Accreditation of prior learning (credit transfer)
What is accreditation of prior learning (APL)?
If you’ve recently studied a syllabus as part of a previous qualification, this may mean that you’re not required to take a particular unit/subject of your University of London International Programme degree, if we believe that the subject has been covered in the same breadth and depth. This is called accreditation of prior learning or APL. It is also sometimes known as ‘credit transfer.’
Accreditation of prior learning counts toward the total number of units/subjects you have to take to complete your degree. For example, if you’re credited from one unit/subject you only have to take 11 more to complete your degree (as opposed to the standard 12 units/subjects).
We offer two types of accreditation of prior learning:
Automatic accreditation of prior learning (APL)
There are certain qualifications which we accredit automatically. For details of automatic accreditation of prior learning please download the following:
- BSc degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences (EMFSS) developed by LSE
- LLB
- BSc in Computing and Information Systems; Creative Computing
- BSc Business Adminstration:
- You need to apply for your previous qualification to be considered for accreditation when you apply for your course, but you do not need to pay anything extra for this.
- We’ll only be able to consider your application for accreditation of prior learning once we’ve received the necessary documentary evidence.
Discretionary accreditation of prior learning (APL)
1. You may also apply for other courses you have studied to be given accreditation of prior learning on an individual - i.e. discretionary basis. You need to include this in your course application.
2. If we are not able to offer you APL, we will send you a letter letting you know that your request was unsuccessful.
What prior learning is likely to be eligible for accreditation?
Your previous study may be eligible to be accredited if:
1. You have passed exams which compare in level, content and standard to the exams for the units from which you want to be exempted.
2. You’ve passed the whole of the qualification(s) on which your application for accreditation of prior learning is based, usually within the previous five years, or three years for undergraduate law.