Skip to main content

Recognition and accreditation of prior learning for BSc Computer Science and specialisms

If you already hold qualifications with similar learning outcomes to our Computer Science modules, you can apply for your prior learning to be recognised and accredited.

This process is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  If this is successful, you will not need to study those modules to complete your award.

The rules for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are described in the BSc Computer Science Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations.

  • You may apply for RPL mapped against modules to a total of 120 UK credits for the BSc.
  • RPL will not be considered for the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science whether as an intermediate or exit award; the Graduate Diploma/ Graduate Certificate programmes or the Final Project of the BSc.

You can apply for automatic or discretionary RPL.

For your prior learning to be considered, you must be eligible to study the programme and have completed the whole of the qualification/ examination(s), on which the application for RPL is based on, within the five years preceding the RPL application.

We will not award RPL for a module later than 14 days after the module start date. You will be deemed to have started a module once you have been given access to the learning materials on the VLE.

Performance based admission

If you wish to enter the programme via the Performance Based Admissions (PBA) route, you can apply for RPL. However, any approved RPL will only be formally applied to your record once you have been successfully admitted onto the full BSc programme.

We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for either of the two modules taken as part of the PBA entry route.

If you do not successfully meet the requirements to progress to be admitted onto the full BSc programme, any application fees paid for discretionary RPL are non-refundable.

Current and previous University of London students

If you are a current University of London student registered on a BSc in Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing, your prior learning will be considered at the point you request to transfer. You should make a request by using the ask a question tab in the Student Portal (Opens in new window).

We will accept applications for RPL for the Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing courses as listed, provided you have successfully passed those courses and are still within your maximum period of registration.

If you have completed your programme of study or been granted an exit award, you must have obtained this qualification within the five years preceding the application for RPL.

If your registration on the programme has ceased, we will consider RPL for any relevant courses which you have successfully passed within the last five years.

Discretionary RPL

You may apply for RPL based on a discretionary basis- this is where your qualifications are considered on a case by case basis. You will need to satisfy the University that you have covered a similar syllabus, as part of a previous qualification, at the same level, depth and breadth.

A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised. See Course fees for more info.

To be considered for RPL, your qualification(s) must be at the appropriate level (equivalent to a UK Level 4 qualification or above) and must have been completed within the five years preceding your RPL application.

For your discretionary RPL request to be processed, you will need to: provide a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a scanned copy of an official transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the discretionary RPL fee.

Please note: To process your discretionary RPL request, the RPL application must be submitted and all supporting evidence provided before the deadlines stated, in the session that you apply. The discretionary RPL deadlines are on the course webpage - BSc Computer Science.

We are unable to advise on whether you will receive discretionary RPL until a formal application has been considered, in full, by specialist academics.

Automatic RPL

There are certain qualifications which we will recognise and accredit automatically. They have already been assessed and are considered by the University to have similar learning outcomes to our modules. Automatic RPL applications are free of charge.

If you satisfy the conditions and have passed the relevant listed qualification(s) in full within the five years preceding your RPL application, we will award RPL as detailed in the list below. You will need to: make a formal application and provide the necessary documentary evidence (such as a scanned copy of the relevant certificate/ transcript).

The University reserves the right not to award RPL if the qualification of the respective professional body or institution changes after the publication of this list.

This table is only for students registered on one of the BSc Computer Science programmes:

List of awarding bodies and qualifications recognised