Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is when we recognise knowledge you've gained from work, study or other life experiences.
This could help you get a place on one of our courses, or give you credits toward your qualification, so that you can complete it faster.
Recognition of prior learning can be useful if you:
- want to build on existing qualifications and progress in your career
- are looking to retrain or change careers
- have been out of education for a time and feel you lack qualifications
- are unemployed and looking for ways to demonstrate your learning to employers.
Types of learning we recognise
We recognise two categories of prior learning: experiential, from life and work experiences, and accredited, from formal assessments.
Examples of the kind of learning we might recognise include:
- informal learning or training in the workplace or community
- other community activities, such as volunteering
- extra-curricular activities at school
- study at a college, university or other learning and training provider.
How to apply
Send an expression of interest form (DOCX, 109.7KB) to the most suitable person from the list below. We will contact you to begin the process.
During the process we will ask you to tell us about your experiences and demonstrate what you have learned.
We'll also look for evidence that your learning is at the right level for the qualification you want to study.
Assessment fees
We don't currently charge a fee for undergraduate or postgraduate applications.
First point of contact
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Greg Thomas (Health and Social Care postgraduate pre-registration study)
g.thomas@shu.ac.uk
0114 225 3890
Helen Kundu (Health and Social Care postgraduate/post-registration study)
H.Kundu@shu.ac.uk
0114 225 4639
Ben Strafford (Sport and Physical Activity)
b.strafford@shu.ac.uk
Karen Stanley (Bioscience and Chemistry)
k.stanley@shu.ac.uk
0114 225 3047
College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Sheffield Business School
Jane Tattersall (undergraduate/postgraduate) | jane.tattersall@shu.ac.uk
Richard Telling (apprenticeships) | R.Telling@shu.ac.uk
Computing and Digital Technologies
Mike Meredith (undergraduate/postgraduate) | M.Meredith@shu.ac.uk
Liz Uruchurtu (apprenticeships) | E.Uruchurtu@shu.ac.uk
Engineering and Built Environment
Peter Weston (undergraduate/postgraduate) | P.Weston@shu.ac.uk
Emma Harrison (apprenticeships) | E.V.Harrison@shu.ac.uk
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Elizabeth Noble (Creative Industries Institute)
e.noble@shu.ac.uk
0114 225 6043
Karl Baker-Green (Institute of Law and Social Science)
k.baker-green@shu.ac.uk
Sarah Williams (Sheffield Institute of Education)
sarah.williams@shu.ac.uk
0114 225 3119
Get help
For help with Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact:
Admissions Office
0114 225 4251
