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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning
What is RPL?
RPL is a process that allows you to gain admission to a programme of study or to gain exemptions/credit from some parts of a programme, based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study, or through work or other learning experiences.
RPL recognizes that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences, including formal, non-formal and informal and may reduce the time and cost of study involved in completing a programme of study.
What is Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)?
Recognition of Prior Certified Learning is where a learner has already been awarded certification for a formal programme taken at another institution or training organisation.
What is Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)?
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning involves the awarding of credit for learning from experience, i.e. learning which has not previously been academically accredited. In this case, the learner must prove that the required learning outcomes have been achieved.
What can RPL be used for?
RPL can be used for:
- admission to a programme of study where the standard entry requirements are not met
- advanced entry to a programme of study (i.e. into year 2 or year 3)
- transfer from one programme of study to another within the University
- transfer from an external programme of study to a programme within University of Galway
- the award of exemptions on a programme of study where it is proved that the learning outcomes have already been achieved
University Policy
You can download the University's RPL policy
Applying for RPL
RPL Student Guidebook
The Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development have produced an RPL Student Handbook that you may find useful.
RPL Application Form
You will need to complete an RPL application form when requesting exemptions; please contact your course co-ordinator/administrator to request this form.
For further information in relation to the Recognition of Prior Learning for your programme of choice, please contact your programme coordinator.
For general enquiries in relation to the Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the RPL Project Lead, Suzanne Golden, by email on suzanne.golden@universityofgalway.ie