Applying for Recognition of Prior Learning

Have you already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or does your work experience appear equivalent to one or more modules on your chosen course? If so, you may be eligible for module exemptions through Recognition of Prior Leaning (RPL).

There are two types of RPL:

Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL)

RPCL allows you to use learning completed with a different higher-education institution towards your University of Derby award. RPCL refers to formally recognised certificated learning which has been assessed by a recognised body.

Please note - that credit already awarded by the University of Derby as part of a University award cannot be used as part of an RPCL application against a second award.

Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

RPEL allows you to use learning completed via employment or voluntary work towards your University of Derby award. RPEL refers to learning which has been gained from experience and has not been assessed or certified.

The maximum credit that may be awarded through RPL is as follows:

For further information please refer to Academic Regulations Recognition of Prior Learning.

How to apply

If you are a prospective student, we can only process an application for RPL once you have been accepted onto the course.

To consider your application for RPL, we will need appropriate evidence from you that your prior learning matches the content of the module you wish to be exempt from. You must evidence through your application that you have met the module learning outcomes as they are required to meet the overall programme learning outcomes and these must be met to attain the award.

For certificated and experiential RPL claims, only learning that has occurred up to five years prior to the start date of the award will be considered.

How to submit an application for RPCL

RPCL is assessed by reviewing documented evidence of previous qualifications which demonstrates that your prior learning matches the content of the University of Derby module(s) you are applying to be exempt from.

To apply, please complete and submit the RPCL application form and email your supporting evidence to udol-rpl@derby.ac.uk. Evidence must include the following:

1. Official transcript and certificate for previous qualification. Please note, your previously completed qualification needs to be of an equivalent academic level or higher.
2. Module learning outcomes for previous qualification. These can usually be found in the module handbook but you may need to contact your previous institution in order to obtain these.

Please allow 3 to 5 weeks for an outcome on your claim.

Please note - we cannot accept RPCL for BSc (Hons) in Perioperative Practice.

How to submit an application for RPEL

RPEL is assessed by reviewing documented evidence of learning achieved outside of an academic remit, such as on the job training.

To apply, please complete and submit the RPEL application form and email your supporting evidence to udol-rpl@derby.ac.uk. You will need to write a reflective commentary as part of your application to show how your experience can be mapped to the module learning outcomes. Further information on this process can be found within the application form along with examples of suitable evidence.

Please allow 3 to 5 weeks for an outcome on your claim.

Please note - we cannot accept RPEL for MSc Psychology, PG Dip Psychology programmes and BSc (Hons) in Perioperative Practice programmes.

Deadlines for an RPL application:

RPL applications should be made no later than one calendar month before the end of teaching on the modules involved.

The RPL process can take 3 to 5 weeks therefore we cannot guarantee a decision prior to the start of teaching. However, your application will still be considered and you can still enrol while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

If you are applying for RPL for the first module on your programme and you are unsure how this may affect your start, please contact the Enrolment Team at udolenrolment@derby.ac.uk to discuss your options.

If you are enrolled onto a module which is subsequently approved for RPL and have made the application no later than one calendar month before the end of teaching, this module will be dropped without charge.

Fees and loans

A postgraduate loan is designed to support students with payment of a full Masters programme. If you are approved RPL you will not be eligible for a Postgraduate Student Loan as you will not be studying the full 180 credits.

For RPCL claims, there are no fees associated with the application process or the award of RPCL credit.

For RPEL claims, If your application is successful, you will pay 30% of the fee for any module(s) for which you are claiming credits. We will usually ask you to pay these reduced fees when you enrol on your course or, if after enrolment, as soon as we have approved your RPEL application.

The award of credit for prior learning

Where a request for an RPL exemption is approved, the award of credit will be reflected as an 'N' grade, i.e. no grade will be awarded. This means your final classification will be calculated using only the grades from the modules you have completed as part of your award. For example, if you achieved a 2:1 mark for the module you completed with another institution but achieved a 3rd class mark for the modules completed with the University of Derby Online Learning, your overall classification would be a 3rd class degree.