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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

1. Purpose

Equra College London (“Equra”) recognises that learners may have relevant prior learning that can be credited towards a programme or course. This policy explains how Equra considers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fairly and consistently, while maintaining academic standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to RPL requests relating to:

  • Entry onto an Equra programme/course at a particular level or stage
  • Credit towards modules/units where credit-bearing structures apply
  • Recognition of learning achieved through formal study or relevant experience

This policy applies to applicants and enrolled students.

3. Definitions

3.1 RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning is the process of recognising learning previously achieved so it can contribute to entry or credit.

3.2 Types of RPL

  • Certified learning (APL): prior learning evidenced by formal certificates/transcripts from recognised institutions or awarding bodies
  • Experiential learning (APEL): learning gained through work, professional practice, training or life experience, evidenced through a structured portfolio

4. Principles

Equra will ensure that RPL decisions are:

  • Based on evidence of learning, not simply experience
  • Matched against relevant learning outcomes and level
  • Fair, transparent and consistent
  • Recorded clearly and subject to quality oversight
  • Made with academic standards and integrity as the priority

5. What RPL can be used for

Depending on programme design and partner requirements, RPL may be used for:

  • Admission onto a programme (where entry is based on equivalence)
  • Exemption from a module/unit (where learning outcomes are fully met)
  • Recognition of prior credit, where credit-bearing structures apply

Equra will not award RPL where evidence does not show that the required learning outcomes have been met.

6. Limits and restrictions

6.1 Equra may set limits on the amount of credit that can be awarded through RPL for a programme, depending on programme design, awarding body requirements, and partner expectations.
6.2 RPL will not be used where it would undermine the coherence of the learning journey or assessment integrity.
6.3 RPL will not be granted for learning that is too old to be considered current where currency is essential (for example, rapidly changing regulations or technical fields), unless evidence shows up-to-date competence.

7. RPL fees

Where an RPL assessment fee applies, Equra will publish it clearly and confirm it in writing before proceeding.

Procedure

8. How to apply for RPL

8.1 Applicants should request RPL during the admissions process. Enrolled students should request RPL as early as possible and normally before the relevant module/unit begins.
8.2 The applicant/student must submit:

  • An RPL request form or written request
  • Evidence for APL (certificates, transcripts, module descriptors where available), and/or
  • Evidence for APEL (portfolio demonstrating learning and mapping to outcomes)

9. Evidence requirements

9.1 APL evidence should include:

  • Award title, institution/awarding body, dates
  • Transcript/grades where available
  • Module/unit descriptors or syllabus content where possible

9.2 APEL evidence should include a structured portfolio, which may include:

  • Reflective statement of learning
  • Evidence of tasks completed and responsibility level
  • Professional training records
  • Work products (redacted where needed)
  • References or employer confirmation where appropriate
  • A mapping document showing how learning outcomes are met

10. Assessment of the RPL request

10.1 RPL decisions are made by an appropriately qualified academic decision-maker (RPL Assessor) and reviewed by the Quality Lead where required.
10.2 RPL assessment involves:

  • Confirming authenticity and validity of evidence
  • Mapping evidence to the relevant learning outcomes and level
  • Confirming sufficiency (full coverage vs partial coverage)
  • Confirming currency where relevant

10.3 Equra may require an additional assessment to confirm learning, such as:

  • A professional discussion
  • A short written task
  • A skills demonstration
    This will be proportionate and focused on learning outcomes.

11. Decision outcomes

Possible outcomes include:

  • RPL approved (full)
  • RPL approved (partial) with conditions or bridging requirements
  • RPL not approved (with reasons)

Decisions will be confirmed in writing.

12. Recording and reporting

Equra will record:

  • The RPL request and evidence summary
  • The mapping decision and rationale
  • The outcome and any conditions
    RPL decisions will be available for quality monitoring and partner audit where relevant.

13. Appeals

A student may appeal an RPL decision only on the basis of:

  • Procedural irregularity, or
  • Evidence that relevant information was not considered
    Appeals follow Equra’s Academic Appeals Policy. Disagreement with academic judgement alone is not a ground for appeal.

14. Confidentiality and data protection

RPL evidence may include personal and third-party information. Equra will handle this securely, restrict access, and require redaction where necessary.

15. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by partner requirements or learning from cases.