Alternative routes into higher education

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APL/APEL)

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL) is a means of recognising the skills, achievements and knowledge that adults have already gained when they enter education and training.

You may already have vocational experience or non-traditional qualifications. We will take this into account when you apply for a course. Applicants who do not have formal entry qualifications, but who have experience in the area to be studied, can be offered places or could be given exemptions from preliminary parts of a course through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

APEL is also relevant for companies and institutions that use continuing professional development to raise the skills of their workforces. Many NVQs allow relevant prior learning such as non-certificated learning programmes to be taken into account, for example for teachers or learning support assistants who are in training. We are interested in students with a range of prior experience and skills.

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