Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows you to convert relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of credits you need to study to gain that qualification.

Types of RPL

RPL can come from previous study, employment, voluntary work or training courses. The three types are:

Credit transfer

Credits, or a qualification, from a UK higher education degree-awarding body can be transferred to a Newcastle programme These must be in line with the relevant higher education qualifications framework and Qualifications and Credit Framework.

These credits must be at the same level of study or higher. Credit transfer may be internal. For example, from one Newcastle programme to another). They can also be external, but marks are only retained for internal credit transfer.

Prior experiential learning

This is an assessment process whereby an academic unit recognises a student’s learning gained through experience.

Prior certified learning

An academic unit can recognise prior learning that is at a higher-education level that was:

• not at the right level
• earned outside of a UK institution

How decisions are made

Decisions to grant credit transfer and RPL are academic decisions based on individual students’ applications and academic judgement about whether or not the prior learning maps appropriately onto stated learning outcomes for modules at the University.

Recognition of Prior Learning Statements

Every Academic Unit has an RPL statement. These include information on:

• how to apply for RPL or credit transfer
• what evidence is needed
• how your information will be handled
• the timescale for a decision and a named contact to be in touch with if you want to apply

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Faculty of Medical Sciences

Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering

INTO