Fact Sheet Recognition of Prior Learning RPL The UTS

							                                       Fact Sheet:
                            Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The UTS Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning can be accessed at
http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/priorlearning.html. This fact sheet summarises some key points from this policy and
provides additional information specific to the Faculty of Engineering.

What is RPL?
Candidates for award courses can apply for RPL and may receive a reduction in credit point completion requirements for
graduation. RPL can be either:
    1. Credentialed Prior Learning – Learning undertaken as part of some formal course of study that has an
         associated assessment component; or
    2. Uncredentialed Prior Learning – Learning from work and/or life experience(s) that has resulted in
         substantially equivalent skills and knowledge being attained as a formal course of study.

How is RPL recorded?
RPL, if granted, is acknowledged on your study plan in MyStudentAdmin and, ultimately, on your academic transcript
which you receive at graduation. Depending on the circumstances, it can be recorded for a specific UTS subject (the
subject will be listed on the transcript) or as general advanced standing (generally used for elective components of a
course, if applicable). Please note that some professional organisations which assess qualifications for various purposes
may not consider RPL as valid if the prior learning was not in Australia. This can impact a permanent residency
application.

How is RPL assessed?
RPL is assessed according to the following criteria:
      1. Relevance to the award course for which the RPL is being sought: Prior learning should be substantially
         equivalent (75% or more) to learning outcomes from the subject(s) being claimed.
      2. Currency of the skills and knowledge: Prior learning must not be more than 10 years old.
      3. Level/Depth of Learning: RPL is only granted for prior learning which is of equivalent level to the subjects
         being sought. For instance, RPL is only granted in postgraduate courses for prior learning at postgraduate level
         (undergraduate subjects are not considered for RPL for PG award courses)
For the assessment of credentialed RPL, sufficient documentation needs to accompany the application to enable an
assessment. This includes certified copies of relevant academic transcripts and subject/course descriptions from
handbooks and/or web sites.
         The assessment of uncredentialed prior learning is more complex. An initial assessment is made on the
submission of a portfolio of work, supported by letters from supervisors and a CV. An interview is then arranged with the
relevant subject co-ordinator for which RPL is being sought, or the Director of PG coursework programs for general
advanced standing. If the RPL application has reasonable grounds for proceeding, the subject co-ordinator or Director
will normally arrange a challenge assessment task to demonstrate competency. If the candidate satisfies the
assessment criteria, then RPL will be granted.

Limits of RPL awarded (Faculty Standard Operating Procedure)
The Faculty of Engineering will only grant up to one subject (6cp) for Graduate Certificate courses and up to 2 subjects
(12cp) for Masters Courses. The only exception is for Masters candidates who have completed their undergraduate
course in the UTS Faculty of Engineering – in this case, up to 3 subjects (18cp) of RPL may be granted.

How & When to Apply
Complete the RPL form available from http://www.sau.uts.edu.au/forms/recognition_prior_learning2.pdf and submit to
Beate Buckenmaier (contact details on Survival Guide), either in person or by fax. An application for RPL should be
lodged at the time of applying for admission. However, RPL forms may also be accepted during a candidature.