1. Purpose
This policy sets out how Results Consortium (hereafter the College)
recognises prior learning (RPL). It ensures learners are not required to repeat learning already evidenced while maintaining the integrity and comparability of all qualifications in line with Pearson’s and partner-university requirements.
2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to:
• All Pearson-regulated qualifications delivered directly by the College.
• All franchise programmes delivered on behalf of a partner university.
2.2 For franchised programmes, the College follows the awarding university’s
RPL Policy. The partner university retains full responsibility for approval, mapping and recording of all RPL decisions.
3. Definitions
3.1 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): The process of recognising
learning achieved before enrolment that meets part of a qualification’s requirements.
Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL): Formally assessed and certificated learning.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL): Learning gained
through experience that can be evidenced but not previously certificated.
Credit Transfer: Recognition of previously achieved credits at the same level.
Advanced Standing: Direct entry to a later stage of a programme based on prior achievement.
4. Policy Statement
4.1 The College recognises prior learning in accordance with awarding-body
and partner-university regulations.
4.2 For Pearson Higher Nationals, RPL applies only to internally assessed
components and cannot normally exceed 50% of the total programme credit
4.3 Experiential learning may be recognised up to Pass grade only.
4.4 Prior learning should normally have been achieved within seven years unless current professional relevance can be demonstrated.
4.5 RPL cannot normally be used to claim an entire qualification.
4.6 For franchised degree programmes, all RPL mapping, evaluation and approval are managed entirely under the partner university’s procedures. The College supports applicants with documentation and communication but does not approve or record RPL outcomes independently.
4.7 All RPL decisions for Pearson programmes must be ratified by the Assessment Board, recorded in the minutes and supported by evidence mapping.
4.8 All RPL evidence must meet the following criteria: validity, currency, reliability, authenticity and sufficiency.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
• Admissions Manager: Maintains an annual RPL Register and reports
outcomes to the Academic Board.
• Admissions Team: Advises applicants and liaises with the awarding body or university as required.
• Programme Leader / Assessor (Pearson): Evaluates evidence, maps learning outcomes and submits recommendations for verification.
• Partner University (franchised): Conducts full RPL mapping, assessment, and approval in line with university regulations.
• Internal Verifier (Pearson): Checks consistency and quality of RPL assessments.
6. Procedure
6.1 Application
• Applicants must request RPL during admission or within four weeks of
enrolment.
• For Pearson programmes, a Results Consortium RPL Application Form must be completed with supporting evidence.
• For franchised university programmes, applicants must complete the university’s official RPL or Credit Transfer form.
6.2 Assessment
• Pearson evidence must meet the criteria of authenticity, validity, currency, reliability and sufficiency.
• Assessment must confirm achievement of all required learning outcomes at the correct level.
• All RPL for university programmes must be assessed and approved solely by the partner institution.
• Where partial evidence is presented, supplementary assessment may be required.
6.3 Decision and Recording
• For Pearson programmes: the Curriculum Leader submits recommendations to the Internal Verifier.
• For university programmes: RPL decisions are recorded on the partner university’s system. The College maintains only a summary record for monitoring purposes.
• All Pearson RPL documentation must be retained for at least three years.
6.4 Appeals
• Pearson students may appeal RPL decisions through the College’s
Appeals Procedures.
• Students on franchised university programmes must follow the partner university’s appeals process.
7. Monitoring and Review
7.1 The Admissions Manager maintains an annual RPL Register and reports outcomes to the Academic Board.
7.2 RPL activity is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with Pearson and partner-university regulations
