Information for Learners
Welcome, learner. Here you'll find information on how RPL can help you in your application to higher education institutions.
RPL is a way for higher education institutions to assess and recognise the knowledge and skills you have gained through work, life experience, or previous learning.
To begin the RPL application process, you should contact the institution offering your chosen programme directly to find out if RPL is accepted; this may involve reaching out to the Head of Programme, a member of the Admissions team, the Lifelong Learning or Adult Education Department, or, in some cases, a dedicated RPL officer.
The RPL Application Process Explained
The application process typically has 5 ‘stages’.
This is where applicants find out about what RPL opportunities exist in a higher education institution and how the process works.
Applicants are asked to explore their experiences and learning to date with a view to making an RPL application.
Applicants undertake a reflective process and gather relevant materials to support their application. Some examples of materials may be CV’s and job descriptions.
The application is then assessed by a staff member in the higher education institution. A range of assessment mechanisms may be used including portfolios, interviews, essays or examinations.
If successful, the learner will receive formal recognition or certification which can lead to:
I. Credit towards an award or exemption from some programme modules
II. Advanced entry to a programme
III. Entry to a programme
In some higher education institutions, RPL may also be used to gain a full academic award. The availability of full awards is at the discretion of each higher education institution.
Understanding Different Types of Learning
Applying for RPL usually involves a reflective process, where applicants are asked to think about and demonstrate the relevant learning that they have. Because RPL encompasses all types of learning, applicants are often asked to reflect on the different types of learning they have acquired.
Formal learning takes place through programmes or courses of study that are delivered in an organised, formal way by education providers and that attract awards or credits. Formal learning is sometimes referred to as certified or accredited learning. Under the principle that credit should only be awarded once, such prior learning is given recognition rather than accreditation.
Non-formal learning takes place alongside or outside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assessed but does not lead to formal certification or credit on a framework of qualifications. Examples of non-formal learning are planned learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector, or in community-based settings.
Informal learning takes place through life and work (e.g. ‘on-the-job’) experience.
Guide on RPL for Learners
Quick RPL Guide to get started.
Discover RPL opportunities and where to find them.
Using Volunteering for RPL
Volunteering and community service can be a strong source of prior learning for RPL, particularly when you can show what you learned and how you developed it in practice. This might include skills gained through unpaid roles or non-profit projects, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, planning, or specialised technical skills, supported by clear documentation. Helpful evidence can include a short summary of your responsibilities and learning, evaluations or feedback on your contribution, letters from the organisation (or people you supported), and any tangible project outcomes that demonstrate what you achieved.
If you’re volunteering (or could volunteer) through a participating higher education institution, StudentVolunteer.ie can help you log your activity and, in many cases, download a certificate or record of your experience. If you’re outside a university programme, you can still build evidence by keeping a simple record of your role, responsibilities, dates/hours, training completed, and key learning or achievements.
Find out more at StudentVolunteer.ie
I found the opportunity to engage with RPL to credit my knowledge, to step into an academic stage - where I have thrived.
