Recognition of Prior Learning - Letterkenny

Course Overview

This Certificate in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is suitable for education practitioners and provides participants with a deep understanding of the policies and procedures underlying the process of recognition of prior learning in the context of international and national best practice.



It will provide participants with an appreciation of the complexities associated with the management and operationalisation of RPL, in further and higher education institutions. This 10-credit minor award is interactive and grounded in practice with a view to equipping education practitioners with the knowledge and competencies to enable them to effectively use RPL in their own institution, including the review or development of policy and procedure, assessment of informal and non-formal learning, and mentoring of RPL applicants. Reflective practice is a key learning skill developed and applied throughout this programme to optimise the impact of the learning on the learner’s professional practice.



Who Should Apply?

This module is aimed at developing lecturers, and other potential assessors, with the knowledge and competencies to enable them to become effective assessors of RPL candidates.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

• Level 8 Honours Degree, second-class honours, 2.2, (2.1 preferable) and currently involved in a teaching or training role.



• If the applicant does not have an Honours Degree, but has relevant experience, they may also be eligible to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which will be considered in accordance with the quality assurance processes of ATU Donegal.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.



For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

1 semester part-time, online delivery.



Recommended Study Hours per week

The recommended level of independent learning for the 10-credit module is 10-12 hours per week.



On-Campus Attendance Requirement: No attendance required.



Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Start Date: January 2026.