Table 3.1

Table 3.2 

Notes on the Maximum Permitted Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

1. The above maxima are based on the principle that at least one third of the credit required for a Sheffield Hallam University award must be studied at the University as part of a designed and validated programme of study. Unlike the recognition of prior certificated learning, credit gained from a claim for prior experiential learning is assessed and awarded by Sheffield Hallam University. The maxima from RPEL may be waived, exceptionally, in the following circumstances, subject to approval:

(a) a student who gains entry to the final year of a three year honours degree programme with the maximum of 240 credits from prior experiential learning but later chooses, or is required, to exit at the ordinary degree stage of an honours programme (ie. 240 out of 300 credits may be awarded via RPEL). If all other requirements for the award of an ordinary degree have been met, eligible students are recognised as having achieved sufficient level 6 learning outcomes commensurate with the amount of credit required for the award of an ordinary degree.

(b) a student entering a one year honours “top-up” or conversion degree with the maximum of 240 credits from prior experiential learning but who later chooses, or is required, to exit at the ordinary degree stage of the honours top-up programme (ie. exceptionally, an ordinary degree may be awarded after the student has successfully completed 60 level 6 credits at the University). If all other requirements for the award of an ordinary degree have been met, eligible students are recognised as having achieved sufficient level 6 learning outcomes commensurate with the amount of credit required for the award of an ordinary degree.

2. Claims can only be made against whole modules, e.g. an RPEL claim for 20 credits has to be made against a relevant 20 credit module (20 credits is currently the minimum module size for the majority of SHU undergraduate courses; 15 credits for postgraduate courses). It is not possible to claim credit from prior experiential learning for a portion of a SHU module.

3. When applying the above regulations, the credit volume and level requirements of the Academic Awards Framework, as they apply to each award, must also be met.

4. The above maxima may apply to claims involving a combination of prior experiential learning and prior certificated learning, or claims solely involving experiential or certificated learning.