Academic Standards and Quality

SECTION A: POLICY

1. Applications

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.
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.
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.
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, i.e. it may be less.
5.  Exemptions will not be considered for prerequisites in certain disciplines where professional and statutory regulating body requirements apply (e.g., Health Professions Council, Institution of Engineering and Technology, Law Society).
6.  Exemptions will only be considered for full courses / modules of study; not elements therein.

2. ‘Shelf-Life’ of Learning

1. 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.
2. Note: attention should also be paid to the University Policy on The re-use of credit (pdf)from University or external sources towards University of Essex awards.

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

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.
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.  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. 
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.
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.

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

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

2 Note: 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.

Page last updated: 03 May 2013