Recognition of prior learning for admission
By recognising prior learning in the admissions process, we support lifelong learning and encourage individuals to continue their education and development at any stage of their life or career.
Recognising prior learning and knowledge provides opportunities for individuals who may not have traditional academic qualifications but possess relevant skills and knowledge. This widens access to higher education for non-traditional students, including professionals, mature students, and those from diverse backgrounds.
Definitions
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) is sometimes referred to as a university transfer, credit transfer, external transfer, module exemption, Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Advanced standing is a type of RPL and RPEL.
RPL
RPL is recognition of prior learning. This refers to academic qualifications and formal training that can be used to enter at the start of a programme without meeting the “typical” advertised entry requirements.
Example: An applicant does not meet our A level requirements so undertakes 60 credits of an undergraduate degree elsewhere. As they are able to demonstrate they can succeed in a Higher Education environment, they are permitted to use the 60 credits for entry in place of A levels to enter into year 1 of a programme.
RPEL
RPEL is recognition of prior experiential learning. This means recognition of experience that can be used to enter at the start of a programme without meeting the “typical” advertised entry requirements.
Example: An applicant without a degree applies for the MSc Computer Science programme. They submit a detailed portfolio, including projects, coding samples, and professional references, which evidence ten years of experience as a software developer. This portfolio of evidence is considered holistically by the admissions tutor to ensure the applicant is able to demonstrate they can succeed in a Higher Education environment.
RPL or RPEL with advanced standing
Advanced standing is a type of RPL or RPEL which allows applicants to bypass individual modules covering material they already know. It's a way us to recognise your previous learning and help you progress faster through your studies. It may save you time and money, duplication of work, and may also mean an opportunity to study more flexibly in the first place.
Example: An applicant completes year 1 of a BA English Literature at a different institution, but decides they want to study in Cardiff for the remainder of their degree. They submit an application for year 2 entry and may be given an offer based on passing year 1 elsewhere.
Recognised routes for entry
Global partnerships
If you are applying through one of our global partnerships (also known as an Institutional Agreement) you will usually apply through UCAS for year 2 or 3 entry. You will not need to take any additional action – we will apply the RPL with advanced standing from the partner institution to your student record for you when you enrol.
Pathways to a degree
We have developed a number of pathways to help you study for an undergraduate degree with use. Some of our pathways include credits which can be transferred into the first year of a degree. If you intend to apply for a degree, you will usually apply through UCAS for year 1 entry. Before you apply you should discuss the credit transfer request with your Pathway tutor.
Professional development
We offer extensive continuing professional development (CPD) training courses and opportunities to help you develop throughout your career. If you complete one of these courses, you can make a request for the experiential learning to be recognised towards a full programme of study. Before you apply for a full programme, you should discuss the request with the programme lead.
You can also make a request for experiential learning gained outside of Cardiff University to be recognised through this route.
Short courses
We offer a range of short online courses. If you complete one of these courses, you can make a request for the learning to be recognised towards a full programme of study. Before you apply for a full programme you should discuss the request with the programme lead.
You can also make a request for learning gained outside of Cardiff University to be recognised through this route.
Standalone modules
A number of our postgraduate courses are available to study as standalone modules. Some of these modules include credits which can be transferred into a postgraduate taught (PGT) programme (e.g. PgCert, PgDip, Masters). Before you apply for a postgraduate taught programme you should discuss the credit transfer request with the programme lead.
You can also make a request for credit or learning gained outside of Cardiff University to be recognised through this route.
Applying for RPL, RPEL, and advanced standing
We must ensure that all applicants, regardless of how they acquired their knowledge, meet the same academic standards and learning outcomes. Applications for RPL, RPEL, and advanced standing are therefore a matter of academic judgement, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
To apply for recognition, you will need to provide evidence of your prior learning, such as transcripts, certificates, module descriptions, portfolios, work experience, and references, along with your formal application. To increase your chances of a successful application, you should provide detailed documentation of all prior learning and experience and clearly demonstrate how your prior learning meets the specific learning outcomes of the modules or course you are applying to.
The relevant admissions tutor assesses the evidence you’ve provided against the learning outcomes of the course you’ve applied to. We need to make sure that any recognition of prior learning and experience is comparable to what would have been achieved if you’d completed formal qualifications.
The admissions tutor may invite you to provide more evidence or take part in an informal interview as part of the application process. If the prior learning and experience are deemed equivalent, your application will be progressed in the usual way.
Whether your request is approved also depends on if there are places available on the programme for your requested entry point and if there is sufficient time in the application cycle to properly consider your request.
Academic regulations relating to advanced standing
You can only apply for RPL or RPEL with advanced standing for whole modules. The size of modules can vary from 10 credits to 60 credits. We cannot apply RPL or RPEL as partial credit towards a module.
You can apply for up to 50% of the total credits needed for the taught part of your programme. This means at least 50% of your taught credits must come from courses taken at Cardiff University.
At least half of the credits required for the taught part of your programme must be earned from courses you complete at Cardiff University.
Tuition fees
If your application for advanced standing is successful, you will be made exempt from some modules. Once enrolled as a student, you will only be charged for the modules you complete with us, but your offer letter will state the fees for the full duration of the programme, as this is a legal requirement we must comply with.
Applicant RPL policy
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy at Cardiff University allows applicants to apply for exemptions from parts of a programme based on prior accredited study (Credit Transfer) or relevant professional experience (Experiential Learning). External credit transfer is limited by predefined thresholds, ensuring that prior learning aligns with the University's academic standards. Experiential Learning is assessed through a portfolio of evidence. Certain programmes may be excluded due to professional or regulatory requirements. The RPL policy also covers internal credit transfers for current and former Cardiff students, as well as advanced entry into research degree programmes in specific circumstances. You can also view the full policy.
Current students
Current students requesting a change of programme should refer to the Student Intranet for advice on the internal transfer process.