Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy
| Document Control Grid | |
| Policy/Procedure Title | Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy |
| Date Approved | 3 May 2017
15 May 2024/12 December 2024 |
| Approving Body | Taught Student Education Board |
| Implementation Date | 2024/25 |
| Version | 1.1 |
| Revisions | Revision to principles relating to Intermediate Concluding Qualifications to align with the new Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes |
| Supersedes | Version 1.0 |
| Previous Review Dates | N/A |
| Next Review Date | June 2026 |
| Related Statutes, Ordinances, General Regulations | |
| Related Policies | Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes
Taught Admissions Policy Assessment Policy and Procedures |
| Related Procedures and Guidance | Programme and Module Approval Process |
| Policy Owner | Quality Assurance and Enhancement Team |
| Lead Contact | Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement |
Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy
The term ‘Accreditation of Prior Learning’ (APL) in this policy document encompasses APL, ACPL, and APEL, as outlined in the definitions under 1 below. The APL process allows for the formal recognition of prior learning, involving the exercise of professional judgement on the part of academic staff to establish that a substantial element of learning has taken place prior to the candidate’s admission to a programme. This recognition, when formally agreed and ratified, will lead to the award of credit and allow the credit value gained to be counted towards the completion of a University programme of study and associated award(s). Please note that this policy does not encompass direct entry arrangements, as these are subject to collaborative provision approval processes.
- Definitions
Accreditation of Prior Learning - previously assessed and certificated learning through an education provider is recognised for academic purposes, in adherence with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (also referred to as Credit Transfer in some contexts).
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (ACPL) - the assignment of credit for learning (such as professional development or employment-based awards) that has already been prescribed and recognised by an organisation deemed appropriate to offer awards but which has not led to the award of credit or positioned within the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - experiential learning outside formal education or training is considered and, where appropriate, is recognised for academic purposes.
- Principles
To claim exemption the applicant’s prior learning will have normally been awarded or undertaken within the previous 5 years (also refer to ‘currency’ under 4 below). Prior certificated learning leading to the award of credit must have been awarded by a recognised higher education institution.
The maximum allowance of credit to be imported or exempted will normally be one-third of the total minimum credit requirement for the programme (e.g., 120 credits for a 360 credit degree programme, with the exception of intercalated programmes in the medical curriculum or where otherwise specifically approved by the Taught Student Education Board). Candidates allowed to import credit must have pursued an approved course extending over at least the equivalent of one year of full-time registration.
If a student leaves the programme before completion, a University of Leeds Intermediate Concluding Qualification can be conferred only if stipulated in the programme specifications and the student has undertaken at least one half of the award at the University of Leeds.
- Application Process
Applications must normally be submitted by the applicant and processed prior to an offer letter being given.
- Consideration of Applications
Decisions to allow the Accreditation of Prior Learning should take account of the learning outcomes of the University’s provision and demonstrate a clear match with content and overall equivalence of the applicant’s prior learning.
All recommendations for the Accreditation of Prior Learning involve formal approval and ratification by the Faculty/School Taught Student Education Committee (see appendix 1, guidance for faculties/schools attached).
For the consideration of cases requesting the Accreditation of Prior Learning, criteria used to judge claims should take account of:
- Validity: is there an appropriate match between the evidence presented and the learning being demonstrated?
- Authenticity: is the evidence clearly related to the applicant’s own efforts and achievements?
- Currency: Does the evidence relate to current learning (i.e. no more than 5 years old)? For learning achieved more than 5 years ago applicants should show how they have kept up-to- date and built upon their existing knowledge. Where HE providers and/or professional, statutory or regulatory bodies have specific requirements and/or time limits for the currency of evidence, certification or demonstration of learning these should be made clear and transparent.
- Reliability and relevance: Is the evidence reliable and relevant to the learning being accessed.
Judgements relating to the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning should require the submission and consideration of evidence that can be assessed according to the criteria above. Guidance for applicants required to submit a portfolio, to inform such judgements, is attached as appendix 2.
- Further Guidance
Further guidance is available for faculties/schools and applicants.
Appendix 1 – Guidance for faculties/schools
Appendix 2 – Guidance for applicants on the Accreditation of Prior Learning (required to submit a portfolio)
Guidance and resources for staff are available on the Admissions Service section of the staff intranet.