Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) header
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL Project Application

Dublin City University Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) project questionnaire - postgraduates

The National Recognition of Prior Learning Project (RPL) is funded under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3 — Innovation and Agility. The project aims to build consensus among HEI partners to develop and implement a National RPL Framework encompassing a shared national understanding of RPL and bringing coherency across RPL processes and practices.

An RPL application in the context of this questionnaire can be defined as an applicant who did not meet the prior formal learning (i.e. qualifications) entry requirements for a programme of study but has put forward relevant professional work experience, professional certification (both assessed and non-assessed), continuing professional development course or other forms of prior experiential learning for consideration for access, module exemption or advanced entry. 

Typically, RPL involves a mapping of a student’s prior learning, followed by an academic judgement to ascertain whether the student can gain access to a programme of study and/or module exemption and/or advanced entry. Please note that this survey does not include applicants who enter via the mature student entry route and the Further Education and Training (FET) entry route because these applications are recorded separately as mature entrants and FET applicants respectively.

This questionnaire is being issued to all DCU faculties to ascertain how RPL applications are currently being processed. The questionnaire is part of an information discovery phase related to an action activity currently underway at DCU. The information obtained will help to create a clearer picture of our current RPL practice across the university, leading to potential positive change by creating resources associated with RPL application processing and decision-making. The overall results will be shared with your school and the DCU RPL Working Group for further consideration. The questionnaire is being disseminated via the ADTL in each faculty, who will decide who should answer the survey. Please ensure that the name of the person answering the questions is on the form. If you have any questions regarding the questionnaire or its purpose, please contact the RPL Project Lead, Karina Curley, at karina.curley@dcu.ie.

This questionnaire consists of questions about RPL applications for postgraduate applicants only. Some of the questions may not apply to your area. Please mark these as N/A in the comments/other section of the question. 

The questionnaire analysis will take place in August. It would be greatly appreciated. If you could submit your response before this date. If you cannot make the July deadline, please get in touch.

Question 1: How does the potential postgraduate applicant access information about the RPL application process? If 'Other', please specify this in the text-box provided.
Question 2: Is there any help provided to the applicant before they commence the RPL application process? If yes, please indicate the type of support given and by whom in the ‘comments’ section. (This can include any advice/mentoring/ career guidance)
Question 3: Is support available to the applicant during the process of completing and submitting an RPL application? (If yes, please indicate the type of support given and by whom in the 'comments' section)
Question 6: What types of documented evidence can an applicant who demonstrates previous learning submit for an RPL application? (Mark all that apply)
Yes No
Question 9: Can an RPL applicant who demonstrates previous formal learning be considered for module exemption in your programme?
Question 10: Can an RPL applicant who demonstrates previous experiential learning be considered for module exemption in your programme?
Question 11: Do all programmes in your Faculty/School accept RPL applications? If ‘no’, please indicate these programmes in the ‘comments’ section.
Question 14: Who notifies the applicant of the RPL application outcome? Please detail in the “comments” section the process that triggers the notification to the applicant.
Question 15: Is there an appeals procedure for unsuccessful RPL applicants? (If yes, please outline this in the ‘comments’ section)
Question 16: Are additional supports identified for successful RPL applicants where necessary? (i.e. specific training/resources the applicant should avail of. If yes, please outline when these supports are given in the ‘comments’ section)
Question 17:Do you actively collect and categorise data on RPL applications made to your programme? (i.e. do you have an up-to-date spreadsheet?)
Question 18: Do you record RPL related enquiries of successful and unsuccessful applications? (If yes, please add more detail on how this is managed in the ‘comments’ section)
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