POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING (APL) AND THE ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (APEL)

This policy and procedure is also available in word format.

This document contains: 

Section A: University Policy on the use of prior learning and prior experiential learning towards the requirements for a University of Essex award; and

Section B: The University’s Procedure for the process of accreditation. 

Definitions

APL                        Accreditation of Prior Learning - the formal recognition of prior learning gained outside the University through formally assessed courses or modules. 

APEL                       Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning - the formal recognition of prior learning gained through other experience, typically in the workplace.  

AP(E)L                    Abbreviation used to encompass both of the above 

Admissions Office    appropriate department or member of staff responsible for the oversight of the admissions process (University of Essex Head of Undergraduate Admissions, University of Essex Head of Graduate Admissions, equivalent named office-holders at partner institutions). 

AP(E)L Assessor/      member of the academic staff responsible for admissions into the course

Approval Panel         concerned (in academic departments at the University this is generally the Admissions Officer), and/or AP(E)L approval panel where these exist at partner institutions.

SECTION A: POLICY

1.         Applications

1.1     Application for AP(E)L should normally be made before the student commences study on the course into which s/he is seeking to transfer prior learning. 

1.2     Applications must consist of a written request, stating the University award in respect of which the student seeks AP(E)L, and documentary evidence of the learning, in the form of transcripts, certificates or other suitable evidence in the case of experiential learning.

1.3    A decision as to whether AP(E)L can be approved will depend both on the specific requirements and learning outcomes of each course and the details of each individual application.

1.4    Applicants should note that the award of specific credit via APL towards their intended course of study at the University may not necessarily directly reflect the value/level of the credit assigned to their current/previous qualification, ie. it may be less.

1.5     Exemptions will not be considered for prerequisites in certain disciplines where professional and statutory regulating body requirements apply (eg, Health Professions Council, Institution of Engineering and Technology, Law Society).

1.6     Exemptions will only be considered for full courses / modules of study; not elements therein.

2.         ‘Shelf-Life’ of Learning

The time elapsed since the student undertook learning that forms the basis of an AP(E)L application is a relevant factor to be considered in each case. Normally, learning should have taken place within the five years prior to the enrolment date for the intended course of study.

[Note: attention should also be paid to the University Policy on The re-use of credit from University or external sources towards University of Essex awards]

3.         Volume of AP(E)L in University awards

3.1      It is important to note that the acceptance of AP(E)L towards University awards is an admissions decision based on

          each individual case.  The maximum volume of AP(E)L outlined below is provided for the guidance of applicants and

          departments but does not constitute an entitlement.

3.2     For taught postgraduate awards a student may seek to import learning to a maximum of one third of the volume of credit that is required to be studied for the named University award.

3.3     For undergraduate awards of over 240 credits a student may seek to import learning to a maximum value of two thirds of the volume of credit that is required to be studied for the named University award.

3.4     For undergraduate awards of 240 credits or less the maximum credit value permitted to be imported is one half of the volume of credit that is required to be studied for the named University award.

3.5     For specified teaching qualifications the maximum credit value permitted to be imported is one half of the volume of credit that is required to be studied for the named University award.

3.6     Summary of requirements for admission via AP(E)L:

¹Note: The Rules of Assessment specify the particular requirements for volume of credit at specific levels of the FHEQ within each University award.

²Note: Where individual awards have a higher credit total (eg. Honours degrees with 480 credits) the maximum import thresholds outlined above continue to apply.

 4.     Calculation of degree results

In calculating the final degree result of a student who makes a successful AP(E)L application, any courses or modules from which the student is exempted on the basis of AP(E)L will be excluded from calculated averages or other methods used to determine the student’s final degree result.

5.      Transcripts

       The transcript for a student who makes a successful AP(E)L application will indicate the elements of the course from  which the student was exempted.

 SECTION B: PROCEDURE

1.     Applicants wishing to be awarded credit for AP(E)L will be advised in the first instance to discuss the matter with the

        Admissions Office, who will ensure that the applicant is given access to the Programme Specification, including the

        course structure and the rules of assessment and is informed of the University’s AP(E)L policy and procedure. 

2.     The Admissions Office will verify that the application is in accordance with the policy in Section A. If it is not in accordance, the Admissions Office will inform the student of the discrepancy in writing.  Otherwise, the application will be passed to the Admissions Selector for the course concerned who will act as the AP(E)L assessor, or to the appropriate AP(E)L Panel where these exist.

3.    The applicant will submit evidence of previous learning in the form of award certificate(s), transcript(s) or, in the case of experiential learning, a portfolio of evidence.  This will be passed to the AP(E)L assessor / approval panel.  The AP(E)L assessor / approval panel may request additional information, e.g. details of a course syllabus and/or the assessment methods.

4.    The AP(E)L assessor / approval panel carries out the following actions to determine whether the student is eligible for AP(E)L towards a University of Essex award, documenting each action on the attached pro forma. S/he will:

(a)    Decide whether, in the case of APL, further evidence in a format specified by the admitting department is required, in addition to the student’s initial submission, and inform the student if such evidence is required.

(b)    Assess the evidence against the requirements and learning outcomes of the relevant degree course and the available constituent modules.  S/he may consult with other members of academic staff as appropriate. Consideration should be given to:

·      subject content and knowledge

·      volume of learning

·      level of learning

·      evidence of achievement

·      currency of the student’s knowledge in relation to the requirements of the course

·      restrictions imposed by Professional or Statutory Bodies, if applicable.

 (c)   Decide whether the student is required to present themselves for interview by the AP(E)L assessor or another appropriate member of staff, and make the necessary arrangements.

5.    If the AP(E)L assessor / approval panel decide that the student’s application for AP(E)L is unsuccessful, this will be documented on the pro forma and a copy forwarded to the Admissions Office.

6.    If the AP(E)L assessor / approval panel decide that the student’s application for AP(E)L can be accepted they will make a recommendation to the appropriate Faculty Dean (or in the case of partner institutions, the Dean of Academic Partnerships)  that a specific amount of credit (eg. exemption from individual module(s) or exemption from a year of study) towards the relevant degree course should be awarded. The Dean will inform the AP(E)L assessor / approval panel of his/her decision. A copy of the pro forma will be forwarded to the Admissions Office.

8.     The Admissions Office will inform the student of the decision, in writing and will copy the letter to the Registry and the Systems Administration Office (or equivalent offices at partner institutions), the latter office to undertake appropriate actions on the student’s computerised record.

Approved Senate, July 2007 (updated August 2008 and January 2012)