Not all courses or programmes are suitable for RPL. Sometimes this is due to professional body accreditation where only formal certified learning can be considered, sometimes it can be the nature of the discipline itself and specific focus of the course or programme.

When reviewing the 'Admissions Requirements' of a course or programme, please consider if you meet the 'Standard Entry' requirements, and if alternative entry routes are permitted.  This may not be stated within the Admissions Requirements, but if you feel you have prior learning to be considered, you can include this when making your application to the School. If you are unsure if RPL is possible, you can always engage with the course contact through the details presented in the 'Get in Touch' section of the course or programme page. 

You should reflect on your prior learning (e.g. in relation to a programme’s entry requirements or the learning outcomes of a module) prior to making an application to a course or programme. Reflect on your prior learning and experience and consider how relevant this is with a view to making your application with RPL.  RPL spans three domains of prior learning, which are:

• Formal learning takes place through programmes or courses of study that are delivered in an organised, formal way by education providers and that attract awards or credits. Formal learning is sometimes referred to as certified or accredited learning.
• Informal Learning takes place through life and work experience. Typically, it does not lead to certification.
• Non-Formal Learning takes place alongside or outside the mainstream systems of education and training. It may be assessed, but does not normally lead to formal certification. Examples of non-formal learning are planned learning and training activities undertaken in the workplace, voluntary sector, or in community-based settings.

For each of these domains of learning, look back on your curriculum vitae and experience and consider how and where you can obtain evidence of achievement to present when making your application.  

Upon undertaking the reflective process outlined in 'Stage 2', you should now gather relevant materials to substantiate your application. When you have gathered relevant documentation and information relating to your prior learning, you will have an opportunity during the normal course or programme application process to present this information.  For professional experience, sometimes referred to as 'experiential learning', try to describe these experiences as succinctly and as efficiently as possible, and while doing so, remember to also include your position / role. Remember, when applying for your course or programme of choice, consider the Admissions Requirements displayed on the course page, ensure you submit the most relevant prior learning experiences suitable for consideration.  Here are some examples:

• Database Administrator in Company X for x Years: Managed, maintained and optimised organisational databases, ensuring data accuracy, security, availability and reliable system performance. Monitored database activity, completed backups and recovery procedures, resolved technical issues, and supported users with data access and reporting requirements.
• Senior Accountant in Company X for X Years: Managed financial records, prepared monthly and annual accounts, completed bank reconciliations, monitored budgets, processed financial transactions, and ensured accurate reporting and compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Sales Assistant in Company X for X Years: Assisted customers with product enquiries and purchases, processed sales and payments accurately, replenished stock, maintained attractive displays, and delivered a friendly and efficient service.

Tools and Resources:  As part of the application process, you may wish to update/revise your Curriculum Vitae. Within our RPL Tools section we have included a link to a CV builder. In addition, we also present an Applicant Evidence Form which prompts you consider evidence against a number of focused prior learning evidence areas. These are not mandatory activities, but you find them helpful when building your RPL case. Please visit the 'RPL Tools' section here: RPL Tools

If you need assistance during this stage of the RPL process Trinity has a dedicated RPL Programme Officer who can provide advice and guidance with your application.  Please email rpl@tcd.ie with your query, and please be as detailed as possible, including the inclusion of any documentation you may have.

When you submit your course or programme application, a School Assessor will carry out a review of the complete application, including the RPL elements you have included.  In assessing evidence of prior formal, non-formal and informal learning, the following criteria will be considered:

• Relevance - The evidence will be relevant to the course of study and correspond to the learning outcomes of the module(s) and to the broader programme-level outcomes.
• Level - The learning will be at the required level, i.e., it will map to the appropriate NFQ level descriptors.
• Sufficiency - The evidence in support of RPL will support the claim that the learning outcomes have been achieved.
• Reliability - The evidence of prior learning will be reliable, and it will be possible to verify that it is the learning of the applicant.
• Validity - The prior learning will match the required learning outcomes and will be demonstrated by valid mechanisms. These may include, but are not limited to, assessment procedures.
• Currency - The achieved prior learning will fit with current knowledge and practice.

The School Assessor will either:

1. Recommend your application to Admissions for further processing. This means the School Assessor is satisfied that your application is appropriate for further consideration.
2. Seek further clarification:  The School Assessor will contact you directly by email to query aspects of your application to assist in making a decision.
3. Reject application:  The School Assessor is not satisfied that the application can be considered any further.

If your application is successful, you will receive formal recognition or certification, which will lead to one or more of the following outcomes:

1. Entry to a course or programme of study
2. Credit exemption from some programme modules
3. Advanced entry to a programme