Accredited prior learning (APL)
The accreditation of prior learning is an all-encompassing term referring to the formal recognition, assessment and award of credit for all prior learning
”Regulations for the Accreditation of Prior Learning for Credit - September 2009
What is APL?
During the course of your studies you may come across modules that you feel you've already completed, perhaps at a different institution or through work/life experience.
In applying for APL this 'prior learning' could be translated into a number of credits to contribute directly to your university qualification. These credits would be mapped directly to specific modules, removing the need for you to study them.
APL can be:
- Certificated (APCL) - To give recognition of learning which has been formally assessed, and for which a certificate has been awarded
- Experiential (APEL) - To recognise that knowledge and skills can be developed through many types of experience, such as work and voluntary activities.
You may apply for both certificated and experiential learning.
Making an application
If you feel that you qualify for prior learning credit an APL form should be fully completed and submitted with evidence of your achievements to your module/programme leader in order for an assessment to be made.
The evidence required to support your claim depends upon the type of APL you're applying for:
- APCL - Official certificates or credit transcripts
- APEL - A portfolio of evidence and an interview.
Regulation documents
Full regulations are in place for the accreditation of prior learning which you may find useful when making your application.
- Academic Regulations (3R's) - Accreditation of Prior Learning (PDF, 27.4kb)
- Regulations for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for Credit (PDF, 414kb)
How will the credit appear?
- If your APL application is successful the credits will be attached to your student record to show on your Statement of Achievement.
- If you had previously enrolled upon accredited modules these will be removed from your academic profile.
Implications for full time undergraduate home and EU students
If the removal of accredited modules takes you below 90 registered credits for the academic year, this may result in your status being changed to part time. This could then affect your tuition fees and current funding arrangements.
For further details on how this change may affect you please contact the Student Records and Fees team.
Fees
Where fees are incurred the cost is 30% of the module fee for which credit is being claimed.
Fees are not charged:
- If the APEL process has been used for admissions purposes
- For APCL, even if in combination with APEL
- For APEL from:
- Full time home and EU undergraduate students taking HND or degree programmes, or the PGCE
- Full and part time students in Further Education.
Fees are charged:
For APEL from self-funding and employer sponsored:
- Full time undergraduate international students
- Part time undergraduate students
- Postgraduate (including research) students
- Students on professional programmes.
