Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Who should apply under RPEL?

National College of Ireland operates a scheme which grants formal recognition of knowledge or experience that has been gained from work, life or previous study.

Credit for Prior Experiential Learning is intended for mature students who may or may not have had structured formal education but who have learned from their involvement in employment, community activities, home duties, sport etc. This learning when evaluated might entitle them to credits or exemptions from a course of study. Such individuals might be in employment (including self-employed), unemployed, currently retired from employment or never have been in employment. Examples include:

(a) Credit for learning gained in employment: A person, as a result of experience gained in employment, might have achieved learning which can be equated to learning outcomes listed for subjects on an approved course. Broad examples of this might be:

(i) a salesperson who may have a thorough understanding of marketing techniques, book-keeping etc.; credit/exemption might be possible on courses in the area of business studies or marketing.

(ii) a person who has worked in a bank might be exempt from some of the learning outcomes on a course in banking or business studies.

(b) Learning gained from voluntary/community activities: Individuals may have been carrying out duties in associations, sporting organisations or charities which might entitle them to exemptions from the learning outcomes on courses in politics, communications etc.

(c) Learning gained from experience working in the home: Individuals, who have had substantial experience of managing a household and rearing children, may have gained learning in the area of budgeting, time management, interpersonal skills etc. This might merit exemptions from learning outcomes in business studies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

You can download the <application form> and send it into NCI or email it to admissions@ncirl.ie.

What kind of experience is taken into account?

Credit for learning gained in employment: A person, as a result of experience gained in employment, might have achieved learning which can be equated to learning outcomes listed for subjects on an approved course.

Learning gained from voluntary/community activities: Individuals may have been carrying out duties in associations, sporting organisations or charities which might entitle them to exemptions from the learning outcomes on courses in politics, communications etc.`

Learning gained from experience working in the home: Individuals who have had substantial experience of managing a household and rearing children may have gained learning in the area of budgeting, time management, interpersonal skills etc. This might merit exemptions from learning outcomes in business studies.

Learning gained from previous courses/training: If you have undertaken a class that is relevant to the course you are applying for, regardless of the level, it will be taken into consideration for your application.

What is RPEL?

RPEL stands for Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning which is a scheme run by NCI that can allow you to gain admission to a programme or to gain exemptions from some parts of a programme based on you providing evidence of relevant learning you achieved through your experiences in a workplace or community setting.

Who can apply for RPEL?

Credit for Prior Experiential Learning is intended for mature students who may or may not have had structured formal education but who have learned from their involvement in employment, community activities, home duties, sport etc.

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