Recognition of Prior Learning

At St Andrews, we understand the value of learning and the experiences you’ve gained outside of formal education. Our RPL policy offers a way to receive credit for what you’ve already learned, helping you move forward in your academic journey more efficiently.

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is how we assess and credit learning you’ve acquired through past education, work experience, training, or other relevant activities. RPL can help in the following ways:

  • Getting admitted to a programme.
  • Earning credit toward a programme.
  • Being exempt from specific required modules.

Who is RPL for?

RPL is available if you:

  • Completed part of a degree elsewhere and want to transfer those credits.
  • Have significant professional experience relevant to the course to which you are applying.
  • Earned non-degree qualifications that meet our academic standards.
  • Undertaken short courses or professional development equivalent to formal learning.

RPL is available for undergraduate and postgraduate courses depending on the programme and your prior learning.

Types of Prior Learning Recognized

We recognise two main types of prior learning:

  • Certificated Prior Learning (CPL): Formal learning from recognised academic qualifications earned at an accredited institution.
  • Experiential Prior Learning (EPL): Informal learning from work experience, training, or other activities. You will need to show how your experience meets the course’s learning outcomes.

How Does RPL Work?

  1. Initial Enquiry: Contact our admissions team to discuss whether your prior learning can be recognised.
  2. Application Submission: Fill out the RPL application form and provide evidence of your prior learning (transcripts, certificates, work portfolios, etc.).
  3. Assessment Process: Our RPL Officer and the academic department will review your submission to see if it matches the learning outcomes of your chosen course.
  4. Outcome: You’ll receive a decision confirming whether RPL has been granted and what credit or exemptions you’ve been given.

Supporting Your RPL Application

To succeed with your RPL application, you must provide solid evidence of prior learning which aligns with the course’s learning outcomes. This might include:

  • Transcripts from previous institutions.
  • Certificates from training or professional courses.
  • A detailed work portfolio with descriptions of your roles and achievements.
  • References from employers or professional organisations.

Our admissions team is here to help you through the process and increase your chances of success.

Contact Us

Interested in applying for RPL or have questions? Contact us at rplearning@st-andrews.ac.uk

We encourage you to explore how your previous learning can support your academic goals at the University of St Andrews, where we value diverse learning experiences and pathways to success.