If you have studied similar courses or gained work experience in a relevant/related field, you may be able to obtain credit towards your chosen course. This could save you time and having to repeat material.
You can complete a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form BEFORE commencing your course. (Note: RPL can only be obtained for qualifications comprising 4 modules or more).
What is 'Prior Learning'?
- You have completed, or studied part of, a similar course previously in the same or related discipline.
- Credit awarded will take into account: duration of prior studies (hours of instruction), qualification of teachers, content of the course and the results you achieved.
- Prior studies in courses with a duration of less than 100 hours are not commonly considered for credit.
- Prior studies in short courses or modules with a duration of less than 30 hours are not commonly considered for credit
- Formal recognition or accreditation of the institution will be less important than the above criteria.
- A degree or diploma in one discipline, may contribute credit toward a different discipline e.g. If research skills have been learnt in an engineering degree, you are likely to be exempt from a Research Project in any other science diploma or higher qualification.
- You have significant and relevant work experience in the field.
- Work experience is only relevant if it is seen as having contributed to the overall learning required to be achieved for the qualification concerned.
- The value of work experience will be based upon not only what you did, but also for how long (hours), who your supervisor was (and their qualifications), nature of tasks performed and diversity of work.
- You have significant and relevant experience, other than work.
- Various other pursuits may be considered as a valuable learning experience, including involvement with clubs, associations or professional bodies, serving on committees, volunteer work or travel (only if relevant to the discipline).
How Much Credit Might You Get?
We do not award full credits for any RPL, nor do we award credit entirely based upon studies and experiences outside of that normal study program/discipline.
We check to see that any previous study indicates you have the knowledge, skills, awareness and experiences which would be attained if you were studying the same thing with us. We also check to see how well-constructed the other study program is, how it is delivered, and what comparable content/assessment there is. Warnborough College’s RPL policy is that:
- No more than 66% credit is ever granted toward any qualification; whatever the circumstances.
- Credit is granted less freely toward higher qualifications than for lower qualifications.
- The first 33% of credit granted is given on the basis that anything shown to have been achieved elsewhere will gain a full exemption (eg. If the person has adequate plant identification skills, they will be exempt from 33% of plant identification requirements in a course.
- The second 33% (up to the maximum 66%) is increasingly difficult to attain credit for (eg. If a person may already possess knowledge and skills required for 66% of a qualification, they will be unlikely to gain 66% credit. They must significantly exceed this 66% in their current abilities in order to be granted the maximum 66%)
How to Apply
The application process is comprised of five main things:
- Your full CV (with contact details)
- The name of the course against which you wish to be assessed
- Details of prior studies (e.g. transcripts, course outlines)
- Details of prior work experience (indicating which bits are relevant and to be considered)
- An application fee
RPL Application Fee
If no interview is required and this submission is based solely on these forms, a minimum fee of £50 is charged for Certificate courses or £100 for Diploma courses. If an interview or additional documentation is required, an additional £20 per hour fee is involved above the submission fee. The RPL fee MUST accompany the application for RPL.
RPL Supporting Documentation
Copies of any certificates, course syllabi, or any other information which you feel might aid the assessment of your request must be submitted with this application.
References
Three written references must be submitted with this application. The references must come from previous employers clearly stating skills learnt, duration of employment and experiences, etc.
Exemptions and Fees
If exemptions are granted, fees may or may not be reduced.