RPL Process for Module Exemptions

How to apply for an exemption at ATU

You must be a registered student to apply for an module exemption.

Students are advised to discuss module exemptions with the relevant lecturer(s), to determine if applying for the exemption may be worthwhile. Exemptions are assessed by the lecturer who takes the module. They are awarded where the lecturer is satisfied the student meets the learning outcomes for the module, at the required level or higher on the national framework of qualifications.

Exemption applications are made within the semester the module is scheduled. Applications will be accepted up to 10 days after module commencement.

Please note when applying for an exemption, students must continue to attend classes, until such a time as they are notified the exemption has been approved.

RPL for module credit or exemption will be considered for approval within the following limits:

For undergraduate and post-graduate taught programmes:

Major awards (up to Level 8):

up to a maximum of 60 credits in a non-award year
up to a maximum of 30 credits in an award year
a capstone module is not eligible for RPL

Major awards (at Level 9)

up to a maximum of 50% of the credits for taught elements
a dissertation/thesis module is not eligible for RPL

For research degree programmes (Level 9 and Level 10):

RPCL will only be available up to 50% of the taught elements, where applicable

For Minor Awards and Special Purpose Awards (Levels 6-9):

for programmes greater than 10 credits, up to a maximum of 50% of the credits

If the application comprises a combination of RPCL and RPEL, then the limits specified above will apply to the combined amount.

Module exemptions may be granted based on Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL):

For exemptions based on RPCL, please complete the first section of the form, AQAE027_001. A separate form should be used for each module exemption application. Forward the completed form to the relevant lecturer(s) with all supporting documentation. Evidence of prior certified learning, that is, a copy of official transcript results as well as the module descriptor (syllabus) must accompany the application form. The module descriptor (syllabus) details the level, duration, credits and module learning outcomes. The module(s) completed previously must be at the same level or higher on the national framework of qualifications than the module the exemption is being applied for. A comparison will be made of the learning outcomes of the prior module(s) with those in the current module.

The exemption application will be assessed by the module lecturer with all assessment criteria in mind to determine if the evidence of learning presented is appropriate. All assessment criteria must be met.

The assessment outcome is approved by the Head of Department (or nominee). You will receive formal notification of the exemption assessment outcome from the department administration.You are advised to continue attending classes until you have received formal notification of the exemption assessment outcome.

Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL):

For exemptions based on RPEL, you must demonstrate appropriate learning gained from experience (informal learning) and/or non-formal learning and reached attainment thresholds deemed equivalent to the learning outcomes for the module at the appropriate NFQ level.

Experience alone doesn’t guarantee learning, what matters is how individuals engage with and reflect upon their experiences. Therefore, the RPEL application will involve documenting prior learning in a portfolio of evidence.

Once you have discussed applying for an exemption with the module lecture, and you have been advised to apply using RPEL, please contact the RPL team (rpl@atu.ie) and advise them of the modules you are applying for RPEL for. One of the team will provide a portfolio guideline document including a mapping table and provide guidance on how to proceed.

You are advised to address all sections of the portfolio, including documenting how your prior learning maps to each of the module learning outcomes in the relevant mapping tables. You are advised to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claims of prior learning and reference the evidence type in the mapping table. All evidence should be included in the portfolio in section four. Evidence can comprise any combination of the following:

References
Job Descriptions, duties and responsibilities
Details of any training completed
Evidence of self-directed learning
Certificates for qualifications, training courses undertaken etc.,
Sample work (e.g. drawings, minutes from meetings, business plan, video recordings, artefacts etc.)
Evidence from the learner’s personal life
Published work
Professional licenses/registrations or membership of professional organisations
Acknowledged accomplishments
Relevant recreational activities or hobbies.

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

The final portfolio should be compiled to one document (ideally pdf format). Each RPEL Portfolio, must be accompanied by the completed RPEL application form, AQAE027_002. Completed portfolios, with the relevant application form should be emailed to the module lecturer and copied to rpl@atu.ie in the correspondence.

The exemption request is reviewed and assessed by the module lecturer. The exemption application will be assessed with all assessment criteria in mind to determine if the evidence of learning presented is appropriate. All assessment criteria must be met.

Outcome of an RPCL or RPEL Exemption:

Where an exemption based on RPCL is granted:

A mark or grade is not allocated. The exemption is noted as X on student record.
The student is not entitled to credits as they have received these from another higher education provider.
The module is excluded from GPA.
In award year, module excluded from award classification.

Where an exemption based on RPEL is granted:

A mark or grade is not allocated. The exemption noted as X on student record.
The student is entitled to the credits, as they have not received from another higher education provider.
The module is excluded from GPA.
In award year, module excluded from award classification.

For either type of exemption, student cannot avail of compensation rules.