Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Introduction

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) allows applicants to gain academic credit for learning or experience achieved outside their current course of study.

Students may be granted exemption from certain modules or stages of a course by demonstrating that they have already achieved the required knowledge, skills, or learning outcomes through previous study or experience.

APL can be used for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and takes two forms:

Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL): credit for learning gained through previously completed accredited courses or qualifications.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL): credit for learning gained through professional or practical experience rather than formal study.

All APL claims are assessed individually. Approved credit is confirmed by the University’s Tier 1 Accreditation and Validation Panel (AVP) and will appear on the student’s final academic transcript.

The University will normally only consider learning or experience gained within the last six years from the year of application.

Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL)

APCL applies when applicants wish to claim credit for previously completed accredited study.

Applicants must complete an APL claim form and provide supporting documentation. This may include:

Certificates confirming completed courses or qualifications
Official transcripts showing grades achieved
Letters confirming courses completed
Course handbooks, syllabus, or timetables
Marking schemes or assessment information
Transcripts from accredited training providers

Please note that coursework or previously submitted assessments are not accepted as evidence.

A designated tutor may review the documentation and may request a meeting with the applicant to confirm:

The academic level of the previous study
The content and learning outcomes of the course
The currency of the qualification
Evidence that the qualification has been formally awarded (certificate and transcript)

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

APEL applies when applicants wish to claim credit based on relevant professional or practical experience rather than formal qualifications.

Applicants must complete an APL claim form and submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how their experience meets the learning outcomes of the module(s) for which credit is being requested.

A portfolio may include:

Letters of support from current or previous employers or managers
A personal statement explaining the applicant’s experience and how it relates to the relevant learning outcomes
Supporting evidence such as reports, presentations, projects, or other work completed in a professional role

In some cases, a tutor may determine that an alternative format is more appropriate, such as:

A reflective account of learning
A performance-based assessment

Any alternative format must be agreed by the Chair of the Tier 1 Accreditation and Validation Panel before being confirmed with the applicant.

When and how to submit an APL Claim

Applicants wishing to claim credit for prior learning should submit their APL claim and supporting evidence as part of the admissions process.

Claims should normally be submitted during the application process and before the start of the course.

In exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered after enrolment, subject to approval by the Tier 1 Accreditation and Validation Panel (AVP).

All documentation for advanced entry claims should normally be received before the start of the academic term.

The completed claim form and recommendation will be reviewed by the Tier 1 AVP, and applicants will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Approved credit will be recorded in the student record system no later than the end of the first term of study.

If an APL claim is unsuccessful, the AVP will indicate whether resubmission is permitted. Applicants who wish to query a decision should contact the Admissions Team.

APL Application Deadlines

September Entry: 2026

Deadline	Applies to
07 July 2026	Applications received on or before 30 June 2026
31 August 2026	Applications received after 30 June for courses with additional requirements, (e.g. Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks, occupational health checks, overseas policy checks) Applications to Workforce Development Courses
18 September 2026	Applications received after 30 June for courses without additional non-academic requirements.

How many academic credit points is my course worth?

The University’s levels of study align with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Each level of study carries a set number of academic credit points.

How many academic credit points is my course worth?

The University’s levels of study align with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Each level of study carries a set number of academic credit points.

Foundation level (FHEQ Level 4)

Equivalent to a certificate or the first year of a degree.
Examples of APL academic credit at this level may include a Higher National Certificate (HNC).

Credits awarded: 120

Intermediate level (FHEQ Level 5)

Equivalent to a diploma or the second year of a degree.
Examples of APL academic credit may include a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE).

Credits awarded: 120 (240 total credits)

Honours level (FHEQ Level 6)

Equivalent to the third and final year of an undergraduate degree.

Ordinary degree: 300 total credits
Honours degree: 360 total credits

Master’s level (FHEQ Level 7)

Equivalent to a Master’s degree.

Credits awarded: 180

The table below shows the academic credit points awarded for each level of study:

Level of study	Academic credit points awarded
Foundation level (FHEQ Level 4)	120 academic credit points
Intermediate level (FHEQ Level 5)	+120 academic credit points (240 total)
Undergraduate ordinary degree (FHEQ Level 6)	+60 academic credit points (300 total)
Undergraduate Honours degree (FHEQ Level 6)	+120 academic credit points (360 total)
Postgraduate Master’s degree (FHEQ Level 7)	180 academic credit points