Accreditation of Prior Learning
Notification of intention to submit a claim for Prior Learning
If you can demonstrate that you have already achieved learning equivalent to a module or modules, or a level of study, in your programme at LJMU then you may be eligible to be awarded credit for this learning or to have credit transferred from another UK institution.
This would mean that you would not have to study those modules at LJMU. This is called credit transfer or the accreditation of prior (experiential) learning - AP(E)L. However this is not automatic. Applications for AP(E)L should be submitted as soon as possible and are considered by Faculty/School AP(E)L committees.
CERTIFICATED PRIOR LEARNING/ CREDIT TRANSFER.
This is previous learning undertaken in the University or elsewhere for which qualifications or certificates have been granted. The prior learning must be recent, normally within five years, relevant and equivalent in depth and scope to the learning outcomes that would be achieved within the LJMU programme of study. Credit transfer or APL is usually more straightforward providing the study maps against the learning outcomes of the modules / level of study. There is no charge for accreditation of certificated prior learning (APL). However, if the certificated learning is reassessed or remarked then APEL rates are charged. Inspection of certificates should be part of the admissions process. A copy of certificates or other evidence of your previous study should be provided with the completed form.
UNCERTIFICATED PRIOR LEARNING/ EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
This is where the prior learning is un-certificated, that is, learning gained through activities such as paid work, leisure pursuits or voluntary work. You will have to produce evidence, often in the form of a portfolio, in support of your claim for prior learning.
COSTS FOR UNCERTIFICATED LEARNING
An AP(E)L administrative fee of £30 will be required to consider your claim and a further charge will be made based on the number of credits awarded for AP(E)L. The administrative charge is payable whether or not any APEL credits are awarded.
Undergraduate claims:
In addition to the administrative fee there is a minimum charge of £5 per APEL credit to be paid before the agreed APEL credits are added to the student's record. The maximum fee charged for undergraduate APEL is £320.00 per level excluding the administrative fee. (Fees are as at 2009-10’s rates and are reviewed each year).
Postgraduate claims:
In addition to the administrative fee there is a minimum charge of £6 per APEL credit to be paid before the agreed APEL credits are added to the student's record. There is no maximum fee payable. (Fees are as at 2009-10’s rates and are reviewed each year).
Please note that although these are the standard figures a few individual programmes may charge higher fees per credit.
The University does not charge full time students for AP(E)L claims, except where the claim is based on experiential learning and forms part of the student’s prior levels of study or where certificated learning is being remarked or reassessed.
The APEL claim form is available for download here.
Please complete SECTION A of this form and give to the School/Faculty AP(E)L Co-coordinator no later than the module registration deadline. You can apply for both prior certificated and uncertificated learning if relevant.
Guidance is provided on through the UMF pages here.
