Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

Introduction

This Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy outlines the principles and procedures through which learners may gain formal credit for prior learning and experience. It reflects the College’s commitment to widening participation and promoting equality of opportunity, ensuring that diverse pathways into higher education are valued and supported.

The policy is fully aligned with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, and complies with key sector standards including:

• The QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education, which sets expectations for academic standards and quality assurance.
• The Credit Framework for England, which guides the use and transfer of academic credit.
• The Equality Act 2010, which underpins our commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory practices.

Through this policy, we aim to provide transparent, fair, and consistent recognition of prior learning, enabling learners to progress and succeed within their chosen academic programmes.

Purpose

To recognise and formally award credit for knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired outside traditional teaching (e.g., work experience, non-formal/informal learning, professional certifications).

To improve access, progression, and completion while maintaining academic standards and integrity.

Scope

Applies to all applicants and enrolled students seeking credit toward undergraduate and postgraduate awards.

Covers recognition via credit transfer, advanced standing, exemptions, challenge assessments, and portfolio assessment.

Excludes honorary awards and experiential learning lacking verifiable evidence.

Definitions

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process through which BIGIC assesses and recognises learning previously obtained and falls into two categories:

Recognised Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL): Learning that has been formally assessed and awarded by an accredited institution.

Recognised Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL): Learning gained through work, volunteering, or life experience that has not been formally assessed.

RPL uses the award of credit to recognise prior learning but will not allocate any mark to these modules, nor will they be used in calculating any classification of award. This policy should be read alongside the relevant academic regulations.

Our Principles

• We uphold equity and access by ensuring transparent information and processes are available to all applicants.
• Our approach is standards-based, with decisions benchmarked against programme learning outcomes and qualification level descriptors.
• We are evidence-driven, relying on valid, reliable, sufficient, authentic, and current evidence to inform our judgments.
• We promote consistency through calibrated judgments supported by internal and, where appropriate, external moderation.
• We maintain a student-centered focus by providing clear timelines, constructive feedback, and accessible appeal routes.
• We operate with integrity, managing conflicts of interest and maintaining robust record-keeping practices.
• We ensure quality assurance through periodic audits and comprehensive reporting.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a fair and rigorous assessment process, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements for recognition of prior learning (RPL):

• They must satisfy the general admission criteria for the program.
• Any prior learning presented must be at the same or a higher level than the target module or learning outcome.
• Credit claims are subject to maximum limits, as outlined in the Permitted Volumes of RPL Table.
• All learning must be demonstrably relevant, current, and verifiable

Application Process

The application process follows these key steps:

• The learner submits an RPL application, including evidence of their prior learning and experience.
• This evidence is reviewed and mapped against the specific requirements of the qualification.
• If the evidence meets the criteria, the learner is awarded credits or exemptions for designated units or modules.To complete the qualification, the learner must successfully finish any remaining units or modules.

Assessment and Credit Allocation

Assessing for RPL involves evaluating the learner's prior learning and experience against the requirements of the qualification. This may involve:

• Reviewing evidence of prior learning and experience
• Conducting interviews or professional discussions
• Observing practical demonstrations or assessments

Permitted volumes of RPL

The College recognises prior certificated and experiential learning (RPL) in accordance with the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK Quality Code for Higher Education and institutional regulations. RPL may be awarded where evidence demonstrates that prior learning meets the learning outcomes of the relevant module(s) or level(s) of study. All RPL claims must be formally assessed and approved through the College’s academic governance processes. The integrity and standard of the final award must be maintained, ensuring sufficient credit is completed at the awarding institution.

Roles and Responsibilities

Appeals and Complaints

Learners have the right to appeal or raise a complaint if they believe a decision was unfair or incorrect. The process is guided by the following principles:

• Appeals may be submitted on the grounds of a procedural error, the emergence of new material evidence, or a decision that appears disproportionate.
• The process involves three stages: an initial informal clarification, followed by a formal review conducted by the Head of Academic Programme (who must not have been involved in the original decision), and, if necessary, a final appeal to the Academic Dean.
• Learners will not be disadvantaged for submitting an appeal in good faith.

Monitoring and Review

The RPL process will be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that it is fair, transparent, and effective.

BIG International College is committed to continuous improvement. The RPL process will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or as necessary.

Associated Policies

• Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access Policy