The Importance of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education

Education comes in many shapes and sizes, and higher education is changing to reflect this. For many, the learning process may seem linear; from school to college, to university and into the workforce.

For others, they may have acquired skills via other means than traditional education. That’s where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) comes into play. But what is it? And what does it mean for higher education institutions? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The primary aim of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is to acknowledge learning from other contexts beyond a traditional education setting. RPL assesses an individual’s learning, skills, knowledge and experiences, and recognises findings with qualifications and certifications.

It’s widely adopted throughout higher education and professional certifications, reflecting the diverse ways people acquire skills outside of traditional education routes.

Individuals can use existing qualifications and experience towards entry requirements to further learning and exempt them from modules that may overlap with prior knowledge.

The principle of RPL is that learning is a continuous process throughout life, not just in formal education settings. It acknowledges that individuals can acquire knowledge and skills through work, volunteering, workshops and other courses rather than starting from scratch when building qualifications.

The RPL process usually follows these steps:

• Individual self-assessment.

• Gathering evidence and documentation.

• Assessment of the evidence.

• Assessors map prior learning against a desired qualification.

• Learners may need to complete additional learning to fill any gaps.

• A credit of recognition is awarded based on the assessment.

The Benefits of Recognition of Prior Learning

Various benefits of RPL for higher education are wide-ranging, including contribution to professional growth, advancement of education and workforce development.

• Time and cost savings: RPL removes the need for individuals to learn the same thing twice, as they’re already recognised for their learning and skills. This reduces the time spent in higher education, translating into time and cost savings for the individual, higher education bodies and the economy.

• Career advancement: RPL enables faster qualification attainment, accelerating people in the workplace and opening up new career opportunities and economic growth opportunities.

• Workforce development: Employees with validated skills and knowledge enhance workforce productivity and efficiency.

• Validation and motivation: Not only does RPL validate skills, but this validation proves to motivate individuals to learn more, benefitting higher education institutions simultaneously.

• Accessibility: RPL makes training and education much more accessible and inclusive to many learners.

• Recognition of non-formal learning: Not all education needs to be done in the classroom before a certain age, and the RPL recognises that there are other non-traditional opportunities for those looking to acquire skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning in Action

So why should higher education institutions consider RPL? And how should they adapt?

The most significant benefit for higher education is that RPL offers a way to attract a more diverse student body with a broader range of skills.

To attract a diverse student base, universities and institutions should consider RPL for flexible entry points, making it easier for students without a traditional education background to access learning.

Customised learning pathways should also be offered to acknowledge that not all students start from the same point or learn in the same way, instead devising a custom learning plan to address their needs.

For example, higher and degree apprenticeships are becoming much more commonplace in higher education. They allow students to acquire the skills they need to succeed in the workforce of their choosing and are generally based on more practical teaching methods. Higher and degree apprenticeships present an alternative qualification route to traditional university degrees.

More recently, the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) is being introduced in 2025 for higher technical qualifications. The LLE gives students and individuals access to a loan that’s the equivalent monetary value of four years of post-18 study, which can be used over the course of a lifetime. The LLE provides much more flexibility and opportunities for students who may not have followed a traditional education path.

To conclude, recognising prior learning offers many advantages for both the individual and higher education. Individuals benefit from recognition and reward that helps them advance in further education and the workplace, and higher education benefits from attracting a wider range of students and learning paths instead of only those who have completed A-levels and university degrees.

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