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Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the term used to describe the system for giving formal recognition to a range of relevant learning that you may have gained prior to entry onto a particular course. RPL can be used by applicants to:
• Gain admission to a course of study by helping candidates to demonstrate that they have met the
entry requirements.
• Gain exemption(s) from a module(s) within a programme of study where students can formally demonstrate that they have already met the learning outcomes for the module(s) concerned. In order to make a valid application for an exemption applicants must first pay the full fee applicable for the module. If the RPL application is successful applicants will be refunded 50% of the fee. Prior learning includes both formal and non-formal learning. Formal learning is gained through completing courses/modules in further/higher education or other certified courses. Non-formal learning may be attained through work, voluntary activities or private study but for which no certification may have been obtained. It is important to remember that any RPL application must focus on learning attained and not simply, for example, on time spent in a particular job. All RPL decisions must be validated by the Academic Department expert in the relevant area.
Students may be able to gain exemptions from certain modules on a programme where they can formally demonstrate that they have already met all of the learning outcomes of a complete module(s).
Cost: In order to make a valid application for an exemption, applicants must first pay the full fee applicable for the module. If the RPL application is successful applicants will be refunded 50% of the fee. Students should contact the relevant administrator below for further details on the costs involved and when payments need to be made.
Award Year: students are asked to note that at WIT a simple ‘exemption’ cannot be granted in an award year (unless the student is happy to accept an ‘unclassified award’ which most are not). There is a requirement that a gradable piece of work – such as a portfolio of prior learning attained for example – be produced by the student and graded by the college. That grade will then go towards calculating the student’s overall result. Contact the relevant Department as below for further advice in this area.
How to Apply: Students are advised to have an initial discussion on the possibility of RPL for Exemptions with their Course Leader or Head of Department. To apply for an exemption from a module(s) on a programme of study you must complete one of the following forms:
RP1 Module Exemption Form
If your application for module exemption is based on prior certified learning then you must complete form RPL1. If your application is based on a combination of certified and experiential learning, you must also complete form RP2.
RP2 Portfolio of Learning
If your application for module exemption is based on prior experiential learning only, then you must complete form RPL2.
Please return completed forms to the relevant administrator in the School of Lifelong Learning and Education
For undergraduate part-time courses please return completed applications to:
Third Level Administrator
School of Lifelong Learning and Education
WIT College Street Campus
email: [email protected]
phone: 051 302764
For postgraduate education courses please return completed applications to:
Postgraduate Admissions Administrator
School of Lifelong Learning and Education
WIT College Street Campus
[email protected]
051 302225
For Literacy Development Centre courses please return completed applications to:
Literacy Development Centre
WIT College Street Campus
051 302872
Applicants who don’t already meet the academic entry requirements for a WIT course may be able to use RPL to support their application and gain a place on a course. Entry requirements refer to the level of learning and/or aptitude that the college has down that applicants need to have on entering the course in order to be able to complete it successfully.
The requirement for entry into the first year of an accredited major higher education course at WIT is typically a Leaving Certificate or equivalent [a ‘major’ course refers to a full Higher Certificate or Degree course for example]. Students over 23 years of age fall into the ‘mature students’ category and may be exempted from this requirement if they can demonstrate that they are suitable candidates for the course of study through WIT’s mature applicant assessment processes.
Many WIT awards, especially those at higher levels on the National Framework, will have a higher level entry requirements. For example applicants for a higher diploma award are typically required to already have a level 8 qualification. Therefore an applicant who has a level 7 qualification and who has further relevant learning may be able to secure a place on the course through RPL.
Applicants who do not currently meet the entry requirements for a course but who are interested in pursuing an application must submit the relevant, completed, RPL for Admissions form (see forms below) as part of their application. Applicants who wish to get academic advice on the possibilities of admission by RPL in their case should do so through the relevant Head of Department / Course Leader. The School of Lifelong Learning and Education administrator, listed below, can put you in touch with relevant academic advisor and supply the relevant forms.
The Advanced entry forms for Advanced Entry onto Ordinary and Honours degrees, Higher Diplomas, taught postgraduate and research postgraduate programmes are listed below:
For undergraduate applications:
Third Level Administrator
School of Lifelong Learning and Education
WIT
Cork Road
Waterford
email: [email protected]
phone: 051 302764
For postgraduate education applications to:
Postgraduate Admissions Administrator
School of Lifelong Learning and Education
WIT College Street Campus
[email protected]
051 302225
For Literacy Development Centre courses please return completed applications to:
Literacy Development Centre
WIT College Street Campus
051 302872
Main Campus Cork Road, Waterford City, 
