges that participants bring varied educational and training experiences. Thus, we have a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which looks at:
- Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
Rules and Regulations
There is a limit to the amount of APL that can be claimed, which may be based on APCL, APEL, or a combination of both.
Certificated learning should generally be at the same academic level as the credit being claimed and usually completed within the last 5 years, with additional assessment if older.
Applicants are responsible for identifying the learning they wish to claim and must formally request exemption from parts of the program before it starts; claims cannot be made after the program or module has begun.
Definitions and Evidence
Warnborough College follows the descriptors and levels outlined in Appendix 2 of the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education (QAA).
APL: Accreditation of Prior Learning
A process for recognizing prior experiential or certificated learning for academic purposes, which may grant credit towards a program of study.
ACPL: Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning
Recognition of previously assessed and certificated learning for academic purposes.
APEL: Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning
Recognition of learning achieved outside formal education or training systems for academic purposes.
‘Accreditation of prior learning’ is used to encapsulate the range of activity and approaches taken to formally acknowledge and establish publicly that substantial and significant learning has taken place.
This recognition may give the learning a credit-value in a credit-based structure and allow it to be counted towards the completion of a programme of study and the award(s) or qualifications associated with it.
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
Credits will be granted on the completion of a comparable programme of study elsewhere, or a discrete part of a course, for example a module or unit. The academic level (e.g. Bachelors or Masters) of the programme should be equivalent to the Warnborough College programme for which you are making the exemption case.
Typical evidence include:
- Copies of the certificates;
- Copies of the syllabi or transcripts describing the work undertaken and credits awarded;
- Descriptions of the undertaken assessments (not the assessed work itself)
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
Credits can be granted if you have completed a similar program or a specific part of a course elsewhere, such as a module or unit. The academic level (e.g., Honours or Masters) must match the part of the Warnborough College program for which you are seeking exemption.
Evidence for APL may include:
- Evaluation reports and summaries based on documented feedback.
- Validation and review documents, especially if you have been involved in designing, revising, or reviewing content.
- Outlines of programs you have led, delivered, or assessed, such as undergraduate or postgraduate modules.
- Details of your involvement with other institutions, like external examining or institutional audits.
- Session plans, schemes of work, and materials you have designed.
- Examples of work design or innovation in practice.
- A bibliography of key texts that have influenced your approach to learning, teaching, or work in the field.
When applying, it is helpful to compile all your evidence in the form of a portfolio. We can help you with aspects of this.
How to claim APL
All APL claims should include the following:
- A formal application form
- A portfolio containing
- your full CV;
- supporting evidence of learning completed;
- explanation/justification of how each aspect of your prior learning relates to your exemption claim;
- a clear overview so that items can be located easily and/or cross-referenced.
Your APL Application in 5 Steps
| Step 1 | Make your initial APL Application* |
| Step 2 | Initial Briefing on How to Complete your Portfolio |
| Step 3 | Compile and Cross-Reference Your Portfolio |
| Step 4 | Your Portfolio is Assessed |
| Step 5 | Feedback is Given; Decisions are Carried Out |
* A fee of €300 is payable for the application process. If you wish to avail of the services of a designated APL Tutor/Supervisor, the additional fee is €3,000 (this will cover all Steps). Typically, it will take anywhere from a month to map everything. However, be realistic about what you want to achieve with this. At present, the absolute maximum that Warnborough College can award for APEL is 70% of the total credits required for a qualification. The remainder of the credits must be achieved through top-up or other means.
Additional Note: Where the applicant claims expertise and/or experience, but is unable to furnish any documentary and/or anecdotal proof, the applicant may apply to do a challenge test. The challenge test will feature questions and case studies that an experienced professional is expected to be able to answer/handle/resolve.
Please contact us for more information.
