This document aims to explain the term Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and how you can claim credit for prior certificated learning within the University.
APL is a process by which this University (and many others) gives credit against part of a programme for traditional study or course-based learning which has been achieved before entry to the programme of study and has been assessed or given credit by another institution. It may also give entry to a programme.
Learning which has been acquired before entry to the course through life or work experience may also be recognised and this is called APEL.
Credit provides a means of quantifying learning outcomes achievable in a given number of notional hours and at a given level. In this way previous learning can be identified which can be assessed and ‘credited’ against an award. 120 credit points represent the normal workload for a full-time programme of study in the standard academic year and includes class contact, private study and assessment. The credit may be used either to gain entry to the course in the absence of other qualifications or may be used to gain exemption from modules on a programme of study.
Credit transfer is the process by which that credit can be assigned to a programme other than that on which it was gained.
General Credit is the attainment of credit which has no subject relevance to the programme being applied for and is more likely to be used solely for entry to a course.
Specific Credit can be attained when the credit identified can by shown to have particular relevance to a module or modules on a programme. It therefore allows exemption from taking those modules.
A Module is a component of a course with its own approved aims and objectives and assessment methods. Modules normally consist of 10 or 20 credits. Credit cannot be given for part of a module.
The University uses learning outcomes to identify whether students have demonstrated through assessment the minimum level of learning required to pass a module and thus gain the required credit. This learning may be achieved at different levels representing developing ability as identified below. The equivalent NVQ levels are also given.
| Level | NVQ | |
| Foundation | 3 | Work of a standard suitable for entry to a degree |
| 1 | 4 | *Stage 1 of undergraduate degree (Certificate in Higher Education) |
| 2 | 4 | Stage 2 of undergraduate degree (Diploma in Higher Education) |
| 3 | 5 | Stage 3 of undergraduate degree |
| M | 6/7 | Postgraduate degree work |
*Stage is the equivalent of 1 year’s full-time study
The University is concerned to ensure that all its students meet a required standard on its awards and that all students are treated equitably, so it will be concerned to ensure that prior learning is at the required level. Also, the learning must have been gained sufficiently recently to still be of value. The time limits on learning will vary according to subject area but qualifications more than 5 years old are unlikely to be considered.
Underlying Principles of Assessment for Credit
If you wish to gain credit for prior certificated learning you will need to fill in a special application form:
Credit transfer request form (Word, 33KB, opens in new window)
Credit transfer request form (PDF, 25KB, opens in new window)
On this you will need to indicate whether your application covers admission or a request for credit against the course to which you are applying. If you have any query about which applies to your situation, the University can advise you.
If possible attach evidence of learning gained. These may include transcripts, syllabi or references
At this stage photocopies will be sufficient but at some point you will be required to produce originals or means by which the University can determine the authenticity of the document.
You may be asked to provide additional information concerning the course content and assessment details of an award for which you are claiming credit in order for the University to determine its appropriateness and the amount and level of credit which can be awarded.
If possible you should identify the areas of your chosen course for which you are claiming credit.
Upon receipt of your application the relevant Admissions Tutor will review your application and may call you or ask you to attend for an advice session if there are any difficulties over identifying what is being claimed. Once the nature of the claim is clear, a decision will be made.
You will normally receive a decision on your application within 4-6 weeks of a full application being made.
A statement of the credit awarded will be sent to you.
If your application for credit is not approved you may request a review of the decision but only on the basis of additional evidence which was not available at the time of the application. Further information on this process is available on request.
Although you do not receive formal tuition during the process of making an APL claim, additional support is given to you during this time for which a fee may be charged. Currently, this is £25. Applicants who have studied previously at the University of Birmingham and who wish only these studies to be considered for credit transfer are exempt from paying this fee.
For further information, please contact:
Melissa Thomas
Admissions Manager
Admissions
Academic Office
The University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 7543
Email: m.j.thomas@bham.ac.uk
