RPL Exemplar: Dublin City University

Expanding Access Through Recognition of Prior Learning: An Exemplar from DCU

How can we ensure that capable, experienced learners who fall outside traditional entry routes still have the opportunity to thrive in higher education?

In our latest RPL Exemplar, we explore the case of an applicant to DCU’s postgraduate programme - MA i Léann na Gaeilge, who, despite not holding a degree in Irish, demonstrated a high level of language competence through a structured #RPL process.

This case highlights the importance of:
✅ Flexible, yet rigorous, entry pathways
✅ Collaborative engagement between applicants and academic staff
✅ The value of real-world learning in enriching the classroom environment

For academic leaders, this helps to demonstrate how RPL can support both inclusion and academic integrity in postgraduate admissions.

This exemplar is available to read or download below.