Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is where we accept a previous qualification as meeting the learning outcomes for a course or module.
If your prior learning is recognised and accredited, you won’t need to take it as part of your degree. This reduces the number of courses (and may reduce the length of time) required to complete your degree.
Different courses have specific guidelines about RPL, these are outlined on the individual course webpages and in the Programme Regulations. For other rules associated with RPL, see General Regulations (Section 3).
You can apply for automatic or discretionary recognition of your prior learning.
To be considered for RPL you must make a formal request when submitting your online application for your preferred programme or you can contact us through an the .
You must meet the entrance requirements for the programme to be considered for RPL.
We will not award RPL if you have already entered for assessment in the module concerned.
We may not recognise or accredit prior learning for a module later than 14 days after the module start date for some programmes or 14 days after you have paid the module fee.
How is your prior learning recognised?
Some qualifications can be recognised automatically, if we have already confirmed that they meet the learning outcomes of a particular course.
If you hold any of these qualifications, subject to any conditions imposed by your programme, we will award credit for your prior learning - a process known as accreditation of prior learning, or APL.
Automatic RPL is considered free of charge.
Some programmes that offer automatic RPL and the qualifications we accept for automatic RPL can be found on the specialised RPL pages below.
Recognition of prior learning on the basis of qualifications that are not pre-approved is called discretionary RPL. If you believe a qualification you hold reflects similar learning outcomes to a module/course of your chosen programme, you can apply for discretionary RPL.
You will need to satisfy the university that you have passed examinations or been awarded a qualification that covers a similar syllabus, at the same content, level, credit value and standard to the course(s) for which you are seeking RPL.
Discretionary RPL requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and there is normally a non-refundable fee for this process. The discretionary RPL application fee is listed in the course fees for your programme.
You will need to have passed the qualification/s in full within any specified time limits preceding your application for RPL (usually within the last five years). Please check the course webpage or Programme Regulations for any specific guidelines.
Undergraduate programmes:
We usually only consider qualifications that are equivalent to UK Level 4 or above (e.g. a UK Certificate of Higher Education). RPL will not be considered on the basis of school-leaving examinations.
Postgraduate programmes:
We usually only consider postgraduate qualifications or appropriate professional level examinations that are equivalent to UK Level 7 standard or above (e.g. a Master’s degree).
Note: We cannot formally confirm whether you have been approved for RPL until specialist academics have made a decision, and we have received the following:
- a completed discretionary RPL request form
- the supporting documentary evidence (usually a scanned copy of a transcript and a detailed syllabus of your previous learning)
- the discretionary RPL application fee.
We will only charge the fee when we have received all the necessary documentation. You must pay this fee to receive the outcome of your RPL application and for any RPL to be accredited to your record.
You should apply for RPL as soon as you can so that we can process your request. There may be course specific deadlines for submitting your RPL request and to provide the required evidence. Deadlines for the study session in the year that you apply will be on the course webpage. You will need to allow time for academics to consider your documentation, so you can register by the registration deadline.
How to request RPL
The information below explains the steps of how you can apply for automatic RPL for and how we process your request.
Automatic RPL may be awarded for pre-approved qualifications stated in the Automatic Recognition of Prior learning table for your programme within the specialised RPL pages below.
How to request Automatic Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Apply for RPL via the online application form (for the programme) or in an online enquiry. You will need to satisfy the entrance requirements or the programme to be considered for RPL.
- Your RPL request is initially reviewed
- We will request any required supporting evidence, if needed.
- Provide evidence of your qualification e.g. a scanned certificate/ transcript or the web address (URL) to verify the qualification. If your supporting evidence is not in English, you will likely need to provide a translation.
- You will be notified of the outcome of your RPL request. Any approved RPL will be accredited to your record.
- RPL is valid for the academic session you applied for. If you do not register or take an assessment within a limited time period, you may need to make a new application for RPL.
The information below explains the steps of how you can apply for discretionary RPL and how we process your request.
Your prior learning is considered for RPL on a discretionary case by case basis.
How to request Discretionary Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Apply for RPL via the online application form (for the programme) or in an online enquiry, by the deadlines stated for discretionary RPL on the course webpage.
- You will need to satisfy the entrance requirements or the programme to be considered for RPL.
- Your RPL request is initially reviewed. If you can be considered for RPL, you will be sent an RPL Request Form after you have been sent an offer to study the programme.
- Provide the documentary evidence for the prior learning that you are basing your RPL request on. This normally includes:
- a scanned copy of an official transcript
- a detailed syllabus(es).
- If your supporting evidence is not in English, you will likely need to provide a translation.
- Note: Some programmes require specific documentary evidence. This information is within the RPL tab on the course webpage.
- Complete and return the RPL Request Form via email to documents@london.ac.uk along with any additional documentation requested, by the deadline stated.
- The form will ask you to state the qualification(s)/ examinations you are basing your RPL request on, the modules that you would like RPL for, and to confirm the fee you will pay (per module).
- Your completed RPL Request Form and documents will be sent to specialist academics for individual consideration.
- You will be sent confirmation of the discretionary RPL application fee due and instructions on how to pay the fee. You must pay this fee before we can confirm the decision of your RPL request.
- Pay the discretionary RPL application fee.
- You will be notified of the outcome of your RPL request. Any approved RPL will be accredited to your record.
- RPL is valid for the academic session you applied for. If you do not register or take an assessment within a limited time period, you may need to make a new application for RPL.
What happens after your request?
You will be notified of the outcome of your RPL application. Any approved RPL will be accredited to your record.
Once approved, recognition of prior learning is valid for a limited period (e.g. up to five years). If you do not register or attempt any examinations during this period, you may need to submit a new application for RPL.
Your transcript will indicate the credit value for any module where prior learning is recognised and accredited. The mark obtained for the earlier qualification will not be carried forward to your record and will not contribute towards your award.
Transferring to another institution from a àËÅöÊÓƵ Worldwide programme
For students who wish to use accumulated credit from a UoL distance or flexible programme and study elsewhere, we will, on request, provide a transcript of your studies, outlining your syllabus details and assessment results. A fee is payable for this service.
It is up to the receiving institution as to whether they will recognise and accredit the learning.