‘I always felt I was missing something. I didn’t know what I could do with twenty-five years of experience in teaching dance, producing and directing performances and running my own business. But I knew I wanted to do something in an academic environment. Because dance is about body and movement, I had developed an interest in sexuality, the human body, and its movements. I wanted to stay current and to have the capacity to further engage with the students that I was teaching. Applying for a postgraduate certificate in Sexuality Education and Sexual Wellbeing through RPL in DCU was very straightforward. The RPL interview was so positive and encouraging, and I felt DCU were genuinely interested in my experience.  The application process and course engagement increased my confidence and belief in myself and what I do. Overall, it has done more than I could have imagined and has made me eager for more.’

‘After living abroad for a number of years, I used RPL to gain advanced entry into year two of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Course in DCU. I play saxophone and flute and have been teaching and gigging semi-professionally in various genres for a number of years, but I had been thinking about studying jazz formally for some time. I felt that there were gaps in my knowledge, and I could notice a difference in my abilities compared to those of my peers and colleagues who had formal tertiary education in music. This was particularly evident in terms of ear training, writing, and arranging. 

I think RPL makes a lot of sense in music as it’s a field that people enter through various avenues. There is a great opportunity for peer learning when students from diverse backgrounds and with different experiences are mixed in a classroom. Additionally, networking is a huge aspect of music, and the course offers excellent opportunities to study with some of the best musicians in Ireland as well as to connect with past alumni and other people from the music industry.

In terms of the process, the RPL application was relatively straightforward in the end, although initially quite confusing to navigate. Cormac O’Brien, DCU’s jazz programme co-ordinator, was extremely helpful. He organised a zoom meeting with me and talked me through exactly how it worked and how to apply.

If you are using RPL to apply for advanced entry, my advice would be to have a clear understanding of what the course content is, assess what you already know and use the time before the course begins to catch up on anything you need to. Skipping a year can involve a lot of additional work, but due to Ireland’s fee policy for people who already hold a degree, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to do this course without advanced entry. In that way, RPL has been a real game-changer.’ 

‘RPL in DCU allowed me to gain entry into the MEd in Early Childhood Education. My childcare career began well before regulations and the need for formal academic training. On a part-time basis, I studied and achieved level 5 and level 7 qualifications, while still managing and working in my service. The opportunity to pursue the MEd at DCU arose in 2021. The minimum qualification level required was level 8, which should have precluded me from gaining entry. However, with support and encouragement from the course coordinator, Geraldine, I applied to have my prior experience and learning recognised.  In terms of the process, using RPL was very straightforward, and I was supported along every step of the way. Once I had embarked on the MEd I never felt that I was disadvantaged by having gained entry through the RPL route. I was somewhat intimidated by the research element of the course, but my fears were unfounded because the support from tutors, supervisors and lecturers was excellent. I cannot emphasise the sense of achievement in graduating with an MEd in October 2023, and the benefit to my professional career and the confidence that I have as a manager, and an early years educator as a result. This was all made possible by being facilitated to study for a Masters in Education in DCU through RPL. I believe that many other early years educators, and the childcare sector as a professional body could benefit from allowing experienced, and passionate staff to have their vast experience and learning recognised to gain entry into university courses. My advice to you is “believe in yourself, if you are passionate and driven, then go for it. It will work out!’