Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows successful applicants to selected degree or diploma courses to claim 'credit' for previous learning from elsewhere, either at another institution or in practice. The previous learning must be relevant to the course applicants are applying for and if their application is successful, the credit will count towards their chosen course of study.
RPL incorporates
- Recognition of prior certificated learning (RPCL), where learning has occurred through formal study at another higher education institution, within the last five years.
- Recognition of prior experiential learning (RPEL), where learning is gained from personal and professional experience.
- RPEL also includes certificated learning that occurred through formal study, either at King's or at another higher education institution, over five years ago.
Which courses is RPL for?
Successful applicants to any post-qualification MSc, PGDip or BSc course offered by the Faculty can claim credit for previous learning that meets the RPL criteria.
There is a separate RPL process for successful applicants on our pre-registration MSc courses. Please contact the Admissions Team through the King’s Apply portal for further information.
Who can apply for RPL?
Qualified Allied Healthcare Professionals who are offered a place on course eligible for RPL and can evidence one or more of the following relevant to the course:
- Certificated learning through formal study at another higher education institution, within the last five years.
- Learning gained from personal and professional experience.
- Certificated learning that occurred through formal study, either at King's or at another higher education institution, over five years ago.
When to apply for RPL?
You can apply for RPL once your place on your chosen course is confirmed, but not before. Please follow the ‘how to apply’ process on this page and submit your claim form by the next available deadline.
How does the RPL process work at King's?
Decisions about the level and amount of credit to be awarded for prior learning are made by an accreditation panel, based on the evidence that applicants are able to provide about their relevant learning experience. The accreditation panel meets once per term to review recommendations of the accreditation assessors and award credit accordingly.
Students who do not hold the requisite entry requirements may apply for advanced standing to allow entry to the programme by demonstrating that they have knowledge and skills either via RPCL / RPEL or a combination of both that is the equivalent of 120 credits. This will for example allow an applicant who does hold a DipHE or equivalent to join a BSc programme. Students intending to put in a claim for advanced standing should meet with a panel member to discuss the content of their application as these claims can be substantial.
Students applying for RPL must discuss the potential for this with the course lead before starting their course and can only submit an RPL application once they are enrolled on their course. Please follow the RPL application process.
Please note there is a charge for making RPL claims. Full details of the procedure are in the key documents listed on this page.