Recognition of prior learning and experience (RPLE) allows you to convert relevant knowledge, skills and experience into academic credits you can put towards a qualification.
Credits are a standard way of measuring learning. RPLE means you can start your course at the appropriate level and reduce the amount of credits you need to study to gain a qualification. This will allow you to complete your degree in a shorter period of time. For example, you could use RPLE to start in the second or final year of a Bachelor’s degree or gain advanced entry to a master’s or doctoral programme.
Whether you can qualify for RPLE depends on how well your previous knowledge, skills or experience matches the modules on your course.
Sources of RPLE
RPLE can come from previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn’t complete but for which you have been given academic credit which has been certified by another institution.
Types of RPLE
There are 3 types of RPLE you can put towards a qualification:
- Credit transfer from academic work completed at another institution
- Prior certificated learning – training programmes, professional qualifications, etc.
- Prior experiential learning – experience at work and volunteer experience
You can put more than one of these types of RPLE towards a qualification.
1. Credit transfer
Credit transfer is when you put credits from a previous higher education (university-level) programme towards a new qualification. We can accept credits from study you’ve undertaken in the last 5 years. You must provide an official transcript from your previous institution to claim the credits accumulated.
To complete a bachelor degree at SSBR you need to gain 360 credits. To complete a master’s degree you need to gain . Applicants with a level 8 certificate from another provider can move directly to the dissertation stage of our PhD programme.
2. Prior certificated learning
Prior certificated learning is any qualification you have gained that didn’t result in a higher education qualification. This can include awards from professional bodies or certificated training courses that give professional recognition.
3. Prior experiential learning
Prior experiential learning relates to knowledge and skills you’ve gained through experience at work or in a voluntary role.
Applying for RPLE
The way you apply for RPLE depends on the type of credit you want to put towards your qualification.
Before you apply for RPLE, you need to have applied for your course or be registered on it. Details of how to apply are on our website.
Applying for credit transfer RPLE
To transfer credits from another university-level qualification towards a new qualification, complete this form (.docx) and attach it to your application.
Applying for prior experiential learning RPLE
To convert prior experiential learning into credits you can put towards a qualification, you’ll need to put together a portfolio of evidence with your application. When you submit your application, the Admissions Centre will contact you with further information about applying for recognition of prior learning, which will include a copy of the form you need to complete.
You can complete the form and submit this alongside your application. To do this, please complete this form (.docx) and attach it to your application with your portfolio of evidence.
Defence forces training and experience
Some defence forces training and experience have standard RPLE credit ratings and won’t need a portfolio of evidence.
For example, a NATO Rank Code OR-7 equivalent with 2 years in rank would be eligible for 240 undergraduate credits.
When to apply for RPLE
The deadline for applying for RPLE depends what you’re using it for.
Remember to give yourself enough time to work on your portfolio of evidence, if this applies.
A. Using RPLE to start on a higher level of a course
If you want to use RPLE to start on a higher level of a course (for example, to start on the 2nd or 3rd year of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree), you must apply before the first day of teaching in the academic year you want to start.
2. Using RPLE to claim some credits on a level of a course
If you want to use RPLE to claim some but not all credits on a level of the course (for example, to avoid completing a module that covers knowledge you already have), you must apply within 20 working days of the first day of teaching in the academic year.
Getting a decision
You’ll get a decision on your application for RPLE within 20 working days of submitting your form.
RPLE limitations
The maximum amount of RPLE you can put towards a qualification is two-thirds of the total credit value of the course.
How much does RPLE cost?
The Admissions Team will advise you of the fees associated with your application once the documentation has been reviewed.
Contact us via whatsapp at +41 774 227 373 or via email at info@ssbr-edu.ch and we will be delighted to assist you in getting academic credit.
