Advice for Applicants

Applicants who have previously acquired credits through formal study at Higher Education level, may make a claim for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL).  These credits might have been acquired at a different institution, from professional certification or from a different programme of study to the programme upon which the applicant now wishes to register.

Applicants who have acquired similar knowledge and skills during the course of their working life, whether paid or voluntary or through study/training not formally attested through any educational or professional certification may make a claim for the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

If you are a prospective applicant who is looking to claim credit for learning that has been previously assessed and certificated at HE level, or for experiential learning to be evaluated and awarded credit, please ensure that you apply for the correct level of entry on your application form and make reference to this in your personal statement. 

Decisions regarding the recognition of prior learning will be based on equivalence.  The prior certificated or experiential learning must be demonstrably equivalent to the learning that could have been achieved by following the module(s) for which exemption/transfer of credit is sought.

RPL may only be granted if it doesn’t result in ‘double counting’.  This means that credited learning that has already contributed to the award of one qualification cannot be used to gain RPL-based exemption in another qualification at the same level or lower.

Applicants who indicate that they wish to make a claim for recognition of prior learning will be asked to complete an RPCL / RPEL application form as part of the admissions process. 

Applications must normally be processed before the applicant registers in order for exemption(s)/transfer of credit(s) to be granted.

Programme Managers will be responsible for making decisions on RPCL applications for their programmes of study.  The Executive Head of Registry and the Head of Admissions will check that due process has been followed before approving a claim. 

Any applications for Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) will be considered by the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning and Accreditation Board.

In addition to meeting any academic conditions stipulated in the offer letter, applicants who have applied for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) will be required to successfully complete the RPCL process before their place can be confirmed. 

After accepting our offer, a notification will be sent to the applicant via the applicant portal, MyTSD, inviting them to complete an application form for RPCL.

The applicant will need to provide detailed information regarding their certificated learning on the RPCL application form and documentary proof (in the form of a transcript) that the qualification or part thereof, has been obtained.  Credits being claimed must be presented on the same application form. 

Certain courses offered by UWTSD will require applicants to undertake an Enhanced Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These courses will include a placement or activity involving significant contact with children and/or vulnerable adults, referred to as Regulated Activity.

In the interests of safeguarding our students, staff and visitors and to enable the University to provide the appropriate support, applicants to the University and enrolled students are encouraged to declare if they have any relevant criminal convictions at the earliest opportunity.