Learning happens everywhere—through work, volunteering, or involvement in sports and community groups. ATU recognises and values this through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, which allows individuals to use their prior learning for programme access or exemptions from specific modules within the QQI National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Formal Learning: Structured learning delivered by educational providers, leading to awards or credits recognised within the NFQ.
Non-formal Learning: Learning outside formal systems, such as workplace training or community activities, which may be assessed but doesn’t typically result in certification.
Informal Learning: Learning gained through life and work experience, often uncertified.
RPL ensures that prior learning—whether formal, non-formal, or informal—is formally identified, assessed, and recognised within the NFQ. This process reduces duplication of learning, enabling individuals to build on their achievements and be rewarded for their existing knowledge and skills.
This pathway aids you in preparing your application for entry or advanced entry onto an ATU program of study. As part of your application, you are required to meet entry requirements or meet the equivalency through a combination of skills and experience. Applicants will typically provide evidence that they have attained the learning outcomes or specific standards/assessment criteria as well as demonstrating that they are sufficiently prepared for the programme of study. This pathway will assist you in showcasing your experience, knowledge, skills, competencies and learning to date ensuring you submit your best possible application.
Recognition Prior Learning (RPL) Platform Project
As part of the HCI-funded Theme I initiative on Career and Learning Pathways, ATU is developing an application to streamline the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes across various academic and administrative units within the university. This initiative leverages ATU Recruit v3, a custom CRM application built on the Microsoft Dynamics platform and developed in partnership with Intuity, to efficiently manage these processes.
From a technical standpoint, ATU Recruit v3 integrates multiple technologies, including Power Pages, Power Apps, and SharePoint, providing a robust foundation for the RPL platform. Strategically, the decision was made to incorporate RPL functionality directly into the existing Recruit v3 application. This approach eliminates the need to transfer data to another system, maintaining a seamless experience within a single platform.
The RPL functionality utilises a web form built on the existing portal, feeding data directly into the RPL application. It leverages Recruit v3’s existing integration with SharePoint for secure document upload and storage, avoiding the need for a separate SharePoint integration.
This development approach offers several advantages:
Technical Efficiency:
It simplifies the development process by building on an existing platform.
Improved User Experience:
By maintaining consistency and continuity between application functionalities, it ensures easier adoption for users such as Application Approvers and RPL Assessors.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Leveraging existing systems reduces complexity and development overhead.
Overall, this solution aligns with ATU’s strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and improve user experience for RPL processes.
