RPL Frequently Asked Questions

All programmes have specific entry requirements that applicants must meet to be accepted onto the course, and are listed on each programmes webpage. ATU’s programmes and qualifications are aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ is a ten-level system (1-10) which gives an academic or vocational value to qualifications obtained in Ireland. NFQ levels help indicate how a qualification can be used for training, education and employment opportunities.

As a Higher Education Institution (HEI), ATU provides awards at levels 6-10 of the NFQ. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of what a learner is expected to know and be able to do after receiving a qualification. Each level builds on the previous one and maps a pathway for learners to progress to higher level qualifications.

For further information on the NFQ, please visit: QQI.ie

Your RPL application will involve documenting your prior learning in a portfolio of evidence. Your final portfolio should be compiled to one document (ideally pdf format). For the portfolio, you will need to address how your prior learning maps to each of the module learning outcomes in the relevant mapping table, which will be provided by the RPL team. Provide as much evidence as you can to support your claims of prior learning and reference the evidence type in the mapping table.  A CV/Resumé is not evidence of prior learning. Evidence can comprise any combination of the following:

• Transcripts of results
• Job descriptions
• Responsibilities
• Reports
• Project plans
• Designs
• Photographs
• Samples of work (redact sensitive information)
• Letters of verification
• References
• Records from HR Departments
• Press release
• Qualifications and Certificates

One of the RPL team will be available to provide guidance on documenting prior learning and providing feedback on a first draft of your portfolio if required.

The criteria for RPL assessment are:

Currency: Is the prior learning achieved and being assessed current? Is it up to date with current knowledge and practice of the discipline?

Validity: Does the prior learning presented meet the learning outcomes required by the relevant academic unit? Is the academic level of the prior learning being presented in line with the level descriptors for the programme for which RPL is being sought? This should be equivalent to the standard expected of other students and the standards associated with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and its awards.

Sufficiency: Is there enough evidence to demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been achieved?

Authenticity: Is it clear that the prior learning evidence provided is that of the applicant?

Reliability: Is the evidence of prior learning presented reliable

An RPL Coordinator will be available to provide guidance on documenting prior learning and providing feedback on a first draft of your portfolio if required.

We recommend that applicants submit their application as soon as possible if they would like to be considered for RPL. The process can take approximately 4-6 weeks. Example: for those looking to apply to courses commencing in September, we recommend to that you submit your application before the end of June to ensure your application is processed is timely matter and that you have enough time to document your learning portfolio evidence.

Applications for module exemptions will be considered once you are formally registered as a student of ATU. 

Module exemptions may be granted based on Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Applicants must discuss module exemptions with the relevant lecturers, to determine if applying for the application may be worthwhile.  Therefore, you must wait until you are registered for your programme of study before you can proceed.  Exemptions are assessed by the lecturer who takes the module. They are awarded where the lecturer is satisfied the student meets the learning outcomes for the current module, at the required level or higher on the national framework of qualifications.