Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Glasgow Caledonian University recognises experience gained outside the classroom. Find out how your experience can count towards university with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Students at Glasgow Caledonian should enter a course at a level appropriate to their prior learning and qualifications. The University therefore encourages the Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning, or credit transfer, and the Recognition of Prior informal Learning as a means of providing entry to, or credit within, all of its courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Such recognition will take place within the context of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The University will support schools in the implementation of RPL processes in all subject areas.

RPL is an important means of supporting the University’s vision ‘to be a successful international university delivering access and excellence, with a strong commitment to the common good’. RPL is an integral component of the University’s Widening Access Strategy through supporting the provision of flexible routes into and through programmes at GCU for all learners with the potential to benefit from higher education regardless of background. RPL supports flexible delivery such as work-based learning and part-time provision. Effective systems for RPL also support the University’s strategies in relation to learning, teaching and assessment; internationalisation; employability and graduate attributes. The GCU RPL Policy forms part of the GCU Admissions Policy.

FAQ's

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) refers to learning you have already gained before starting your programme at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Recognition of your prior learning means that it can be counted in lieu of standard entry requirements for a programme, or, can allow you to be awarded credit within your programme.

Full information on RPL at GCU can be found in the GCU Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Apply for entry on the basis of RPL (in lieu of standard entry requirements)

If you think that your prior learning is equivalent to the advertised formal entry requirements for a programme of study please contact the Admissions and Enquiries Service who will be able to advise you on how you can make an application to the University. Your prior learning will be considered and, if successful, an offer for entry to an appropriate level of the programme will be made.

How do I apply for credit within a programme of study?

To apply for credit within a programme you must be a registered student with GCU, or an unconditional offer holder who has firmly accepted their offer and due to start a programme with GCU. All claims should be submitted before the module(s) commence. If you have already commenced your studies at GCU, your claim must be received no later than the end of week two in each trimester.

The RPL Claim form can be accessed from your student portal in the Recognition of Prior Credit section. The form will be available 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after the start of each trimester. Please ensure you have all evidence ready before starting a claim as you cannot save and go back to it.

You must specify which if your previously achieved module or modules cover the learning outcomes of the GCU module you wish to be exempt from. You can check the learning outcomes for any GCU modules in the module catalogue here: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/currentstudents/essentials/modules

If you are applying for exemption from multiple GCU modules you must submit a new claim for each one.

If you would like to use multiple previously achieved modules towards one GCU module, please do this as one claim and provide information on the extra module(s) in the ‘Qualifications studied’

What evidence do I need?

This will vary so speak with your programme or module leader before making your claim. However, generally you must include your official transcript and any module descriptor(s) for any previously completed modules showing the university logo and learning outcomes.

Your claim will be assessed by two academic members of staff: the Assessor and the Moderator. You will be supported throughout the process, advised if any additional information is required and given an indication of the length of time that the assessment of your claim will take. Generally, this will be within three working weeks of submission of your claim form, however, it may take longer if a claim for recognition of informal learning needs additional supporting evidence. Advice on this can be obtained from the RPL Advisor supporting your claim.

Examples of the types of evidence which may be required are noted below:-

When considering applications for the credit transfer of prior certificated learning

The Assessor will need to see evidence of your prior certificated learning, the detail of what you learned, when this was learned, who awarded you the credit, and at what level of study the credit was awarded. Examples of the evidence you will be asked to provide may include module and syllabus descriptors or handbooks, transcripts, and confirmation of the marks you achieved for this learning. Once this information is received the Assessor will review the evidence in order to identify if the learning you have already achieved is comparable to the learning you would achieve by studying the module(s) at GCU.

When considering applications for the award of credit based on informal learning

When you make a claim based on informal learning it is expected that you will reflect on experiences, identify the learning within these experiences, and provide evidence of the learning achieved. Evidence of informal learning will therefore come in a variety of types and forms. Examples of how this type of learning can be evidenced may include structured interviews, reflective writing, witness statements and reports, portfolio, project work, observation of practice etc. Once all the evidence of learning has been received, the Assessor will review the evidence and undertake a process of assessment for credit rating the learning.

Further information

Application (RPL for entry) – Admissions and Enquiries Service

Credit within a programme (RPL for credit) – rpl@gcu.ac.uk

RPL Policy – Recognition of Prior Learning at GCU