Credit Transfer and Prior Learning

What is Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

If you wish to apply using the accreditation of prior learning please read the guidance below. 

Accreditation of prior learning (APL) is a process used in higher education to allow previous certificated or experiential learning to be accepted as meeting some programme outcomes and requirements (BU, 2016).  The of APL/RPL or credit transfer processes is agreed during validation of programmes of study and the Programme Lead/Course Director should be able to discuss this option when you apply.

If the learning and experience you have is relevant to the programme or course you wish to apply for, can be assessed, and it meets the criteria agreed at validation then it may be possible to gain credit for it.

What does APL/RPL or Credit Transfer mean to me?

You may wish to access courses and find that your current qualifications do not meet the entry criteria. The APL process might provide you with:

  • An alternative route to gain credit within the Pre-registration Nursing Degree or Radiography degree (Please note there are specific professional requirements: NMC, 2009, NMC, 2010, HCPC, 2014).

  • A route to gain access to the post registration BSc (Hons) Health Studies.

  • Credit transfer against MSc programmes or Professional Doctorate (please refer to Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes).

Credit Transfer

Previous study can count towards the credits needed for a programme. Please contact the Programme Lead or Course Director for the course of study you are interested in and refer to Bangor University Regulations for Taught Programmes (2016), section 1.5.

Experiential Portfolio

If you are seeking credit based on experiential learning then you will need to produce an APL  portfolio. The portfolio is a file in which you will present all the details and evidence necessary for your previous learning to be assessed.  This evidence should be less than five years old to demonstrate currency of knowledge and experience (BU, 2016).  The assessment of the evidence for awarding credit will be undertaken by a group of appointed assessors.

What do I do next?

If you wish to make an enquiry or discuss an application for APL please contact the Programme Lead or admissions tutor for the course of study you are interested in. You can also contact the APL coordinator, Dr John Alcock for advice about APL/RPL.

Fees

  • Initial consultation – Free
  • Direct Credit Transfer (currently listed) - Free
  • Direct Credit Transfer (not currently listed) - Free
  • Portfolio – Dependent on Programme