- If you have previously studied at university level, or you have equivalent experience, you may be able to get credit for this on your course at Westminster.
- For example, if you have previously passed a module with similar content on a programme of study taken elsewhere, you may be awarded 20 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits for this module. You would then be exempt from the requirement to complete this module within your new programme.
- The maximum number of RPL credits accumulated at another institution that may be credited towards a Westminster award is usually as follows:
| Award | Maximum Number of RPCL or RPEL credits which may count towards the requirements of the award | Minimum number of credits to be achieved at the University of Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Certificate
| 60 credits
| 60 credits at L3 or above
|
| CertHE | 60 credits | 60 credits at L4 or above |
| DipHE | 160 credits | 80 credits, including at least 60 credits at L5 or L6 |
| Non-honours Degree | 200 credits | 100 credits, including at least 80 credits at L5 and/or L6 |
| Honours Degree | 240 credits | 60 credits at L6 and 60 credits at L5 or L6 |
| Integrated Masters | 240 credits | 120 credits at L7, 60 credits at L6, and 60 credits at L5 or L6 |
| Foundation Degree
| 120 credits | 120 credits, including at least 60 credits at L5 or above |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 30 credits | 30 credits at credit level 7 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 60 credits | 60 credits at credit level 7 |
| Master’s Degree | 90 credits | 90 credits at credit level 7 |
For apprenticeship courses, please also refer to the Initial Assessment and RPL Policy (Apprenticeships):
Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)
The Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) is defined as the process by which appropriate certificated learning from another institution is accredited towards a University of Westminster award. The prior certification should be provided by a recognised academic institution as a result of a rigorously assessed learning experience. Credit for learning which has been gained from an uncertified course (or where the certificate is in respect of attendance only) should be claimed through the RPEL route.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)
The Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) is defined as the process by which appropriate experiential learning is assessed and accredited. Experiential learning can be described as the knowledge and skills acquired through life experience, work experience and study which are not formally attested through any educational or professional certification. It may also include instruction-based learning, provided by an institution, which has not been examined in any of the public examination systems. It is important to note that it is the learning derived from the experience that is accredited, rather than the experience itself.
The deadlines for RPEL claims are as follows:
2024–25 academic year
- Semester 1 and year long modules – Monday 30 September 2024
- Semester 2 modules – Monday 27 January 2025
Note: Full details relating to RPCLs and RPELs can be found in Section 4 of the Handbook of Academic Regulations.