Recognition of prior learning
What is recognition of prior learning? This is where we accept a previous qualification as meeting the learning outcomes (or covering the syllabus) for a course or module, so you don't need to take it as part of your degree.
This reduces the number of courses (and the length of time) required to complete your degree.
In this section
For credit to be awarded for your prior learning, you must have completed a syllabus of similar level and depth as part of a previous qualification, normally within the previous five years.
Different courses have their own rules, which are outlined in the programme regulations. For other rules associated with recognition of prior learning, see General Regulations (Section 3).
Transferring from or to another institution
If you have been studying elsewhere and wish to transfer your registration to a distance and flexible programme offered by the University of London, you may be able to transfer any credit you accumulated to the new programme.
For students who wish to use accumulated credit from a UoL programme and study elsewhere, we will, on request, provide a transcript of your studies, outlining your syllabus details and assessment results.
How is your prior learning recognised?
Automatic:
We recognise qualifications automatically if we have already confirmed that they meet the learning outcomes of a particular course. If you hold any of these qualifications, subject to any limits imposed by your programme, we will award credit for your prior learning (a process known as accreditation of prior learning, or APL).
The qualifications we accept for automatic recognition and accreditation of prior learning are provided for some programmes below:
- BSc degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences (EMFSS)
- BSc Computing and Information Systems / BSc Creative Computing
- BSc Computer Science and specialisms
- BSc Business Administration
- Data Science
- Global MBA
- Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics
Discretionary:
Recognition of prior learning on the basis of qualifications not known to us is called discretionary. If you believe a qualification you hold reflects similar learning outcomes to a module/course of your chosen programme, you can apply for it to be recognised and accredited as prior learning.
We consider these on a case-by-case basis, and there is normally a separate non-refundable fee for this process.
How to apply
You need to apply for any prior learning to be recognised and accredited. You can do this on the relevant section of the online application form.
If you have already submitted your application but now wish to request recognition of your prior learning, please contact us.
We will not consider any application for recognition of prior learning if you have already entered the exam for the course concerned.
What happens next?
We will write to you with a decision. Once approved, recognition of prior learning is valid for a limited period (up to five years) which will be stated in the letter.
If you do not attempt any examinations during this period, you may need to submit a new application for recognition of your prior learning.
