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21.
Credit transfer can be applied internally, but only to modules that have been passed. In such instances, the
relevant mark will be retained. Students will not be asked to surrender any previously earned degree,
diploma or certificate. In such instances, ‘double counting’ would be acceptable (i.e. a student may receive a
certificate and then ‘count’ the modules taken toward a diploma). Regulations surrounding programme
transfers supersede any credit transfer.
Recognition of Prior Learning
22.
If a student is not eligible for credit transfer, either because the learning is not certificated at the appropriate
FHEQ level or because it was earned outside of a UK institution, he/she may apply for RPL.
23.
Once a student has submitted an initial application for RPL, the DPD should establish what form of
assessment will be appropriate to determine that the appropriate learning outcomes have been met. Where
a student has provided an international transcript of credit earned and/or evidence of learning outcomes
met, it may be appropriate to assess by portfolio (i.e. to make a decision purely based on the evidence
provided by the student, including transcripts, syllabi and/or previous examples of marked work). In other
instances, and especially in the case of experiential learning, it may be appropriate to require a more
stringent form of assessment. See the appendices for more guidance on forms of assessment for RPL.
24.
The DPD must ensure that assessment for RPL (including by portfolio) follows normal assessment protocol,
including receipt of submission, security of assessment, moderation, return of feedback, and retention.
25.
RPL must be granted only on the basis of positive experiential learning and/or international credits earned
(i.e. an experience in which the student successfully achieved his/her stated aims). The prior learning must
be at the appropriate level.
26.
Students who receive RPL will receive no credit for the relevant module(s) but will be exempt from taking
them within the degree programme regulations, with no requirement to choose alternative modules to
make up the credit. In cases where RPL has been approved, the final degree classification shall be
determined only on the basis of the modules taken as part of the relevant programme studied at Newcastle.
The Board of Examiners must ensure that the decision regarding classification is made in accordance with
the weighting specified in the degree programme regulations; if a student has exemption for some modules
that would otherwise be factored into classification, then the Board must calculate an average mark on the
reduced number of modules, together with the specified weighting.
27.
Applying for RPL may not always be to a student’s advantage, as it will result in taking fewer modules that
would count proportionately more toward the final degree classification. Students in some programmes may
also need to take care that they are fulfilling the necessary QCF profile for a degree at that level (i.e. that
they have taken the requisite number of modules at or above each level).
28.
Students who successfully apply for RPL may gain permission to study modules outside of the degree
programme regulations or additional optional modules, with DPD approval, up to a full credit load. Any such
additional modules would be assessed normally and factored into the student’s final degree classification.
29.
Students who receive RPL will not be asked to surrender any previous qualification awarded by this or
another institution against which credit is being given.
Maximum Permitted RPL and Credit Transfer
30.
The maximum number of credits for which credit transfer and/or RPL can be applied is one third (i.e. 120
credits) of a 3-year undergraduate degree, one half (i.e. 240 credits) of a 4-year Integrated Masters degree,
and three-fifths of a 5-year degree. Undergraduate students are therefore expected to spend two full-time
years at Newcastle University. Any exemptions to this rule of maximum credit must be approved by the
relevant Chair of FLTSEC.