Conferring
Recognition of Prior Learning
Count yourself in, because at ATU all of your learning counts
What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Learning happens everywhere not only through formal education, but also through experience in work, volunteering, and involvement in sporting or community groups. ATU recognises this and gives it value called Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL.
RPL enabled me to create a customized learning pathway that acknowledged my existing skills to focus on areas of further development. This flexibility made education more accessible for me to enhance further learning. By recognizing prior learning, RPL can help me advance in my career/business by obtaining formal qualifications or certifications that are required for promotion or new job opportunities. – Martha Ryan – Higher Diploma in Food Business & Product Development.
Types of Learning
Using the RPL process, ATU assesses and recognises a learner’s formal, non-formal and informal learning for entry, advanced entry to programmes and/or exemption from programme modules.
RPL applications are assessed against the relevant criteria, for example, module learning outcomes or programme entry requirements. The assessment is subject to the same quality assurance standards which the University applies to all formal assessment. This ensures equity with those who access the programme by traditional means.
Formal Learning: Takes place through programmes or courses of study that are delivered in an organised, formal way by education providers and that attract awards or credits.
Formal learning is sometimes referred to as certified or accredited learning.
Non-Formal Learning: Takes place alongside or outside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assessed but does not normally lead to formal certification. Examples of non-formal learning are planned learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector, or in community-based settings.
Informal Learning: Takes place through life and work experience. Typically, it does not lead to certification.
ATU Graduate, Paddy Rast, and his RPL Journey
You can use Recognition of Prior Learning for:
Entry to a Programme:
All programmes have entry criteria aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications. RPL may be used as an alternative means to satisfy entry criteria.
Advanced Entry to a Programme:
Advanced entry to a programme is where an applicant joins a programme in year 2, 3 or 4. An applicant will be considered for advanced entry following a process of assessment where they satisfactorily demonstrate they have learning equivalent to the overall learning of the previous stage(s).
Module Exemptions:
A fundamental principle of Recognition of Prior Learning is that one should not have to relearn something previously learned. It may be reasonable for a registered student to apply for an exemption for a module(s) on evidencing prior certified or experiential learning.
The RPL Process – What steps should I follow?
Step 1: Research
Applicants should first look into the study opportunities are available to them in ATU. Research your desired course online or through a prospectus, and maybe even attend information sessions, online or in-person, to speak to academic staff.
Many of our Online, Flexible and Professional Development courses (from Levels 6 – 9) use RPL as a means of entry to a programme. If you have queries about RPL, check our Frequently Asked Questions, or send your query to our RPL Coordinators, who are available to meet with applicants to discuss how RPL can work for them.
Step 2: Apply
Courses that are accepting applications will have an “Apply Now” button on the course webpage. When you’re completing your application, request to be considered for RPL in your cover letter, listing your previous experiences and learning to date.
Step 3: Support
You will then meet with an RPL Coordinator to discuss all the varied experiences and associated learning that can be valued. The application is then assessed by an academic staff member in ATU. A range of assessment mechanisms may be used including portfolios, interviews, essays, or examinations. The RPL Coordinator will liaise with the assessor on behalf of the applicant to support this process.
Step 4: Document
The applicant with the support of an RPL Coordinator reflects on their learning to date and gathers relevant materials to substantiate their application. If successful, the applicant will receive formal recognition which can lead to:
- Exemption from some programme modules
- Entry to a programme
- Advanced entry to a programme
Timeline:
The RPL application process can take between 4-6 weeks to be completed.
To ensure your RPL application for September 2025 is processed in a timely manner, we recommend for applicants to submit their application before Monday, the 30th June 2025.
RPL for Enterprise
RPL can help employers and higher education institutions tailor education and training more effectively for employees, e.g. by ensuring that it is at the most appropriate level of the NFQ and that it takes account of the significant (and sometimes invisible) learning accumulated in the workplace. RPL is a useful resource for employers seeking to retain and nurture talent and for higher education institutions looking to create career-long relationships with enterprise partners and diversify the student population.
Contact the RPL Team
Christine McCabe
RPL Coordinator
Myra Feely
RPL and Tertiary Education Pathways Officer
